Not a top dead center issue - that's no problem.  Question is, absent the thumb over the spark plug hole method, what other method can I use to determine that the distributor is in sync, not 180 off? 
Sorry on the last post - the title was misleading
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54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Paul:
With the left side valve cover of, bump or hand crank the engine and watch #6 valves.  When you see the exhaust valve closing, notice that when nearly closed, the intake valve will start to open.  When #6 valves are in this position, #1 will be at or near TDC on the compression stroke.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"