head down to ashdown ingrams. its just behind rengency off kanteena ave off south rd regency park. i think the street is called pambula st. or just head down to repco or some where similar.

well when i say like a flasher relay i mean it ticks every say 5-6 seconds when just above idle(1000-1100rpm). where would be the best palce to buy a new VR if this is the way i need to go

Disclaimer-if you are unfamiliar/uncomfortable with working with electricity, then I strongly advise you hire a professional as Graemes50 advised below.

aidaniel
Datsun apparently shifted to transistorized external VR

The VR is not solid state but a pair of relays.
They operate and release regularly in response to electrical load to vary the field current to the alternator which in turn, adjusts the output of the alternator.
Some clicking is quite normal.
However, if it sounds like a flasher relay, it may indicate a Charging System problem.
You can check the battery voltage with a DVM/Multimeter to verify what is happening.
At idle the battery voltage should be 13.2-13.8V.
Rev the engine and the voltage should stay stable and within this range.
Switch on the headlamps and the voltage should momentarily dip then recover to the range above.
If your battery voltage is outside this range, it is likely that the VR &/or Alternator are faulty.
My advice there would to get a reputable Battery Supplier to check the Charging System for you and advise action.

the voltage regulator that sits on the strut tower on the passenger side has just recently begun to 'tick' like a flasher relay. does anyone know a reason for this?