Birge, sorry if I confused you but it sounds to me several others may be confused here too.
Aligning the BB or whichever mark your flywheel has with the pointer gives you a 50/50 chance of being on TDC of #1 cylinder.
And yes, even if it's 180 out, you can wire it to run. Apparently doing things this way impresses some people on this board.
According to Motors Truck Repair Manual, the clips on your distributor should be forward and aft. The number 1 wire should go on the middle outboard hole. That being the furthest hole on the passenger side.
In order for this to work, you must be sure you are at TDC of cyl 1 and not cyl 6.
