The threads are stripped where the drain cock goes into the radiator. I tried running the threads with a tap with no luck.
is a helicoil the way to go with this?
Or is there a better way to fix it?

Yikes!! Sorry to hear.

Coil throws a strong spark.

I blew out the dist with air.

It looked like condenser wire might be touching metal so reconnected further away.

I sporadically get a weak spark to a spark plug wire.

This dist has no internal wires (condenser on outside)and no vacuum advance. 1940 110

Don't know where to look. New coil, wires, condenser, rotor, cap. Ignition switch at least gives power to the gauges.

But no spark.

Was running well then nothing.

Ideas?

And I lost a hubcap :)

Alas, no, I didn't make it home. Pulled off in Ingleburn to top up fuel....died again right at the fuel pump.

Sitting at 30 degree angle and no start then notice fuel dripping from tank onto ground. After several attempts to start pulled a plug and no spark....so I had had enough by then so on a tow truck to home. Points seem ok so looking to coil next today when I can look at Junior again. Oh, and fuel dripping out the tail pipe....

So I have a gas tank leak, no spark, a bolt to put in the tail pipe (Randy it is close but not into the gas tank), and a carb to look at.

On the positive side, the rebuilt engine is strong, and the rest of the mechanicals seem good.

I've given a couple of times. Let's get on the bandwagon.

Don't hit me but I have two of those shift thingies. One is for a floor shift and the possible one has 52509 on it.

Number on inside is 395386 which I can't seem to match in any parts book.

Yes, thanks a million, Mal. I agree this sort of thing is therapeutic.......seeing the old become nice again.........but then how much therapy does one need?

I owe ya one.

No, alas, it was an ebay purchase that doesn't fit. Another lesson learned. CHECK before putting on shelf.