I just want to update what has happened since I started this post.
WOW, 276 views to date!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!
What XLr8or suggested is exactly what I asked from MSD.
I ordered 2 of these $20 parts from Summit on Monday.
Wednesday I received my parts from Summit - standard delivery to the rural mountains of NC -
Not only did I receive the 2 magnetic pickups, I also got a free Summit Cap and a $20.00 gift certificate, new catalog, and of course all those stickers.
Now, That's what I call service.
It seems that the real problem stems from condensation getting inside the distributor cap which affects the pick-up, and causes it to fail. I found this out from several professionals that specialize in after market products.
I did find water droplets inside the distributor when I was trying to get the car started on Saturday. I put heat lamps and a hair dryer on it to try to dry things, but the damage was already done. We have had more than enough rain this year which has more than likely contributed to this problem. Seems like a gasket of some sort between the cap and distributer might be a simple solution. With an open hood scoop like the ones we have on our cars, I can only see this as an on going problem. I haven't driven my car in the rain to date, but that's not to say, that I might be out and get caught in one of those unforseen downpours.
TL