Vintage Cars: #1 Cylinder, chevy bel air, chevy v8

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1962 Chevy Bel Air with a crate 350 ci engine in it now.  (It came with a 283, which my Dad had bored to a 327.  That engine now 'rests' in my garage for the time being.)  Back to the 350.  How do I determine the #1 cylinder to help me with the engine timing?  
I know it may be a lame question, but I am used to working on VW Beetle engines.

Thanks,
Jake

ANSWER: #1 Cyl on Chevy V8's is always the front left as viewed from the drivers seat.  Or, as you look into the engine compartment towards the back of the car, the front right.  

the odd number cylinders are on the left bank (again as viewed from the drivers seat) and the even numbered ones are on the right.  1,3 5,7  then 2-4-6-8 front to back.

firing order is 18436572

To time the engine, turn the crank till #1 is at Top Dead Center on the compression stroke.  If the head is on the engine and cam is installed and timed, then just put your finger over the spark plug hole and when the piston comes up and pressure pushes your finger off, that is TDC on the compression stroke.

Then you can install the distributor with the rotor facing the #1 spark plug wire position on the cap for rough timing.

Don

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply Don.  Turning the crank on a 67 VW engine is easy.  How would I turn the crank on this engine?
p.s. Are you aware of any common wiring issues with the brake/taillights on this model year Chevy?

Answer
Turn the crank with a socket and bar on the crank bolt.  Or you can use the starter if it is hooked up.  To find exact TDC though you will need something with a finer "tune" than the starter, so use the wrench.

As for wiring issues with tailights.  I see a LOT of older cars with bad tailights.  Cross wired, bad grounds, bad sockets.  GM cars of the 60's in particular had tailight bulb sockets that tend to come apart by now, and who knows what previous owners have done to mess up the wiring.

IF you are having problems, check for bad splices, bad sockets (bulbs won't stay seated, or bulbs have been put in upside down and forced into the socket, also bulbs can just get corroded and not make contact).

Replacement new sockets are not expensive and highly recommended.  ALL GM cars used the same sockets for years.

Don