[DeTomaso] Ammeter and voltage regulator question

[Daniel C Jones]

When I purchased my white Pantera, it had a voltage regulator that
appeared to be new.  It has a tall cover which I assume means it was the
mechanical type.  The car also has the stock alternator and dual points
distributor.  A few weeks ago, the charging indicator light started
staying on after I started the car.  A few blips of the throttle and it
would eventually go out.  Last week, it did not go out so I replaced the
voltage regulator with a new electronic version.  That turned off the
light.  This morning it took a few blips of the throttle to get the light
to go out again.  As I was driving to work, I noticed the ammeter needle
was rock solid at zero but the charging indicator light was not lit.  If
I'd turn on the fans on the ammeter needle would swing momentarily,
then return to zero.  I need to put the multimeter on it to see what the
voltage output is doing but has anyone seen behavior like that before?
Perhaps due to a loose connection at the light or ammeter?  With the
mechanical regulator, the ammeter needle use to dance around.  I assume
the electronic regulator has quieted it down but I expected to see the
needle indicating a slight charge, not sitting on zero.

Dan Jones