Voltage Regulator on VS Speedster

If you have an alternator, the regulator is built inside the unit (like most have). A generator would have an external voltage regulator in the engine compartment.

I'm not sure how to test for voltage regulator failure when it is built into the alternator...

There are early Motorola/Bosch alternators with external regulators but most of the new ones have internal ones.  The internal ones can be replaced.  Alternator should have a model number on it that you can use to look up parts. Probably a $30 part.  

I've yet to see a VS with an external regulator , all have a one wire (B+) alternator and a terminal 61 wire exciter.                                                                                                          You can test the alternator yourself: Key off,  with a volt meter one lead goes to B+ and the other to a ground meter should should read 12v.  Start car test again you should have about 13.8 volts. If not you'll need to  replace the  alternator.

Alan Merklin posted:

...Start car test again you should have about 13.8 volts... 

 Good advice, but I think he said the car won't start.

So, if the regulator is bad, maybe it's shorting B+ to ground? If the battery's good, car should start with B+ wire disconnected, no? Maybe pulling the wire off the alternator and attempting a start is the next move?

%^$!  I didn't read that ~ Assume he means it won't crank...check battery, starter and ignition switch connections.

Push start, Jump start or charge up battery with a battery charger - then test.  Find out what alternator you have - AL82 is a common one.

Bosch Voltage Regulator. 12 Volt alternators.
For 50,55,75,85 amp AL82 Style Alternators.

VW Beetle and VW Super Beetle 71-79
VW Bus 1971
VW Karmann Ghia 71-74
VW Thing 73-74

$21.95

The alternator was already tested and the regulator reads bad.

Buy a new regulator and replace it or buy a new alternator. It's an electronic part. There's usually no warning when they go bad. As Greg said it is most likely an AL82.

Thanks for all the support and info from everyone. It appears my alternator crapped out so contacted Jeff at GemVW and he is sending a new one for me to install.