Thanks Jim. I checked out some at that forum but didn't find my problem there, yet.
I have a pressure gauge hooked up, seems like I have too much pressure at idle. It's 115psi, never lower, in P, N, OD, and D. From most sources, that high pressure will not allow a 1st gear start, unless the trans has been modified for it. That's why I say most sources. I do have instant pressure rise when I touch the gas, so the adjustment on the TV cable should be close. With the cable connected, at ~1500 the pressures are up about 10 psi.
I read somewhere that if the pressure isn't lower than at least 90, it won't allow 1st gear starts. A check they said was to put it into neutral after a drive, then OD or D, and see if it starts in 1st. Mine will that way, but won't upshift out of 1st! Then next stop, starts in 2nd again then will upshift to 3rd, then sometimes 4th. Lock-up is a crap shoot.
I'm getting a carb spacer so I can be sure my geometry is perfect. If I can't with the spacer, then I'm changing the base plate, then I'll either go back to my original trans place or get a second opinion. I'm sure the connected pressure gauge will help.