Installation of Rebuilt Original Ignition Switch

[shew01]

I recently purchased a rebuilt original ignition switch for my 1931 Victoria from Dick Crabtree, and I have been searching for installation instructions. I'm still new to the hobby, and I'm starting to think this particular install may be more involved than I originally thought. I'm a fair shade-tree mechanic. I've changed a few timing belts on modern cars and such, but the Model A is a quite different animal. So, I thought I would ask questions before potentially messing something up...

I think I found an old post on this site that indicated that the antifreeze should be drained first because the ignition cable clamp bolt on the cylinder head can leak antifreeze into the oil. That was a total surprise. Les Andrew's #1 (red) book mentions removing the bolt and replacing it quickly on page 1-202, presumably for that reason.

Here is one of my biggest concerns. Does the distributor *have* to be removed (per Les Andrews' book) for the ignition switch replacement? If so, does the distributor only fit one way during reinstallation? I've never had the distributor out of any car, and I'd rather not risk any timing issues. (If I'm getting into risky territory, I can skip this ignition switch replacement for now because the car already starts and runs well. I'm only planning to replace the ignition cable so that I will end up having a single key to start the car and lock the passenger door, which was made possible by Dick Crabtree.)

I'm wondering if the grommet replacement in the firewall is difficult as well.

What other surprises should I anticipate? I'm open to any and all words of wisdom.