Here is a ballast resistor.
Click This would have come with the 261 motor if 1955.2/1956 and up.
Does your coil say "externally resisted" or "external resistor required" on it?
I realize you are doing the best you can as time allows.
If you have two wires on coil positive terminal. Follow one to starter. Follow other to see where it goes. If you have only one, follow it.
