Starting a fresh rebuild

[classicauto]

Swap the proper size primaries in and go from there.

Were the plugs wet/dry?
Did you check for good spark at the plugs with them on a good ground?

I'll have to agree that the 10" of vac while running seems very low. There's alot of possibilities as to why that would be, but the most likely is a vac leak...

I still say to check it over, and then bump start it (check over should include fitting proper primairies ). That way you'll at least be able get it running, assess vac leaks and get it up to temp to seat the seals a bit. If its got spark, and fuel and timed right - it WILL START EVERYTIME with a bump start, it can't NOT start unless something is broke.