Sucky brakes

You describe going from "no to full braking" which sort of indicates that the booster might be OK

Try pumping the brakes with the engine running, stopped. Does the pedal come "up" some? This could indicate rear brakes out of adjustment

Very first thing I'd check is the fluid level in the master cylinder.

Rears should be self adjusting, but this does not mean they are 'self adjusted'

Jack up the rears, and play with the adjusters one way will move the adjuster and "click" the self adjuster ratchet. Spin the rear wheels and adjust them up until they start to drag. See if that raises the pedal some

Frankly, as old as these girls are, it might be time for a full on brake inspection, stem to stern. Try to determine, IE ask previous owner, or inspect brakes. See what you have for pad wear, inspect for any leaks

About the first thing you should be doing is searching the www for either a CD or paper reprint of the proper service manual. You can download some here, but there is nothing new enough for 74