Cost of setting timing, on a V8 ??

And while he was working on your car, there could have been a Viper or Vett in that bay hooked up to a diagnostic equipment machine that no questions asked would have netted the shop the same rate/ charge. You're lucky some shop even new what a carburetor / distributor is! In your shoes, buy a light.
You have a point here. My son is an ASE certified mechanic and he's never touch a carburetor before I bought him one.