I appreciate the responses, but I am still collecting parts for this project and don't have a ballast resistor or a coil to test.

I see two ballast resistors on eBay - one of which was suggested by Hotrod Lincoln very early in this thread: https://www.ebay.com/itm/201100625600 ,
and the other I happened to come across (also on eBay) at https://www.ebay.com/itm/305148045526

They look different from each other and one says it is for 55-56 Chevrolets and the other says it is for '56, 57, 58 and 59 Chevrolet Trucks.

If the systems were all 12 volt...would there be a requirement for different resistances?

One would be $38.95 and the other would be $19.50 both including shipping. Should I flip a coin, is one correct and one incorrect?

Also...How do I choose a coil, since mine is of an unknown age and is dented?

Thanks for your input and your patience!

Nick
1940 KC Model 1/2 Ton Pickup Project
(with '37-'39 Bed and what we think is a '42-'46 Frame)
Taos, New Mexico