Weak idle to nothin

If it ever runs smoothly in any mode (idel, cruise, etc.) then it is not the pushrods. Bent pushrod(s) make the car run rough 'til they are fixed.

You mentioned a funny smell to the gas. Can you please describe?

You need to pull the line to the carb and see if the fuel pumps freely when you crank the car. Your last symptoms sound like the fuel supply is being limited/blocked.
- Crud in the tank plugging the fuel inlet. An adult with normal lung pressure ought to be able to blow through the line back into the tank easily.
- Rubber hose soft and collapses to the fuel pumps; there are 2 hose before the pump: 1 at the pump inlet and another coming right out of the tank