timing tape question

When I replaced the stock timing cover on my small block chev engine with a fancy new chrome one, the first thing I noticed is that the new chrome timing cover didn't have a timing pointer welded to the front of it like the old stock unit did. I went back to my local high performance store, and they were more than happy to sell me a bolt on timing pointer, which attaches using 2 of the timing cover bolts. When I installed the darn thing, it is no longer in the same position as the old welded on pointer was, but seems to be rotated quite a bit to the right of center. I know that I used the correct bolts to install it, because there was only one way that it would fit. When I went back to the performance shop and asked them "how the heck do I time my engine, now that the timing pointer is in a different position than stock, but my line on the harmonic ballancer is still in the same position", they told me that all aftermarket timing covers and pointers are like that, and that I would have to buy and install a "timing tape" What the heck is a timing tape, and what do I use as a reference to install it? I am not about to pull the head off this engine to determine when number 1 cylinder is at top dead center, so I am kind of lost. Can anyone out there shed some light on this matter for me? Thank you in advance for your help.