If the car has a distributor, then its timing is set by turning the
distributor.

The K-series engine that replaced the B-series *is* crank-timed, and has no
distributor.

then get a new spring.  something out of an old pen will work just dandy.

you don't need to replace the distributor, so you don't need to mess
with any timing.  the worst case scenario is replacing the coil, but
that doesn't require distributor removal.

if you /do/ need to check timing, and this is not a crank-timed vehicle,
just use a conventional timing light and the timing marks on the
accessory belt pulley.  make sure the service jumper is connected.

if you plan on doing much other work on this vehicle, you will be well
advised to buy the factory manual from helm.com.

A timing gun is easy as pie. It will come with intructions,unless you get a
rental one.

You warm the engine up to full-hot, then shut it off. Short the Service
Check Connector, then restart the engine.

The timing light will have three connectors. The red alligator clip
attaches to the + terminal of the battery, the black one to the - terminal.
The inductive clip attaches to the #1 plug wire. Now you aim the light at
the crank pulley, then pull the trigger. It should be obvious what to do
from there. The middle of the group of three marks on the pulley ought to
line up with the pointer on the timing belt cover. Loosen the three
distributor bolts, then turn the distributor as needed.