Waking a sleeping beast (dormant truck)?

[KansasTruckGuy]

I parked my '72 C10 "out back" about 5 years ago, and started it every week, then every month, then once a year, and then not at all. To no one's surprise, the gas turned into a funky smelling liquid mess, which I didn't discover until trying to fire it up a couple of times with starter fluid. After I discovered the stench coming from the tank, I stopped and pulled the gas tank and dumped out the offending liquid within, and then flushed the tank.

My question is this: Once the tank is reinstalled and fresh gas is added, I'd really like to try starting it again before dealing with a carburator rebuild. Will I do anymore damage than has already been done if I try and start it "as is?" Is there anything I should do to minimize the damage I may have already done to the fuel system? Any other advice? Thanks in advance to all of you gurus out there for your help!