Solid state regulator conversion confusion!

Is there supposed to be an insulating washer under both of the screws on the field wires on the old alternator? The new one has them on both. .

YES. All isolated/ dual terminal alternators WHEN NEW are supposed to be isolated from ground. That is why they are called "isolated field."

The PROBLEM is that some rebuilders and some owners remove the insulators to convert them back to "early" alternators. This is find IF THE WIRE TERMINAL is removed so you cannot hook a wire onto the grounded terminal. If you accidently hook the green VR wire to the grounded terminal, you will ruin the VR.

If you can find hardware (brush set) to fit the one you have, it will work fine with a new style regulator.