I installed an Allison "Opto-Electric" on my first 1800 back in 1982. I believe it is the same unit IPD sells ar the Crane. It's still working fine for the guy who bought that car. First thing I did four years ago when i bought my current 1800 was to purchase IPD's Perlux system. I believe it's cheaper, simpler and much easier to install. I think I remember the only disadvantage over the Crane was if you operated the engine at extreme RPMs, like a race engine. I put anbout 5K on the car each year and the the Perlux has performed faithfully. Not even sure where my points are...I don't carry them in the car.

If I were heading across the country I'd probably have a spare distributor with the point in. But then I'd have a lot of spares as well and that wouldn't be my first priority. Go for it. No more adjusting ponts.