[Spridgets] coil problem - electrical experts?

[Joe Lansing]

I'm fighting an ignition problem. Right now I'm troubleshooting a coil problem. The coil is brand new. The car has been switched to negative ground during extensive rework. To test the coil I am trying this: 12 volts direct from (+) side of battery to (+) side of coil. Hold the high tension wire (the one that goes to the distributor) just off the block (to check for spark). Then disconnect the (-) lead from the coil. I get a spark off the high tension wire, but it appears very weak. And when I re-attach everything through the distributor I get no spark to the plugs. Any ideas?

Joe