I was able to get the engine running. The cap, rotor, and plugs were all set up correctly, but the distributor was 180 deg. off. For some reason I always doubt this and look for other issues, but backfiring through the carburetor was a good clue. Just weird how it can be rotated. I guess it may have been loose, and then pops out? I don't know but I was sure happy to hear it fire off - after it got really late and cold out and I had given up, but thought well might as well try. So spun the distributor 180 deg. and it started right up. Next issue is the carb., which now leaks like a sieve, even with the new gaskets. Since it's not the original carb., I will start looking for a good replacement. Thanks everyone for the comments. Here are a couple of additional photos of the rear wheel, and of the stamped numbers on the machined surface near the distributor.
For now I am going with a 1956 1 ton, with a 1954 248! Making progress
Tim - I love your 2 ton, pretty cool project making it an extended cab. Pretty cool Photoshop job too, or whatever you used!
Ed - I may want to consider getting a 270 from you.
Derek
