UPDATE:
Hi all, first of all thank you all for the thoughtful replies!! this group is so great.
I was there for a little bit with the car yesterday. I removed the nut on the bottom of the carb bowl, the screen on it looked clean, but cleaned it anyway. While nut was off had dad crank the car, fuel flowed well, so not concerned with fuel pump.
I tried to remove the top of the carb bowl, but couldn't get to the front screw closest to engine block. Need a bent screwdriver i guess.
ALSO: noticed that with the choke out, when my dad pressed the accelerator, and about halfway the engine screeched REALLY LOUD like a loose or wet fan belt. It sounds like its the heat riser (which has been disconnected for 55 years). So I am leaning towards that as my primary thought. And of course I cant run to NAPA to go buy a new one....
HOWEVER: I called the mechanic who last worked on it. Although he is retired he is willing to come over after Thanksgiving to the house to look at it, which is great, as I think this is above my skill level at this point..
Will keep you posted as thinks progress!
And again THANK YOU!