It doesn't take your initial timing to be off by much to be unable to see the BB.
No need to disconnect the vacuum advance, as it's not operating at idle speed. It's connected to a ported vacuum port that is blocked at idle. Loosen the clamp screw on the distributor and move it until you see the BB. Then tighten it.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
Follow this saga in Project Journal
Photos
1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.