BrianT,

I have always disconnected the vacuum advance line and plugged it; however, the 1954 and 1960 shop and owners manuals do not mention disconnecting the vacuum line.

Use a timing light for setting timing. Adjust the points; then adjust the carburetor (with a vacuum guage). Then, attach the timing light to the #1 spark plug wire and rotate the distributor until the ball on the flywheel lines up with the needle in the front side of the bell housing.

Tim