The Ford Capri Laser Page

Nah, as long as the spring contacts are fitting well in the circuit, that`s all that matters.

That whole residual magnetism thing is a bit of an eye opener ,makes good sense the way you say it stevemarl, sure would be an explanation for the symptoms here. Ive never thought about it before now.

Good morning, quick update. The issue has been resolved. The alternator was wired to the heated windscreen live instead of to the PCB. Once found and wired correctly (with help from another Q&A), I now get the 14v required at start and at idle. I have also fitted a decent second hand PCB. Just internal lights to solve now!
Thanks for the pointers.
Owen

To be fair, you`ve gone in there and sorted out a load of really shit stuff - you`ve done very, very well indeed!
I`d have probably given up and either bought a new loom or torched it