Recieved the voltage regulator, and it's the latest correct one (with fins). Total cost (including sales tax) is $48.17.
I checked for shorted rotor windings, all OK, and I assembled and installed the alternator. Cranked it up, and all dash gauges and warning lights and status indicators are normal. YeeeHaaaw!
What I will never forget is all the weird things/symptoms that I was getting with the dash gauges and system-status lights,....all because it was charging too high. What's interesting is that about 3 years ago I got VERY similar symptoms (except the voltmeter needle was moving back and forth, almost full scale). That time, the cause was one broken alternator brush. So, in the future, if I see the same symptoms, I will simply first remove the alternator and bench test it.
I want to thank everyone on this forum for all the help. And, I want to wish MexWanderer the best of luck, and speedy a recovery.
