I think mk378 summed it up pretty well.

Stay focused on the distributor and the wires serving it and you should eventually sort out this difficult problem. Good luck.

 

Here's the lastest . . .
I tested the coil, per Ron's service manual, thanks Ron. As I was putting the screws back in I noticed that one of the screws was too long for the new coil . . . yes and way too long, about 1/8" and I suspect it was too long for the other new coil that I ruined also. The terminal on the white wire, blue strip, negative on the coil was completely covered with a thick and hard layer of green death. So I got out the 600 grit and cleaned that. Then I got out the terminal pliers and cut off the screw to fit the new coil cut about 1/8" off. Upon reassembling for about the 6th or 7th time today, it started right up. I'd say that was it. And BTW - it has the old igniter in it. I'm going to think about it for a day or two, but I'd say at this moment that it never needed the new igniter. But I'm not going to ask the guys at Autozone to buy that back, so I'll sell it on ebay, or perhaps put it back in the car and sell the old one, I don't know, any advice on this would be helpful.

Okay, thanks to all, especially Ron - you guys are cool - I sincerely appreciate all the pointers. I'll check back if it quits again - thanks guys.

 

I think you now have the problem beat.

If you still have the original AutoZone packaging and the receipt, I would simply return the igniter for a refund. No harm done.