[Kurt in NJ]

The wires you are using to the ammeter--starter--generator don't look to be heavy enough --#10 wire should work, #18 too thin

In a stock A the coil is always "hot", the ignition switch switches the wire from the dist--coil.

If the engine hasn't run for a "long" time it would be best to drop the pan and clean the sludge out before trying to start it