Classic/Antique Car Repair: ballast resistor overheating on dodge ramçharger, ballast resistor, voltage readings

Question
Thank you for your previous answers. The truck is getting fuel and sometimes it gets spark,sometimes it doesn't. It runs for 5-15 seconds then dies. Then it doesn't want to start at all. When there is spark present it will start,when there is no spark present it won't start. It's a on and off deal,very sporadic.

Answer
OK,now we are getting a base to work from. We know that the problem is ignition. I would start by connecting my voltmeter to the + side of the coil and reading the voltage there when cranking and the engine refusing to start. If there is 9 volts or better the problem is the coil or in the distributor. If the voltage is lower than 9 volts then the problem is in the feed to the coil. Use the voltmeter and back track up the circuit and measure the voltage getting to the resistor. If less than 9 volts or so the next step is the ignition switch. Now, in changing from the electronic to a point system how did he rewire the ignition switch system and how did he provide a starter by pass system. Let me know the voltage readings.