In the immortal words of Dr. Frankenstein

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I did them all and as a result the truck started right up. I don't know which one fixed it but the end result is all that matters.

Here's what I did in case someone else has the same experience:

- Added a large ground cable from the engine to the frame.
- Added a body ground wire from the negative battery cable. Cleaned and refastened the end bolted to the engine block.
- Removed, inspected, cleaned and reinstalled the complete ignition circuit wire harness in the engine compartment. Sanded down all the terminal ends and added dielectric grease to all connections.
- Regapped the points and checked all connections in the distributor.
- Said a small prayer then swung a dead chicken over my head counterclockwise while standing on one foot and whistling the theme to The Dukes of Hazzard.
- Put the key in the ignition and fired it right up.

I personally think it was the chicken ritual that made it work.

Thanks again to everyone.

BigMac
Thanks Dan