Welcome David, I'm not much of a mechanic either. Many people always say that these old trucks are so simple. Yet they have a way of humbling you by being uncooperative. I do know this, take it one step at a time. One by one, eliminate all the possibilities of why it doesn't start.
You could check out the sidelot on this site and go to your region, the Great Lakes Bolters. It's a large region but does include Minnesota. You could also pose questions in the other forums, such as the engine shop or the electrical bay...We are here to help. Good luck.
Leo
