i was worried that dropping the oil pump would be the way to do that. 
Theoretically though, if the shaft is indexed a little off, if I just take the bolt out that limits the distributors adjustment, that should compensate and allow the timing to be “correct” enough for it to run, right? that’s what @cgsheen1 suggested if I’m understanding correctly. 
 

And then you just rig the distributor mounting to stay in that position and I never have to drop the oil pump... But I’d never do that...
 

Don't know if @zKars ended up making these, but it would make it so you could lock down a much wider timing range.

New Product Idea. Distributor Timing Plate Re-Design - Engine & Drivetrain - The Classic Zcar Club (classiczcars.com)

 

To close out this thread, it was just that, the distributor shaft isn’t oriented correctly. I moved the distributor passed the plates restrictions to get it started. 
 

@w3wilkes thank you for sharing that. I may message them, because like a lot of people I’m sure, I don’t really want to drop the oil pump.