No need to pull the distributor. Just get the number 1 cylinder at top dead center on the compression stroke and turn the distributor until the rotor lines up with a cap wire post. That will now be your new number one wire. Tighten the distributor clamp. Put the #1 plug wire in that post and move the rest of the wires on the cap according to the firing order.
Once you do this, take a look where the timing mark on the flywheel is. If it is not in the neighborhood of ball bearing, you may have a bad timing gear or a bad gear where the distributor meets the cam shaft.

Last edited by 52Carl; 05/13/2022 12:24 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission