I just replaced the voltage regulator on my '79 and now the tach is working and dash lights are off. However the car will not idle without the choke pulled out. I took it for a drive and noticed that the water never came up to temp so I think it is the thermostat causing the lack of idle. I bought a new one, but I can't get the one bolt out of the thermostat housing. Any ideas?

 

Did you break/knock off the wire for the water temp sensor on the back of the water pump housing when fiddling with the alternator?

 

I have not touched the alternator, but I will check and make sure that wire is connected.

Also I just recently purchased this car with only 75k miles on it, and it was not quite running properly when I got it.

 

The coolant temp seems to be connected properly. It is kinda hard to get to however.