Finding TDC on a Chevy 235...?

I'm trying to find TDC on my '53 to make sure my distributor is set correctly...
any suggestions on the best way to locate TDC?

and one other question, dumb, but still...
i've been told two different things by a couple people....
on a chevy 235, #1 is located at the front of the engine...but, whats the front....firewall side or fan side??
i was doing good with my thoughts on it until someone told me otherwise, now i'm second guessing myself.
any advice would be appreciated.
thanks.

Chris

 

two things, bookmark inliners.org
number 1 is in the front of the engine, which is the front of the car, only weird front drivers would be different. I can't think of any chevy that has #1 at the firewall.

 

thats what i've always thought, but as i said, someone who apparently didn't know threw me with a different claim.
i just wanted to make sure that i was right or wrong before i set it all to #6. hehe.

thanks for the confirmation!

 

timing mark lined up and both valves closed on #1

 

BTW you time it with a mark on the flywheel, through an inspection hole in the bellhousing above the starter. a dab of white out helps identify the mark.

 

thanks. it is much appreciated.

 

also if you have the rocker cover off, you can get pretty close to the #1 firing position by turning the engine till both #6 rockers are just moving a little bit, then wiggle it back and forth till you see the dot on the flywheel thru the timing pointer hole.

yes, it can be a pita

 

Im haven a brainfart and need some help on this... located flywheel mark, did the pressure test on #1 cylinder. What is a good reference to point the rotor, and the base?? Advance is set to zero..