Here is an update on my alternator issue...the Valeo was beyond repair; rectifier and diodes all fried. The repair shop ordered a new alt and it arrived this past Monday. We have had rain on and off since then but this evening it was dry enough to install the new alt.

It is a Bosch and I thought that I was going to have potentially use a dremel to modify the back. But with one small mod, used the nut on B2 post to raise the contact point on the B1 post so that the odd shaped battery cable connector would have a solid contact. After starting the two mounting bolts I tried to attach the battery cable but could not turn it enough to get to slip on the post. I removed the bottom mounting bolt and with the alt pushed to the wheel well the cable went in to place. Once the cable was connected it was easy enough to get the bottom bolt threaded. Connected the small single wire harness and reinstalled the drive belt. Started up and producing 14.2 volts at idle. All is good again!

Thanks to all for your help!