The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay engine runs, then quit while idling, now will only run with starter engaged

Ok, so my long dormant 61 apache is running, and idling just great....gets up to running temp, and warm enough to switch off the choke and let her run.
Up until now, I would get in the truck, flip the ignition toggle switch (previous owner replaced key switch with a toggle switch and a push button start switch). The generator light would work and stay on (thought it was a bad generator), the heater would work, the temp gauge would work as did the temp gauge. Push the start button , and she'd kick right over.
Now, I was running the engine today getting it up to running temp (I was installing an oil pressure gauge), and the engine cut out and died, just out of the blue. I got in the cab to restart and No generator light, no temp gauge reading, no fuel gauge reading, no heater fan..Nothing....Now, if I get under the hood, and put a screwdriver across the starter solenoid (attached to starter), the engine will run while it is cranking, but as soon as I let go of the screwdriver starting position (not bridged across the contacts), it dies. Dash shows no activity...etc etc.
So, the engine will run, but only when the starter is engaged...and dash gauges/no worky!
So, is this a voltage regulator? the fuses all look good....and the voltage regulator looks kinda rusty and horrible...

so what say the electrical gurus?
thanks
Kevin