Wiring diagram for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1973/73ValiantA.jpg
Bust out the multimeter, and see where you are (and are not) getting voltage before you go around bypassing stuff (although briefly installing 2 jumpers in place of your ballast should be fine).
Running directly from Bat+ to coil+ works on points, but is pretty dangerous (engine won't shut off with switch). Besides that only confirms there is a problem (which should be obvious due to no-start) but does nothing to pinpoint the location of the problem.