trying to get a 56 running

Still 6V ? If so, you need nearly the full 6 volts at the coil *during* cranking to get good spark. Check by holding the coil HT lead about 10mm from metal ground. If spark jumps that gap, it should start.

Fill the carb bowl directly with fresh gas to be sure that's not a factor.

Speedy Jim

High Tension: The lead from the Coil to the Distributor cap.

Jim

I would change the plugsand points ,

Hey dumbshit, try sticking the #1 HT lead up your ass and see if you can blink in rhythm to the timing marks.

Fill the floatbowl with gas as previously mentioned then use jumpercables to a 12V vehicle, just make sure you turn off all the lights first, and do not apply the brakes as that will turn the brakelights on. (You will very likely blow your 6V bulbs).

12 Volts on old/lazy 6 Volt sytems works wonders, I ran my 56 T1 like that for maany years, only blew the windshield wiper motor once after prolonged use in the winter.

J.

George, feel the exhaust while someone cranks it to see if you feel good airflow and or smell raw gas, good fuel and spark points to lack of compression, could need a valve adjustment, you did check the plugs to make sure they weren't fouled right?

As I mentioned before, hook it up to 12V, remove airfilter and cover carb throat with the palm of your hand a w.o.t. whilst cranking it. Vacuum created will very likely remove anything clogged and help you draw fuel to pump and carb.

J.

Maybe these three links could be of some help: