does the voltage regulator just plug into the alternator?

[dlwilson]

I'm putting a 1973 Type 4 1.7L into a 1977 bus. There is nothing resembling a voltage regulator in the bus, which is not surprising because the wiring is really hacked up. I've read a bunch, and I think I have a 55A alternator. The alternator has a big power cable, and a connector with D- D+ and DF. Is it as simple as plugging that connector into a voltage regulator like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C7YK4I? I'm guessing the voltage regulator needs to be grounded by its mounting screws?

And then the power cable goes to the starter? When I find the wire for the dashboard alternator light, where on the voltage regulator does that go?

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1977 Bus, with 1973 1.7L engine (rebuild complete, install underway)

[airschooled]

55-amp, yes; make sure the cooling boot is good. New ones fit, but the included hose clamps require massaging to fit…

Connectors plug right in, yes. You can remove terminals with a tiny pick/jewler's screwdriver to clean them, or buy a new harness if yours is burnt.

Obligatory T4 alternator warning:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=615013

Your screws look fine, perhaps replace the big red wire boot. That regulator should work. Got a local VW shop you can support? No idea on the ground.

Big red wire to starter lug, yes. Stack the wire terminals thickest (battery) first, and work down to the thinnest wires. The wire from the charging light is blue, and is usually run on the right side along with a similar black wire (diagnostic, ignore.) I think both had a single-terminal (T1) connector originally.

Good luck,
Robbie
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[Wildthings]

The blue wire is connected to the small D+ red wire from the alternator at the plug for the regulator.

[airschooled]

[dlwilson]

Excellent, thanks for the info.

Yes, I have a new cooling boot. And I did clean up everything after I took the pictures, since the alternator was filthy. For the front alternator seal I have a partly melted one, so I'll try to fab one from a plastic bottle. I have the new oval plastic plate that goes on the front alternator tin. There is no gasket under the rear cooling tin, and I didn't event know there was supposed to be one until I looked at the page you linked. I'll see if I can find someone selling them. I think my terminals are short enough, but will double-check.

I wish I had a local VW shop -- is there one near West Palm Beach, FL that I'm not aware of?
_________________
1977 Bus, with 1973 1.7L engine (rebuild complete, install underway)

[Wildthings]

You only need the gasket under the rear alternator tin if you have a new diode plate with the longer studs, still better to cut of the studs than add the gasket as a 1/32" thick gasket doesn't give you much clearance. Yours with the original diode plate with the short studs is just fine without the gasket.