It fired! I was asking similar questions on another forum and someone pointed out that when the ball is matched up to the pointer it could be at #1 or #6 which must be what my problem was (after we changed the plugs and we went to adjust anything I hadn't made sure the #1 cylinder was up, I was just focused on the ball). I went through the instructions from the start today including pulling my valve cover to make sure it was #1 that was up and after changing the points put in my new distributor and when it was all said and done it started up. It seems a bit weak and doesn't idle super smooth but it does run so I think I'll leave it at that and take it to a shop to let them time it properly.
pictures of the (mostly) successful install:
picture 1 picture 2 picture 3 Thank you all for your help with this!
