Well, I don't have a diagram of your ignition system, and not sure what the distributor side looks like. However, basically you need 12V on the + side of the coil and then, (if i'm correct, you have points), the points make and break the ground side. If the points are open you will read 12V on both sides of the coil, (with the key in run of course), since it is not grounded.
This assumes your new coil is good. If you have points, remove the rotor, bump the motor untill the points make. Hook a spare plug to the coil wire and have someone hold it against the block. Then manually break the points with the tip of a screwdriver. You should get a spark each time you make then break the points. If you don't, some thing is probably wrong with the ground side of the points.
I'm sure that there issomeone in the forum that knows or has a schematic of your ignition. If you happen to have a Duraspark system I wil post a detailed proceedure from my 83 EVTM.
Good luck,
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