63, voltage regulator, date

[Jeff A.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

I have 4 of these 512's - did not get them off Corvettes.
They must have been used on something else besides Corvettes also?

[David L.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

Jeff,

My 1964 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (effective Oct. 1963) lists GM # 1119512 for 1963 Corvettes and all 1963 Chevrolet models.
GM # 1119515 is listed for 1964 Corvettes and all 1964 Chevrolet models.

GM # 1119512 is listed in my Chevrolet "Dealer Parts and Accessories Price Schedule and catalog Numerical Index" (May 1963) for $12.95.
GM # 1119515 is NOT listed in the book so you could not buy a 1119515 voltage regulator from a Chevrolet dealer in May 1963.

I believe your "515" voltage regulator stamped "3C" is dated March 1973.

I have a used "515" voltage regulators in very good condition stamped "2J" (Sept. 1972).

I also once owned a NOS "515" voltage regulator stamped "5J" (Sept. 1975) which came in a thin cardboard Delco Remy box dated "75" on the bottom flap (1975, I assume). This NOS regulator would be IDENTICAL to a "515" made in Sept. 1965 unless there were internal changes. A NOS "515" regulator dated Sept. 1965 ("5J") would be sold in a "string" box.

I also have used "515" voltage regulators dated "4M" (Dec. 1964) and "5C" (March 1965) which I took off 1965 Chevrolets.

Dave

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

I would like to add to the discussion because I have the engine and related parts, starter, alternator regulator off a 63 Impala SS with 300hp Flint engine. The regulator is 512 and all other parts the same as Corvette.

[Jack H.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

NO. ALL other Chevy passenger car AIM books call out the '515 voltage regulator from the git-go without revision history running change during the model year.

Ah, the above statement has to be qualified to those passenger cars where a Delcotron alternator was used...

[Jack H.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

You can be my guest and go research/look for that 'other' GM vehicle that continued to use the '512 regulator during the '63 model year build...

The research I've done came up dry. BUT, I didn't go survey what was called for by GM Canada for the vehicles they built there...

[Jack H.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

Again, be careful using P&A catalog data to research what was correct/original to a given factory built car. The production line had a LARGE and constant volume to feed. The service guys cared about what would fit & function with their primary focus on inventory turn optimization.

The 515 and 512 WILL functionally interchange with each other. The difference is whether or not there's a hole on the mounting plate for the attachment of the optional radio RF capacitor bracket or not...

[Jack H.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

Actually, four out of thirty is a MUCH higher 'hit rate' than what I've experienced in +20 years of walking the scrap yards, Jeff. Now, the '512 isn't as rare as the 1962 '2E regulator, but it's up there in terms of elusiveness!

[Jeff A.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

Just pulled this 515 3C regulator off an unmolested crash car yesterday.
Was crashed in the 60's a 1963 Buick convertible.
regulator is 1963 - - I am 100% positive it is not a 1973. 100%

the 4 out of 30 is just the 3's -
that is because I did not take regulators from 1973 cars

The 512 must have been used on other models - because another thing I am 100% sure of - I never saw a 1963 Corvette in any of the junk yards.

[David L.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

The 515 regulator may or may not been original equipment on a 1963 Buick. A 1963 Buick parts catalog or even a 1963 Hollander would be helpful at this point.
Based on my 1963 Chevrolet parts catalog and 1963 Chevrolet price schedule the 515 regulator did NOT exist in the Chevrolet world.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

From General Motors engineering;

The new regulator released for all 1964 models with 5.5" versions (except the special 60 amp) will be a 1119515 two unit, double contact regulator. This unit will be like the 1963 regulator in appearance but will feature internal revisions for increased durability and voltage stabilization. In addition, new gold alloy contact points will permit the use of higher rotor current draw with no decrease in point life.

This goes along with the other changes made for the new 64 models. Almost everything in the electrical system for 64 was new, including new higher candlepower headlamps and almost all other lamps in the system.
Along with this, and because of this, all new wiring harnesses with higher current load capacity are used.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

Jack,

The Impala I am refering to was a late 1962 build FWIW. The 512 now rests on my 63 coupe, works perfect.

[Jeff A.]

Re: 63, voltage regulator, date

Just got back from a junk yard trip. I paid close attention to the 1963 voltage Regulators. I collected quite a few of the 512's but all are dated 3A 3B 3C 3D.
After that every 1963 car had a 515 installed. These cars were all untouched, and junked in the 60's and 70's many still wearing 60's license plates.