Overcharging 68Dart...need some short fused help (pun intended:)

capnswanny said
I'm still running a point distributor

Points have worked fine for 100 years.

capnswanny said
and the VR stops smoking after the first two minutes, low or high RPM...not sure why it's smoking though. I suspect excess current, but not sure what would cause that

The only thing that would cause excess current draw through the VR is a shorted field windings in the alternator, a short in the field wire from the VR to the alternator, or an electrical, short behind the VR ir st it's terminals.

capnswanny said
Electronic ignition is in the future plans, but I'm just trying to make this system work for now

Not needed, points work fine, are simple and easily repaired.

Regarding changing to a square back alternator and a 2 field wire electronic VR, again not needed,

I know you spent a bunch on a super dooper aluminum rad and electric fan but if you go back to a copper brass and mechanical fan 1/2 of your issues will be gone.