Ignition experts needed

Feel your pain! Lets go back to basics. Your first problem is no spark at the distributor. Then you have a second problem with no lights, horn, etc. 2 completely different problems. Lets address the 2nd one first. Check and clean all your battery cable connections to ground, to the solenoid, to the starter etc. The cables can build up with corrosion inside that reduce your voltage. If you're having to hit the solenoid in order to get power to start the car, I'm betting you have corroded cables or a bad solenoid.

Now the distributor needs spark in order to fire. The spark is generated by the coil. Are the connections to the coil good? Distributor lead to the ground (-) Negative side of the coil?? Your tach wire also goes to the negative side. Any cuts in that wire anywhere that could possibly short out that wire to the coil??

When the car eventually dies, do you still have lights. horn, radio, power, etc.? How old is your battery? It could be shortng out on you!!

I am not saying these are the answers, I am just saying don't overlook the simple things. And last if that doesn't help. Do you know anyone that might lend you there distributor to try??

Good Luck
A340