Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1957 chevy car, ballast resistor, chevy car

Question
Car has a 283v8 no fire to spark plugs- car turns over- brake light signal light work but headlights don't????  thanks Dan

Answer
No fire to the plugs points to the ignition system. Now, is this something that has just happened or is this a car that you are just putting together? If it has just happened and previously the car was running fine the problem is probably:
1. the ignition points or condenser.
2. the ignition coil
3. A wiring problem from the ignition switch
4. A cracked distributor cap, a defective wire from the coil to the center tower of the distributor cap, or shorted rotor
If the car will attempt to start as long as the switch is cranking the engine then the problem is probably the ignition ballast resistor.