I'm still working on my wiring,but the starter works and the ignition switch is wired up. Car is a 59 BE with a 1275 engine, positive ground.

What's the minimum "juice" that I need to start the engine?

I'm thinking that if the coil is hot, the distributor is attached to the coil and the starter motor is good to do that should be enough. I'll worry about the generator later on. I just want to start up the rebuilt engine.

Ideas?

Thanks....

Bruce, that's all you should need. Power to the coil, and enough to spin the starter. If you're running an electric fuel pump, that will have to be running as well.
Jeff

BUT,,, If you have a Pertronics and the voltage dips below
approx 10 Volts it wont start.
At least thats the case with mine. Battery ran down and would not quite turn it over tried to push start and it just did not work.

Thanks Jeff, Chris. I do have the Pertronics so I'll have to make sure there's a good charge on the battery.

So you can't push start a Pertronics...hmmmm. Makes sense when you think about it...I just never did.

I dont understand. I have a pertronix in my dist (1970 midget) and last week left lights on. Dead battery. pushed (by myself) jumped in, poped clutch and drove off....

It may make a difference what type charging system you have on the car.