TOPIC: No spark - 1956 Mark 55 - pictures of dist/points

Hi again!

So, still now spark after installing the timing belt. Below are some pictures of the distributor. If someone could comment on the condition, that would be great. You'll see in the one picture that the gap is barely a gap at all. .008 doesn't slide in at all. Also, on the inside of the cap you'll see what looks like dark orange paint the looks to be peeling...is that normal?
Your comments on the other component would be very much appreciated.

(I've got 7 pictures to attach, so if you don't see them all, they should be there shortly.)

pints .008-.010 gap.
pealing is normal I see the carbon in the center is stuck down. should be free like the other one.
disconnect the wires at the points then test the points for continuity.
to test the mag ground the mag body on a vise then put the copper tag 1/4 in away from the vise spin the mag and it should spark. If you cant get it going I service them call me 1 914 310 7086

Thanks Dave.
Should this work?

YEP ! or jut grab it with your hand and spin with the other. you would feel it I would think. No don't do that.

Thanks Dave. I tried holding it but didn't feel anything so I thought I best try my tongue
Nah, just kidding.
It did't work at first then I cleaned the vice, tried again and got good spark.
I adjusted the gap since as it was, it was barely a gap at all.
Went to start putting it back on the engine then was called in for family activities.
I don't expect to be able to work on it again until monday night or tuesday night. The suspense is killing me!

Remember gap is .008-.010 set a tight .010 gives ware room . put grease behind the point rubbing block just a little. and lube the cam wick.things last longer.

So I put it back together, hoping for joy...but got sorrow!
Without the tools, what is an easy way to determine if there is good spark?
I have tried visually seeing if there is a spark by removing the plug, bungie cord to a bolt on the engine (like in the picture (this is an older one, I have the top cowl off now)) and turning it over. doing this, I don't see a spark. Maybe not grounded to the engine well enough?

(I do have a timing light...that I have never used!)

I've tested continuity from the points to the spark plug boot.
Here is a video of testing the distributor on a vice :

Did you clean the cap and rotor while you had it apart they look pretty corroded they need to bright and shinny