How can I swap these alternators?

Question:

I am working on a 1971 Chevelle Malibu and the car’s original factory alternator had an external voltage regulator. I would like to swap out the present factory alternator with an internal voltage regulated alternator. I have a new wire harness with a proper plug for the internal voltage regulated alternator. Can you tell what I need to do in order to make the switch?

Answer:

With a correctly configured engine compartment wiring harness you have done what you need to do in order to make the internally regulated alternator function. The factory-style alternator with an internal regulator has three connections; the battery stud that feeds current produced to the battery in order to charge it, the wire going to the battery to monitor its state of charge, and the wire that goes to the warning light on the dash.