helllp with cooling issue

Green1 - I will try this the next time I get the car out and report back to you (might be a week or so).
72golddustermike - I have a new 2 row radiator from Advance...
Trailbeast - I do not hear it gurgling when I shut it off. I have a coolant recovery bottle hooked up, so I don't know if I would. I cannot tell if it puts any coolant into the bottle either as I am battling the various small leaks at the thermostat housing and temp. sensor. I am reluctant to call it a misreading on the gauge since that is what my i.r. thermometer also reads. By the way, it is a '72 Duster so the radiator is about 18-19" wide.
red67gts - I will be looking at that option and thanks for the tip. Are you using fan shrouds with these radiators?

Tonight (while the wife is out) I plan to test the thermostat on the stove. It should also provide a check for the i.r. thermometer. I also plan to check the thermostat housing for flatness and decide whether to try one more time with a paper gasket or go for a new housing with an O ring. I see that Summit carries one (90820) for about $45.
Keep the suggestions coming, and I'll keep reporting back!
C