Vehicles need three things to start/run: air, fuel and spark. With the carb; you'll have plenty of air, testing for fuel is next.
With a helper and the air cleaner off, disconnect the coil to prevent spark/backfire then have helper crank over the engine while you look down the carb body. If you see good jets of fuel entering the throat (you may need to hold open the choke plate); then its not a fuel problem and its time to check spark.
If you don't have a jet of fuel while cranking; you most likely have crap in the bowl that is blocking the needle valve. If this is the case, carefully open the carb while on the motor and clean the bowl, float, needle seat and needle valve. I say carefully as there's usually a couple small springs that can give you future grief. Crank engine over with the carb open to push any line crud out (wear safety goggles as the fuel will shoot out at high pressure!!!). Then reassemble the carb and look down the throat again while your helper cranks it over. If it looks good, reconnect coil and try to start again. If you don't feel comfortable doing disassembly while on the engine, pull carb and rebuild on bench.
If you have good fuel and air, that leaves spark. Could be a few different things; timing, bad coil, bad distributer, cracked rotor or faulty plugs/wires. First test timing with a timing light if you have one. Another good tool is a handheld spark tester; otherwise its leather gloves, pliers and a spare plug.
Starting with the coil, remove wire going to distributor and connect to plug; hold plug 1/4 inch or so from block and crank engine over; you should have a good blue spark as the coil fires. If not, swap coils and repeat test. Oh, do this without any extra light shining under the hood! Next move to distributor cap and inspect it and the rotor for pitting or burns. Sand with emery cloth or replace as necessary. Then repeat the spark test with each wire to test the wires out. Pull plugs as necessary to check gaps, burn deposits and overall condition.
If you cannot get a helper, a push button remote start switch on the starter solenoid is another good tool to keep on hand. These are usually cheap <$10 and last a long time if properly cared for.
Remember not to crank more than 30sec at a time to prevent starter burnout and excessive battery drain. Good luck. Its hard to explain the above sometimes. If you have questions, give a shout tomorrow.
