Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1940 Buick Ignition Coil, path of least resistance, external resistor

Question
Dick Benjamin answered a previous question about a problem I am having about "no spark". I have confirmed the problem is not in the distributor or the lead from the ignition coil to the distributor. The ignition switch has 6V present and switches the secondary wire but I do not know if it switches the lead in the armored cable. Can I remove the armored cable? How? If I need to replace the coil does it have to have the armored cable? How about that! Three qustions at one shot.


Answer
If I answer all three do I win the trifecta? Well lets try. First of all you will not need to get into the armored cable to check to see if the coil is being switched on. The simple test is to make sure the ignition points are open. We used to use a match book cover between the contacts. Then turn on the key and touch a test light or voltmeter to the terminal on the coil that connects the coil to the distributor. If the light goes on then there is voltage getting through the coil. If that checks then close the point with the key on and the test light still connected. The light should be out at this point as the voltage will take the path of least resistance to ground. If the light is still on or voltage present then there is a problem with the points or the breaker plate ground wire. It was a common problem in the day as it flexed each time the breaker plate was moved by the vacuum advance. If you need to remove the armored cable cap on the coil, it should turn 1/4 turn counter clockwise to release the locking device. Using a replacement coil that will connect to the armored ]cable will keep your engine compartment pretty but the car will run just fine on a universal 6 volt coil. In fact I have run these old 6 volt cars using a 12 volt coil that is made to be used with an external resistor. 12 volt cars that used the external resistor operated on about 7 volts, just what the voltage is in your old Buick when the generator is charging. So, do I win?
Brad