Hi, all. I have a recently acquired '75 164 (automatic transmission), 49-state (non-Calif.) non-catalytic converter variety.

I've posted a digitized photo (sorry, the resolution isn't too great, but if you know what it is, it should be recognizable). Thirty years ago, I used to have a '73 164 that I bought new, but I don't remember this contraption, so I'm thinking that it must have been added in the '74 or '75 model year.

To help with the poor photo, I can describe that it's a big metal box, mounted beneath the windshield wiper motor, and it has two parts. The box itself seems to have several electric connectors (all unattached) on the front side (opposite the firewall). Underneath, there is a pipe (vacuum hose?), again with no hose attached. On the driver's side, there are two shielded rubber hoses (with metal "screw" connectors) going into it -- I have a sense that they contain pull cables, or perhaps some rotating cable (like a shifter or gas pedal cable, or speedometer cable, respectively), but I'm not sure. And the most peculiar thing is that there is also a huge "disk" structure, not unlike some sort of pressure (or vacuum) diaphragm housing on the driver's side, with a "pull-chain" (yes, like a hefty old-fashioned lamp pull chain, or a key chain) that comes out of it.

What is this?

I appreciate all help. Thanks.