This is in a 1972 Challenger Rallye hardtop. It was "resto-modified" by a local vo-tech college (read - chevy, this was their first Mopar). My first thoughts initially were that they had swapped in a 'Cuda regulator for some reason. But that would be the exact opposite of what you are saying? All other cranks sit flush. This one is way out there.
I am having to be MacGuyver here on everything on this car. Figuring out what they did, and why, and trying to get it back to what at least is somewhat correct.