<VV> 64 Spyder spark problem

[SGLowell]

I'm looking for some advice on the best way to proceed. My son & I have been
slowly working on his 64 Spyder convertible which ran when he put it away 2
years ago. Last summer we started replacing the rear and body wiring
harnesses, speedo cable, lifters, oil pan and other miscellaneous
maintenance items. Came time to start it this week and it wouldn't fire. Got
gas - no spark. (Pulled spark plug wire - no arc.) Ignition is an old
magnetic Pertronix Igniter unit. I do get voltage on the rear harness (Black
w/yellow stripe?) to the distributor and I have double checked the new
harness connections and they seem snug. I did notice some white substance
between the base of the Pertronix unit and the plate it attached to. So, I'm
thinking that the unit might be bad or somehow not giving the signal to
collapse the field in the coil to produce a spark. I was thinking of getting
a new plate, points, condenser and converting it back to factory ignition
set so I can set the dwell and to see if the coil works. Is that the best
way to approach this issue or is there a better one to follow.

Thanks.

Gary