You mentioned changing out the coil. Did you also change out the igniter? or are you still using the one that was fried? If you’re still using the old one, that’s probably why you can’t get it running.
You said you noted fuel in the chamber. Have you checked on fueling after assembly. Is the carb pumping?
You’re getting fuel. I’m guessing your timing is roughly where it should be. The only thing left is your distributor and coil/igniter. I’m guessing you have the fully transistorized ignition (no points). It’s time to get a good repair manual that shows step by step troubleshooting. Particularly the igniter. You’ll need a volt meter and ohm meter to do the tests correctly. Usually both functions can be performed with a single meter. You can buy them for about $20 at Walmart. Check the length of your signal lines. They should be about 22” from the igniter to the tip of the green plastic distributor plug. If much longer, you may have to do a loop of some kind. I’ve attached images of a NOS igniter (in front) and my backup coil/ igniter which has already been tested and works fine. I’m a firm believer in overkill.
Fred, yes, I'm getting fuel and spark now that I've swapped to a different coil/ignitor. I do have the Haynes manuals for the 78 pickup and the truck the engine and coil came out of. This is the one I've wired up.