Hi Spencer

Did you confirm if the fuel pump is working and if there is gas in the carb? If you say there's spark, sure sounds like there's no fuel then. You only need fuel and spark to get some life.

There is no window on the bowl, I'm sure. Other then opening it up, there is no other way to tell if there's fuel in the bowl except thru the jet hole. In my experience from a completely dry bowl, it takes about 5 -10 secs of cranking to get it started.

You mentioned "build up" - is this blocking the bowl needle valve? Try blowing thru it?

What is the history of this car that led to it not starting?

Oreo