I sure do like that truck!
Amazing it had a Hydramatic. What’s the rear ratio?
Sounds like it could have been high, to need a step down gear box ?
If that 302 has a List-660 2194100 Holley like my 54 450 GMC fire truck,
I got a rebuild kit from Carb King a while back. Very good quality and service, of course.
Is it a Tennessee truck?