i disconnected the fuel line going into the carburetor yesterday and found the compression fitting there was slightly twisted. It wasn't distorted enough to leak fuel, but i replaced it anyway. After that change, the car ran as well as i've ever seen it. Mitch mentioned the fuel line being pushed too far into the carb. Not sure if that was the case, but i can say i got it out on the road and discovered 14 other unrelated things that need to be improved.
My enthusiasm is restored. Thanks for scratching your heads with me on this one.