Bikesmith,

What is amazing is that it will crank that many times for 5 to 8 seconds and still have poop left in the battery. Who says the starting system on these old trucks is puny!

Because you have changed the carburetor and still have the same results I would think some ignition component is slowly giving up the ghost.

I would CHANGE the points AND condenser and make sure they are adjusted perfectly.

If the plug wires look rotted or cracked I would replace them too.

If you have a helper, you can have him try to start the rig as you hold a plug wire 1/4" or so from a nice clean place on the engine. You should see a pretty good spark make the leap of faith.

Have you tried a little blast of starting fluid into the air cleaner just to see if it pops or snorts as you first try to start it.

Does the truck start fine on subsequent starts throughout the day...it's just the initial start in the morning that is a bugger.

Does the truck sit outside in moist, cold air or does it have the luxury of a cozy garage?

Stuart