Date code for 67 voltage regulator

[jack katz]

I Have a 67 coupe that's in pretty good shape - everything seems to be properly dated in relationship to the serial number, except the voltage regulator appears to be just a plain old replacement - it's not even a Delco-Remy. So, I'm looking to get a date coded VR. Several questions -

1. Since this is part of the electrical system should the date be the same as is on the alternator? (which is properly coded as a December 66 alternator - correct for my serial number). Or, just follow the general rules - if its within a reasonable period before my production date it's O.K.???

2. I got a lead on a guy down in Georgia who sells date coded VRs. However, when I called him, he said that the 67 VRs are in high demand, and he doesn't have any right now....could be months before he gets any. Do any of you have recommendations for sources I can contact to find a VR for my coupe?

Thanks much.

[Joe L.]

Re: Date code for 67 voltage regulator

Jack-----

The NCRS "6 month rule" applies. As long as it's within 6 months prior to the car's build date, you're ok. Also, there is absolutely no reason to believe that the date code of the voltage regulator would have matched or closely matched the alternator. Likely, they would have been close, but not necessarily.

The fellow in Georgia that you're likley talking about is John Pirkle. John Pirkle restores and supplies electrical components for Corvettes. He is one of the best sources out there.

The 1967 Corvette voltage regulator was not unique to 1967 Corvettes or, even, Corvettes. The GM #1119515 regulator was used on all manner of Chevrolets (and most other GM cars) during the 63-69 period. It was also available in SERVICE for MANY years afterwards, although its configuration changed slightly over the years. So, there should be absolutely no shortage of '515' voltage regulators. What there may be, though, is a shortage of those properly date-coded for your car. You should have no trouble obtaining a PROPERLY CONGIGURED '515' regulator; obtaining one that is also properly date-coded is another matter.

One possibility: find a self-service type salvage yard in your area and go looking for a 1967 model year GM car. If it still has its original voltage regulator, there's a good chance it will be the right one for your car. There's a lesser, but still good, chance that it will be properly date coded for your car, too. It may take a bit of scrounging at several such yards but I think you'll be able to come up with one. They are NOT rare, by any means.

[jack katz]

Thanks Joe; appreciate the info!! *NM*

[Mike M.]

Re: Date code for 67 voltage regulator

Jack; agree with joe's post. when i go junk-yarding, the corvairs get my attention as they have the 515 regulator and they are located in the engine compartment and usually get a regular oil bath from the pancake corvair engines, hence their cad-plated main frames are usually well preserved and require no more than a varsol bath to be ready for corvette installations. god luck in the junk yards. mike

[Dick W.]

Re: Date code for 67 voltage regulator

If you want to take the easy route and not do the junkyard thingie, John Pirkle should have what you need. (706) 860-9047 or http://www.johnpirkle.com/ First class restored electrical parts.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Date code for 67 voltage regulator

Joe Ihave been yard hunting this week and finding early cars and owners willing to let you seach their yard is not easy in my area. Lots of chrushing is happening every day. I found one 515 in two days. Lyle

[jack katz]

Pirkle vs Chicago Corvette, etc?

When I called Pirkle last week, he said he didn't know when he'd get a VR that would meet my date code requirements.

Chicago Corvete said they could have one for me in 3 - 4 weeks. What gives? I'm I just as well off by getting one through CC or another vendor that offers a date coded VR? Where is C C (or any of the other possible sources) getting there VR's from that they can order one up for me, but with Pirkle I have to wait??

[Michael S.]

Re: Pirkle vs Chicago Corvette, etc?

John gets his cores from his personal trips to salvage yards and rebuilders. I have been with him before to several rebuilders in Nashville looking for cores. If he does not have your date, he does'nt and will have to find it in this manner. As you are aware, the old stuff in the junkyard ain't as prevelent as it used to be!

Where do the other guys get their cores for rebuilding? Other vendors, junkyards, rebuilders, restamps, who knows? It does make one wonder when one of the most well known and respected people who specializes only in electrical parts (Pirkle) does not have the part and can't get it immediately. Yet another full service Corvette parts dealer (who sells every new/old/repo part available) can have one in 3 weeks. Maybe he has better connections for electrical parts than Pirkle. No pun intended!

You make the call or decision. I have done business with Pirkle many times and have always been satisfied. I have not done business with Chicago Corvette so I have no opinion positive or negative concerning their parts or service.

This is just one persons observation.

Mike Strinich
#11202

[Jack Katz]

Thanks Mike - appreciate the "insight" *NM*