Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1929 Ford Rotor, good luck jack, special tools

Question
In Les Andrews Book it states that if the rotor is not turning to replace the timing gear. Can an average person replace it. Does it require special tools since there is a spring. Before I go through this, is there anything else that would cause the rotor not to turn. The can turns over and the 6 volts goes to the points.

Answer
You better hope that it is the timing gear.  They are fiber and do strip.  If it is not that, then it is in the gear on the cam.  A much bigger job.
When you turn over the engine with the starter, it should spin pretty good since the valves are not working and there will be almost no compression.
To replace the timing gear is not a real big job.  Don't worry about the spring, it is low in force and will not cause a problem.
Pull the timing gear cover off and take a look.  You will need new gaskets when you put it back together.
Good luck
jack