Hey Guys,
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I thought the vacuum line to the modulator came from the throttle body on the carb., not the manifold. I don't know, but there might be a different level of vacuum there.
There definately should be a mechanical kickdown. If you put the shift lever into low range and left it there, this would over-ride the trans. upshift and you could wind the 'Glide out to about 90 mph. in standard trim.
Bob