Stop in for a cup of coffee

I also
You really need to make sure you have several things ready upon fire up. Have a timing light connected. Have timing very close to where it should be. A fire Extinguisher, A srewdriver to adjust carburetor. Get a box fan in place, in front of the radiator. Some extra coolant or Water. I like to start mine with just water , in case there is a leak somewhere. Most Important, Another set of eyes to look for leaks or other issues. Good Luck.
like to leave the distributor"just" loose enough that I can move it by hand, and have a wrench to tighten down.
You shoul be able to get 12vts at the rear of your Alternator, and ground to the block.