Hotrod, I've got a stomp starter. I'll try your recommendations in regards to determining the grounded distributor wire issue. Question: How would the (-) side of the coil get voltage if the points are open? I thought they would only get voltage if the points are closed. When all is said and done, I think this'll be a good educational experience; I feel this (coil, condenser, points, resistor, et al.) is definitely my weak point when understanding the truck; I've put in new rear end, transmissio...no problem; but I'm no eletrical engineer.
Update: I do have current when I test the +side of coil, then ground it to the distributor. Again, a vexing issue. I know it's one of those things that, when it's fixed/discovered, will be a big 'Man, I should have thought of that' moment--but at this point, it's really got me stumped.
As well, I bypassed the resistor, taking 12 volts from switch straight to (+) side of coil...to no avail.
Just so I understand, the wire going from side of distributor is supposed to go directly to (-) of coil, correct? Also, I have wire going to (-) side of coil to tachometer...but I've had that for about 6 years, and it's never caused a problem before.
