Is it my imagination or is checking the gap on the points really hard to do with the distributor weights and springs in the way?

I was planning on using a dwell meter for the final setting once the car started but since I can't even see the distributor cam how do I go about setting the initial dwell?

 

It might be tricky to reach depending on the rotation position of the weights, but the springs and weights only take about 30 seconds to remove. Just don't let a spring go boing!

 

Welcome, Bob
Place the feeler gauge from the side, .019", then finish dwell with meter.
Or, replace point set and adjust with meter while cranking - same reading as above.
Then finish the process by setting initial timing.
Then check mechanical, vacuum, and total timing.
Adjust carb for best idle with mixture screws.

Here I thought GM came out with HEI in 1974 as Chrysler brought out electronic ignition in 1973.