Timing

I recently replaced my carburetor, and then proceeded to have the engine backfire during a test drive. Was unable to completely start the car until I realized the timing was completely off. When I put the car at what I believe was top dead center, and removed the distributor cap I saw the pointer was at opposite side of piston number one. I proceeded to adjust the distributor, and after that was able to get the car to start, and run. However, now once I put the car into gear it will promptly cut off. I am still thinking it might be a timing issue, and attempted to use a timing light to adjust the timing to the manufacture settings. The problem is the timing pointer on the engine block is missing, and I have no reference for the marks on the crankshaft marks. I guess my two main concerns are is the engine cutting off still related to an timing issue, and if so how can I properly adjust the timing without that timing pointer? I am not sure they make one for that car, and trying to find one at a junkyard is proving difficult. Thanks for the help in advance.