Update:
Thank you again Robert for the rods and the caps.
I swapped out the existing rods with the ones you sent.
It now stumbles out of the hole and the surging is actually worse.
I went to re-time it and the coil I have is really hot to the touch. Don't know if this is could be a factor.
The strip kit hasn't arrived yet so I guess I'm stuck for the moment.
It's a beautiful day here in Northern Virginia and a perfect day for working on cars.
Mike