Classic/Antique Car Repair: voltage regulator for 68 cadillac deville, system diagnosis, cadillac deville

Question
Dick,
    I am new to alot of this so exscuse my ignorance.  The battery on my '68 caddillac deville runs out of power after a few days of driving it.  It will start fine for the first dew days, but then it will need a jump, and then I will eventually have to recharge the battery.  Usually after a jumpstart the car will run but the lights won't turn on and the power windows will go up and down very slowly.  When I asked a friend he said, "oh, sounds like the voltage regulator".  Question one: could this be the problem?  Question two: If it is, then how do I check this out?  

Answer
Your friend may be right, but there are many other possiblities also.  My advice is to take it to an auto parts store that offers free charging system diagnosis.  Most stores will do this - I don't know where you live, so I cannot recommend a particular store, but where I live, both Kragen and Auto-zone offer this service.

I assume you have looked at the belts that drive your alternator and they are OK.  

My guess would be that your alternator is not charging the battery, but it takes experience and the proper instruments to diagnose such a problem.   Be alert for the store employee telling you that more than one thing has failed.  While it is of course possible, the most likely thing is that only one item has failed.  If they tell you that you need a battery, a starter, an alternator and a voltage regulator - run!  Find an honest store or mechanic to check it out.

You have an excellent old car - comfortable, powerful, luxurious, and very durable - take good care of it and you will enjoy it for many years.

Dick