I just bought myself a used 76 vandura funcraft at the start of summer. Threw in a new alternator but still my lights flicker and dim with any change in acceleration. also I cant run my blinkers and headlights at the same time without one or the other shutting off. im trying to do most of the work myself so im really avoiding taking it to the shop but im running out of options!

 

1. New alternators have a built in voltage regulator. The older ones have an external voltage regulator. Locate and replace the voltage regulator. And since I dont know what was the AMP rating of the alternator you put in, I d just assume it was normal. You might have put the wrong alternator in, like a 50-65 Amp alt when it needs 75-100 Amp Alternator. I dont know what were the specs on a 1976 Conversion van. These days the base alternator is 100 Amps.

2. Headlight switch shorted to ground. Or Bad ground at headlamp set up in front. Most likely bad switch, its a 30 year old car. Replace headlight switch.