I wanted to check back in and give an update.  I changed the spark plugs and I bought a new Edelbrock carb.  It runs much better.  Throttle is very snappy and the backfire is gone.  I have not checked the spark plugs, but its on the to-do list after I drive it a bit more.  It still has the goofy idle thing going on but I have narrowed that down to a minor bind/catch in my throttle cable.  I did not change out the gas.  I put on a new see-through fuel filter and the gas looks perfectly clean.  There's not much left in there anyways.  I appreciate everyone's help and if the problem returns, I'll be back!