Electrical problem - please help

[venom42]

I just rebuilt the engine a little over a month ago. Charging system was fine before the build. It ran fine for a few weeks, and then the alternator died. I replaced it with a crappy one from autozone (all I could get at 10pm). It did great for a week. The AMP gauge was showing about 50 amps, the car was running strong, etc. Then it would only read about 10-20 amps, and sometimes would not charge at all. I then replaced the voltage regulator. The car ran fine, but with the lights on, the alternator was only putting out about 13 volts, so I got another (better - BeckArnley) alternator and bolted it on. After I started the car, I noticed the AMP gauge only reading about 10-20 amps again, so I headed into the garage to get my meter to test it. When I leaned into the engine bay I smelled something burning (electrical smell) and the new (1 day old) regulator had a small amount of smoke coming off it. I immediately shut it down, put up my tools, and came inside for a beer. I need any help I can get. Did I get a crap regulator? I have checked, and re-checked all of my connections (battery, etc.).

[kenz240z]

Hmm, not sure what is going on there. I'd suggest getting the proper wiring diagram for a '75 and checking for shorts or opens with a good DVM. Have you had any of the altnernators tested at an autoparts store? Was the old voltage regulator burned out?

"Driving down highway 40 in my beat up pickup truck!" - Brak. At least I think that's how it goes...

Oh, and "I like beans!" - Brak

[venom42]

The old one died after I replaced the alternator. My high beams quit working at the same time this started. Not sure if that is related, but thought I would mention it. It has also been idling at about 2000 rpm since the problems started.