I've done this as well. In my case, I picked up the valve from a local store to the tune of about $25. The cable I picked up to go with it is a simple manual choke conversion cable. Pull out for heat and push in for cold. Simple and effective.

I'm no where near the car now, or I'd supply the part number for the valve.

__________________
- K.C.Adams

'77 300D Euro Delivery
OM617 turbo / 4-speed swap
404 Milanbraun Metallic / 134 Dattel MB-Tex

Current status:
* Undergoing body work

My '77 300D progress thread