My '49 3800 doesn't have the starting full voltage by-pass circuit for the resistor. Voltage flows through the resistor only through the ignition switch. The truck starts so well with this setup I'd hate to change it.

I had actually tried to hot wire the coil from off of the starter but apparently I didn't a get good complete circuit without clamps and just some stripped wire.

Nope, didn't lose the job before I began. I have worked for the same employer on a full time temporary basis for the last two summers. The job changed and is now full time year around. If they hadn't already known my work habits and dependability it might have been a different story.

Word hard, play harder, enjoy life!