The number one spark plug is at the very front of the engine, nearest the radiator. I don't (right offhand) recall the firing order but of course the spark plug wires would then attach to the distributor cap in the firing order, going clockwise. You can find he firing order in your manual and I think it is stamped on the engine as well.

Do you know the procedure for determining which cylinders are ready to fire when the rotor is at any given position? (This is a handy thing to know, for when things get really confused and you don't know what wire is supposed to go where!) If you don't know the procedure I, or someone else, will be glad to explain it.

Lastly, some distributors are not "keyed" to their proper location in regards to the camshaft. My 1937, for example, has a spiral gear and can be installed an infinite number of "wrong ways" after being removed. Yours may have a slot on the shaft that correctly positions it (I don't know the 1940 engines). You want to be sure your distributor is rotated correctly so that the points open as the flywheel's UDC mark aligns with the pointer next to it. (Of course that's a starting point; then you need to fine-tune the timing.)

In summary: you just need to make sure the plug wires are connected correctly (to the correct plugs and in the correct order on the cap), so that the rotor will send the spark to the correct cylinders in the correct order. And also that the distributor is adjusted so that the points open when the UDC mark passes the pointer .

(I'm not a mechanic so the preceding explanation is probably not using the correct terminology!)

Thanks for the help. After knowing number 1 was in the front, I pulled the distributier and the tube and turned the gear till number 1 was in the front. Put it back together and bearly touched the starter and it was running. I'm so happy that I have a great group of guys to come to when I have a problem. Thanks again. Hope you all have a great day ,I know I will
Stan

It's always great to hear a success story!