haha, i just read through that post a bit ago.  just my luck i would get the only coils in the world that go bad. anyway, i just tried your advice.  took off the black/white wire from the coils (that's the negative right?) and placed the spark plug on the valve cover.  when i turned it on and touched the wire to the cover the spark plug didn't spark but the wire sparked like hell.  that's not what you  meant is it?  did i goof up?  also, i've got the original points ignition.  i haven't re-checked the timing because i only did it a few months ago and haven't had any trouble and couldn't imagine it getting so far off that it suddenly won't start.  i did pull the cover off though and make sure they are both opening and closing when i cranked it by hand.  they are.