This was my plan....

Prior to installing distributor, move crankshaft to TDC of #1 cylinder (front passenger side) as follows.  Turn crank CW while observing #1 intake pushrod (2nd valve back on passenger side), stop when it just fully closes down, continue power stroke until 0degTDC on damper scale.  Verify piston can be seen thru spark plug hole with minimal plug clearance.  Install distributor body into block with vacuum ballast aiming as desired for best maintainability, and even aim rotor to #1 direction if desired.  Personal preference was vacuum ballast aiming to driver side while rotor points forward.  Remember this is after distributor spins during drop-in.

....but it looks like my damper timing pointer says TDC when piston is nowhere near top of cylinder.

How would I go about marking damper for the real #1 TDC, or mounting new pointer to align with existing mark?