Look-alike To O E M ( Motorola ) Voltage Regulator

Awhile back, I picked up an NOS Motorola R2K1 Voltage Regulator still in its original Jeep box. Recently, I came across a Borg-Warner R-289 voltage regulator, and realized that it is virtually identical to the Motorola, both electronically and in terms of its cast metal housing. NOS Borg-Warner R-289s, as well as other brands' identical regulators, show up on eBay and other sources occasionally, and are evidently less rare (and a lot less expensive) than NOS Motorola regulators.

The only notable visual difference between them is that the Borg-Warner regulator lacks the top-mounted aluminum Motorola data plate. Here's a shot comparing the two:



It occurred to me that a good image of the Motorola data plate, if it were printed on glossy paper and mounted on the Borg-Warner regulator, would in effect create a look-alike to the OEM voltage regulator. Here's my first attempt at doing so, which was fairly successful (the paper has not yet been glued to the housing):



If I'd used a higher-quality color laser printer, and possibly heavier weight, glossier paper - like those that could be found at a professional reprographics shop - the results would almost certainly be even better.

In case anyone else wants to track down one of these identical regulators and give this a try, here's a high-res image of the NOS Motorola R2K1 data plate. This image needs to be printed at 2.375" x 1.5" (and cut out using a straightedge and a razor knife) in order to fit properly on the regulator. When reducing the image to this smaller size, I would recommend simultaneously increasing its density from 72 dpi to 600 dpi.

 

I believe the 1960's Rambler Americans also used the Motorola R2k1 regulators. I robbed them for my Tux back in high school back in the 1970s. This might help widen the search.
-Donny

 

For purposes of comparison, here's an NOS OEM Motorola voltage regulator listed for £125.00 ($170.00 USD), plus shipping from the UK:

Willys Jeep Voltage Regulator CJ3B/5/6 945228 | eBay

....and here are some identical NOS regulators - except for the Motorola data plate - for $34.00 including shipping from PA (still available at time of posting):

1961- 69 Jeep electronic voltage regulator | eBay