Alternator and voltage regulator

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I had to replace the alternator on my '63 Colony Park. After getting it back together, I was doing a voltage check and noticed under higher RPMs the voltage kept climbing up to 17V. I messed around with the voltage regulator and couldn't get the voltage down. I unplugged the plug to the voltage regulator and the battery was still getting the voltage from the alternator.
Should this be possible?
I'm thinking the regulator is not working, but the fact the battery still gets voltage from the alternator with the regulator out of the circuit makes me wonder what the heck is going on with the wiring. I don't see anything wrong with the regulator, it's a mechanical one, but when it is plugged up and didn't hear/see the relays operating either. Going to try one from NAPA that should be a drop in replacement and electronic but thought I'd see if anyone had any thoughts.

Thanks,

Dan

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Looking at a schematic, I do see the alternator does have a direct connection to the battery so that would explain the voltage while unplugged.

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I hate automotive wiring. Bought a new electronic voltage regulator put it in fired up car and the damn voltage is still doing up to 16V.  Found a section of wiring that was drawing too much current(it gets quite hot). Unwrapped the dried electrical tape to see lots of exposed wire. Looking at 2 different schematics, there should be 4 wires coming off the alternator. Of course that's not the case. Cut the wire and determine it is the feed to the battery from alternator.The routing of this wire goes from alternator(left side of engine) to voltage regulator(right side), back to firewall, across firewall back to the left, then forward to battery. I'm sure there is some reason for this and not to just run it the 12 inches up to the battery from alternator.
I'll splice a new section of wire in to replace the bad section, and hope that gets the voltage actually being regulated.
I hate automotive wiring.