1. Get it running with a points ignition and later switch if you want.
2. You said you are a newbie, that's OK. You asked for elementary. I like that too.
3. I, and others, will tell you that when you have a no start situation, you can do what you are calling an overhaul......or you can do some tests to see what is wrong.
4. An overhaul or tune up is done when a running motor needs TLC. Not done on a "no start" unless all else fails or if you just want to. We recommend some tests after we ask a few questions. We sure would not recommend Pertronix to a no start beginner owner.
5. The first big questions is "no start" to a beginner can mean "won't crank" or "won't even fire once" or "fires a few times" or starts for a moment but dies or backfires thru carb or tail pipe.
6. Second big question is what motor is in it? and when is the last time it ran?
7. Unless you have forgotten to tell us, you don't even know if it has spark. The first and easiest thing to check after being sure it has gas in the tank.
8. The problem with throwing parts at it for some of us is: You never know what was wrong. You may screw something up.
It will go a long way, if you need help, to answer these questions.
