Thanks guys, your help is greatly appreciated. I'm gonna be working through it tomorrow.

Fixed, it was a short on the negative side of the coil, shorting out in the dash. Whoever installed the newer distributor's splice onto the tach line was a little sloppy with some wire exposed which of course found it's way to a short. Glad I was working into the darkness yesterday and noticed the dim glow of the running lites or I would still be messing around with the ignition system...and cursing.

I really appreciate the help guys - thanks. I have recommended a couple of people to you Dave for the running light relay setup and will continue to do so, it's a good solution.