What are the symptoms of a bad or weak ignition coil?

Look for a stock coil bracket for a late 1960s 289 or 302 engine before emissions controls.  Here is a short description of the different coil brackets (with pictures and part numbers) that Ford used to mount the coils:

http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/tech-qa/1808-coil-bracket-issues-vintage-mustang-tech-questions-answers


I like the way you think.  I used stock Ford alternator brackets from an earlier non-emissions model to mount the alternator in a better location when I deleted the thermactor on my truck.  It looks a LOT better without that huge thermactor bracket, and the alternator is now mounted higher up so I can actually get to it.  And since I used OEM Ford parts, no one can tell it isn't stock to my truck.

Thanks for the info Rick.

I still have the original smog pump bracket, but I cut all of the upper parts off of it. I may make a custom coil mount that sits on top of that bracket...we'll see. It's low priority at the moment, but I am contemplating installing a different carb and if I do that the coil is going to need to move.