[jhowes]

This is a common problem in the dodges of the 70's. The car runs on 6 volts at the coil, but to start, it is started with 12 volts at the coil. The ignition switch sends the full 12 volts to the coil in the start position and when turned to run the 12 volts goes to a dropping resistor and reduces the voltage for running thereby saving the points from the higher voltage. I don't know how yours is wired but it may be hooked up in a similar manner. Jack