1964 Valiant

Looks like a lot of heat around the output terminal and the heat sink for the positive rectifier is out of place, but no heat damage there.
That's a rebuilt isolated field alternator. Your car started life with a grounded field alternator. The photo in post shows a voltage regulator for a grounded field alternator.

1964Val said

I know nothing about wiring…the ground screw was apparently over tightened

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Not sure what you are refering to. I can't think of any 'ground screws' however there are a number screws that help with grounding.

1964Val said

Lastly, a new alternator, which I feel may have been the cause (though perhaps result of something else)

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So I'm willing to help, but if you're fine with trusting some one to rewire and not really interested in learning more, that's fine too. I'll leave it to you to ask questions, or not.