it did run when I got it

[chris vickery]

Gordon, coils are very parculiar beasts sometimes, especially if let sitting growing old. It may be that giving your truck a run after years of sitting was just enough to heat up the old coil and finish it off.
Coils, being a sealed type of transformer contain a series of insulated windings made up of copper wire covered in a varnish.
As they age, this varnish becomes brittle and will crack, especially once fired up after a long time sitting dormant.
Flathead Ford V8 coils are notorious for this.
Coils, as far as I know, usually require a test unit to check properly. I am not an electrical expert , if someone else has a suggestion, by all means educate me.
Gord, I may have a new coil for you, send me a PM.