'80, not SelectDrive and never had cruise. O_o
I think it's to actuate the heater valve after all, turns out my heater valve did have a vacuum line going to it: it was just very stiff and thin enough to impersonate a pull cable.
So I'll have to relocate this vacuum reservoir because it had to be pulled out to make room for a fuel pressure regulator to drive my new carb. (Weber 32/36). I'll take and post pictures after everything is done -- as an aside I found a charcoal canister that fits the dimensions of the AMC one and should sub fine except that you have to tee the carb bowl vent and PCV because it's only got one input -- it's meant for an EFI GM truck, I believe.
Thanks for the help, everyone!
-Atma