Need help with the basics

[Alvin]

I've had my truck for a couple of months now, and I need to finally jump in with both feet and tune it up. I would like to adjust the timing, clean up and tune the carb, fix the valve seals (i hate burning oil), and fix my intake gasket. The problem is, I have no idea how to check or set the timing. I have a timing light that my dad left me, he just never showed me how to use it. I've also never tuned a carb before, and all I know is I have a Holley. So any help in those two areas is greatly appreciated. As far as the valve seals go, I think I have a connection to get those done easily. and the intake gasket shouldn't be too bad to do on my own I wouldn't think. Thanks in advance! I'm just tired of driving it this way!

I also need to know if there's any thing to be careful of when changing the fuel sending unit. I ran out of gas again today (200 feet from the gas station), and would like to get my new sending unit in there ASAP. Thanks