I replace regulators and stators as a set, and when I add another Evo (or cone Shovel) to the fleet I replace the rotor too because magnet shift is real and every now and then a magnet gets tossed into the stator! Seen that on customer bikes and it can get UGLY.

Bad batteries can kill charging systems (on anything) by drawing too much current. Own or use a load tester. Don't try to limp around with a dying battery.
Bad regulators can kill stators.

Stock parts are fine. I use Cycle Electric with great results over the past few decades. These aren't sophisticated parts so anyone who actually gives a krap could spec good components or materials.

The cost is mostly obscene traditional motorcycle parts markup.

 

Chances are the wires for the plug off the stator where brittle and when you changed the rect. it disturbed them grounding something, common place for a short on old stator's.

 

Yep, guess Ill know more when I change everything out.

 

http://compufire.com/harley/charging...djo07ici2quf16

Give these a try, been using them on my '85 FXEF and '01 FXDXT for over 5yrs with no problems what so ever.
Also, instead of going to ground when battery reaches full charge they also disconnect the stator so there is no drag on the engine. Bonus: increases fuel mileage.

 

Thanks but my stock HD sys lasted 23 yrs till I put an after market reg on it, and I have already ordered the stock kit.