1954Chevy5Window,
Black sooty dry plugs are a good indication of a over-fuel condition. You didn't indicate they were oily, so It wouldn't appear you engine is 'pumping' oil.
I think your test procedure was fine. Unless you are trying to pinpoint a specific ailment, the compression check can give you heart palpitations for no real reason.
Your pressure readings weren't at the top of the scale, and they did vary quite a bit between cylinders, but how does the truck run!
Were you searching for a specific problem, or just checking out the health of your truck.
Both of the rigs you have listed are OLD...they deserve to be somewhat tired. If they start and run fine, case closed.
Keep them in tune, change the oil and drive the heck out of them. When they croak, then fix them.
Stuart
