Is it possible to easily remove the voltage regulator from the alternator and keep the alternator guts in tact. Or if I remove the voltage regulator will the alternator explode in a fury of clips and blades etc.

Here's my delimma: I've got one polished alternator with a bad voltage regulator (every time I rev the engine I get 16 volts from the engine). I have an unpolished alternator with a good regulator. I"m trying to figure out if i'd be easier/cheaper to polish the 2nd alternator and just install it or if I should remove the polished alternator and try and replace the voltage regulator then put it back on.

Thanks much!