In a message dated 98-04-30 18:39:10 EDT, you write:

>  1. Control mounted on the steering column

This might be more accurately described as the "driver input switches".  The
switches here are inputs to the controller which is sometimes the box with all
the wires running to it.  Sometimes the controller is mounted as a part of the
actuator.

>          2. Twisted pair of wires that goes from the bottom of the
>          steering column, under the chassis, to a doodad on the rear axle.

That doodad would be the speed sensor.  Usually with this type of sensor,
several magnets are attached to an axle hub or driveshaft.  A sensor is placed
adjacent to the magnets which senses the presence of the magnets and sends a
signal to the controller proportional to the frequency of the magnets passing
by.  This signal is also, of course, proportional to the speed of the vehicle.

>          3. A black can with a couple of vacuum hoses attached.

This would be the throttle actuator.  It is a vacuum driven device which has
the ability to pull the throttle open with a cable.  Sometimes these also have
the controller installed in them as well.  The controller gets inputs from the
speed sensor and the opeator switches and adjusts the tension on the cable to
make the speed stay constant.

>  I can't find anything attached to the throttle linkage, which I expected to
>  find.  Should there be something there?

Yes.  A cable should be attached to the throttle and lead to the actuator.

>How does the system work?

See above.

>What advice would you offer (other than strip it off and throw it away) to
get
>  the system working again?  Or should I scrap it and replace it with a
>  different device?

Well, if you can find each of these items and identify them, you stand a
chance of making it work.  What brand is it?  Is there a seperate controller
box with wires to power, speed sensor, and actuator?  What does the driver
switch assembly look like, most are a "stalk" arrangement and a couple other
used a rectangular "pad" shaped thing.

>What would be a good source and price?

I think JCWhitney sells several in the $70 to $100 range.

Regards,
Jim Davis