Touch an ice pick type test light to the terminal at the side of the distributor with the ignition switch in the "on" position with the test light wire attached to a good ground. With the points open, the light should be on, and off with the points closed. If the light is off with the points open, you've got the point spring grounded to the distributor housing or the stud through the side of the distributor is touching the housing. If the light is on with the points closed, the points are dirty or they've got some sort of non-conductive coating on the contacts. The point gap should be set somewhere around .015"-.020".
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!