On a 74 F100 (no AC, 390 engine) is there supposed to be a sort of saddle retainer on the intake manifold, by the carburetor, for one of the heater hoses - the one that goes directly to the water pump?

 

if you don't have electric assist choke, there probably should be...it uses the same 3 screws as the choke cover...

 

The bracket or "saddle" as you call it mounts on the carb and positions the heater hose next to the choke cap so it transfers heat to the bimetallic coil within.

.... this is of course on thermostatic choke on an OEM carb.

 

Got it. So I've got an aftermarket electric assist choke so shouldn't need one. Just thought about how to neatly route the hose in that position so it hugged the intake manifold. Honestly, I could probably make something out of 20 gauge steel or so that may work.