Thanks for the comments!
Okay, probably the last update other than a for sale post.
So I replaced the temp guage and sending unit and I was still getting a hot reading on the guage. The radiator checked out okay, its a three core heavy duty. I replace the thermostat still no luck, put a new water pump on and still no luck. The volt meter came out and found my brand new Standard brand sending unit did not spec out.
Order a new one up, it came in today and guess what... it was better but still did meet the mark. So I pulled one out of my green 7 which I know is good and bingo! good to go.
So the next thing was an ugly aftermarket radio antenna hole. I welded the hole up very carefully and then skimmed it with some finish puddy
I used the same paint that I used for the dash and grill, turned out decent IMO.
Next was the this dreaded throw out bearing that has been hounding me since I put this thing together.
old verses new coming out of the bag.
New one in.
All buttoned up and ready to go!