Points, condensers and spark plugs. Did 100's of those in the day as a mechanic. They call the part's changers "technicians" these days. Most now, could not do an engine overhaul or valve job. They shop them out to a machinist.
I still own a dwell meter and timing light. LOL! I could still static time an engine, after an overhaul and have it start within 5 seconds.
Long ago, in a place far far away, I owned a '54 Bel-Aire. Had to replace the distributor. No timing light or dwell meter. Got it in, got it running, timed it by ear. Drove a few miles to a family friend's garage. He put the light to it and said "Not bad, you're 2 degrees off"
I do think I had a feeler gauge for the points, but I've done them with a matchbook cover. Which I'd guess is fitting in this thread as I hardly ever see a matchbook anymore, unless it's one I run across while digging through a tool box.