1979 Chevy 3/4 ton carb issue

I just purchased a 1979 Chevy Scottsdale 3/4 ton flatbed truck. The thing keeps flooding out. I pulled the air cleaner off and haqd my Dad start er up and gas flowed up and out of the carb. It came out of a small vertical tube at the front of the carb and up around a rod attached to a "rocker" also at the front of the carb. What I'd like to know is whether it is likely a carb rebuild will fix this, or would a rebuilt carb from Pep Boys be a better option? Also the engine appears to be a small V8, maybe a 283? I'm not savvy enough to tell. I also don't know the make of the carb. How do I tell? I wasn't able to trace the VIN successfully. Any good ideas with such meager detail? The truck runs really well after a bit, but I'm not too happy about the gas leak. My 83 year old Dad doesn't need an engine fire at 55 mph!  

Either the float is soaked, or the needle&seat isn't seating properly.  
It is probably a Rochester, a 2-jet if it's a 2 barrel, or a Quadrajet if its a 4 barrel.  On a 3/4ton v-8 truck, I'd bet on a Q-jet.

A quadrajet isn't that hard the rebuild.  The only big issue, is if the throttle shaft bushings are worn.  There should be a number stamped on the driver's side of the main body. It will start with a 70, or 170, depending on the age of the carb.  

As for the engine size, the casting number should be on the bellhousing lip, at the back of the block.  On the left side, IIRC. I doubt it's a 283.  Most likely, a tired 350.  There are bunches of sites on the net, that list block casting numbers.  Bounce the right member, and you can probably find them here.  
**********
1949 Chevy 1 1/2ton, home-built hydraulic wrecker.  Rustoleum industrial black, with flames.  Flamethrowers out 5" dual stacks.
1962 Chevy C-20, 402BB, 4-speed, 3.90 positrack. Hauls my camper.... among other things.

Go to www.mortec.com and compare your block numbers with their listings . It will pinpoint what you have .