To Stat or NOT to Stat...That is the Question?

Need input from you guys on whether to keep my thermostat or remove it. Some have told me to keep and others told me to remove it. I've flushed the radiator & put 50/50 Antifreeze in her, new thermostat & new gasket...but she's running hot! What to do?

1962 Dodge Lancer GT: she has a working heater, but no A/C (yet).