Eric, I just got done pulling the carb. I took out the 8.5's and installed a 6.5 in the front and a 7.5 in back. That's the only ones I had laying around. I studied the floats and they look great. The hangers are square and do not appear to have ever been bent for any reason. I reassembled and reset the floats. Something is definitely amiss there. I have to crank the needle down almost to the point that it's flush with the top of the carb in order to set it correctly. That's both front and rear. I took it out for a ride and it's better. It likes the 6.5 in the front. I have better response and it pulls better at light to medium throttle. For the first time since I've had the car it had a consistent idle every time I came to a stop. Skies were threatening so I didn't go far but it is improved. I'll pick up a set of needle and seats tomorrow and see if they are any different. If not, I'll take it back apart and replace the floats and adjust as you suggested. With your help maybe I can get this squared away
Thanks for taking some time out on this Easter Sunday and helping!