How to tune up a 239 y block? help me out here!

i just bought a 1954 Ford customline with a 239 OHV V8 and I know these engines are a lot different than a chevy v8. How do you tune these engines up/set timing, points etc etc.

do i need a 6 volt timing light?

is there anyway to find the tuneup specs for these engines? are all y blocks the same tune up specs?

 

Before you spend money on parts, adjust the valves. The book says .019. If the rockers have little holes worn in where they hit the valve as most do, its OK to set them to .016. The points can start out at .015 dwell should end up 26 to 28 degrees. Gap new plugs at .035, after this is done, time at 3 to 6. Y block usually like much more than the book says, I use a vacuum gauge to time. Advance to the maximum vacuum, then back off 1/2 inch vacuum and test for pinging. Keep in mind, the 54 Y block is different than the 55 through 64. The older ones are usually not a good one to spend money on.