[Squidward]

Thanks, all. I think you may be on to something. I cleaned out the tube going from the carb to the vacuum modulator, and checked that the vac hoses were ok. I think I found a leak. Anyways, when reinstalling the tube I think I scooped up a heap of gunk into the end of it, because now it won't get out of first gear (symptoms got worse!). I'm gonna replace all my vacuum hoses just to be sure and because they probably need it! I curently have the line connected to the carb vac port on the front drivers side down at the base near the intake. Is this what you mean by "ported" vacuum?

"...ridge reamer and ring compressor? Do they have tools like that?"