1960 Ford Thunderbird distributor

Put the engine no.1 piston on its compression stroke then line up the vibration damper/timing indicator to TDC/0 deg-now install th distributor making sure the rotor is pointing to no. 1 cap tower and distributor fully seated.

sorry but i think i didnt phrase the question right...I undersatnd the #1 piston needs to be on top dead center of the compression stroke and the distributor rotor needs to point at #1 on the cap when fully seated...but how do i know i've got the cylinder at the top of the compression stroke.....can i tell by the location of the valves on # 1 cylinder?...i've heard that if you put your finger over the plug hole while slowly cranking the engine youll get a "pop" at the top of the compression stroke....not sure if i'm comfortable with that....thks for your help ....Kurt

You can put a piece of cloth over your finger and seal the no.1 plug hole-have a helper crank engine in bursts till you feel pressure then stop-set the markings on the damper/indicator to TDC/0 deg-you can verify it -pull the valve cover off -both intake and exhaust valves should be closed.

Or you can use a compression gauge as you wish