Update. Tested alternator. With the green field wire unhooked and that field terminal on the alternator grounded just off idle the volts started climbing quickly to 14..15... so alternator does charge. Looks like VR.
Make CERTAIN VR is grounded, and that connector is "tight." "Work" it in/ out several times to scrub terminals and "feel" for tightness. Sounds like you are on right track
