Hard Start and Will Not Idle?

[YourBuddy'sTruck]

So, I am passed all my ignition trouble, I think.

Now it will not start unless I pump the heck out of the pedal and then hold it to the floor.
Then, it only runs rough with the pedal half down...and still like it's laboring to do that?
No way it'll idle.
I see a lot of smoke too.
I'm thinking my carb is the issue. And all I know about it is that it's a Q-jet.
It's acting like the engine is either getting no gas or flooded.

I verified timing at 10-12* on #1
How do I tell if my float is stuck? Or the needles?
Any advice, help, nudge is greatly appreciated.

'70 C20 350 with HEI
Was running great until my module went out. Then a comedy of errors, including running without a fuel filter, to get home.