The first hotrod engine I built back in the early 1960's was a flathead Ford V8 with 11.25:1 compression (Offenhauser finned aluminum heads) and a 6 volt electrical system. Thanks to some very patient tutoring by my father I learned a LOT about tracking down loose connections and measuring voltage drops. That knowledge has served me very well in several trades- - - -aircraft, industrial electricity, refrigeration, etc. as well as automotive. Good on ya for hanging in there!
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!