So I sanded the points a bit and bent the tab so that when it's energized, the circuit closes. The non-springloaded one had pitting on the points and the tab was bent in a way that even when the solenoid was energized with a known +12v, the points weren't close enough to close. I'm anxious to learn what the theory is behind which one does what, if y'all could teach me. Once I get those all hooked up right, can we turn to the VR? I popped off the top, and there are two solenoids - one is springloaded and the other isn't. So does the Black-Red need to hook up to the GRD post? Can y'all correct me if I'm all messed up? From cruising the VTCI site, it looks like the small beige-brown or white-silver wire that terminates in a female connector up at the VR should be hooked up to the STA post (I think Bob C said this in a post?). Looks like Black-Yellow whould go from BAT post on alternator to starter solenoid.

White one should be the Field, going from FLD post on alternator to F terminal on VR.

A big Black-Red, a big Black-Yellow, a small white, and a small one that looks to be Beige-Brown (or maybe White-Silver?). Unfortunately, Jim Osborn's schematics are pretty unclear to me as far as which terminal gets what wire. How's it going guys! Got a question for y'all about wiring up my brand new alternator in my '65.

1965 ford thunderbird wiring