Totally a hypothetical question ;)

Just to clear things up, the 500 miles did have the linkage on it, just no return spring. I also drove some in-town with it off without knowing. When last parked I was changing the trans filter and fluid, also working on the carb. That's when I noticed the kickdown was missing. At that time, it was no worse than when I picked it up and there was nothing to speak of in the pan. So basically I'm hopeful. Thanks everybody for the information. I've already hooked up the new linkage, correctly this time. When I get the interior back in next week I'll for sure test drive. It should shift better than it has since I started driving it!