[redbird68]

i tried the fuse test and all good. connected a fuse inline between the neg cable and the battery post and it did not blow.

so i hooked up the rest of the engine harness and all seems well. tested continuity again between the 2 battery cables and this time it did not beep. when placing spring clamp on battery post there was not a spark. can't say i fully understand the reasoning behind all this but it seems fine now.

moment of truth is coming soon.....need to reinstall steering column and hook up some new gauges then it is time to turn the key

thanks you to everyone for all of the help!

my son helped me install/time distributor yesterday. it was a good day