The secret old cars? Always pull the vacuum advance off the distributer before setting the dwell. That is the secret.
Changing the advance springs and weights in the distributor (re-curving) also made a huge difference. Thanks for bringing back some memories. I have a 1056 Cadillac Eldorado engine, with factory duel quads out in the garage that I may have to go out and work on today because of you.
When is was young in the 40s and early 50s, we had 3 model A Fords, 1928, 1930, and 1932. Pop kept them running and I had to help him fix them, So simple compared with today. Of course since this started when I was 5, I only handed him tools for a few years.