overflow tank/reservoir

But when its hot shouldnt the coolant expand and fill up the extra inch?
Yes fluid expands when hot. Here's my story....
I paid too much for a completely restored radiator for my 67. At install I filled it to the brim. At the cruise-in and switch off it dumped about 2 cups of coolant. Did I say embarrassing? Explained to wife that there wasn't a problem, just a mistake, and assured her that this wont ever happen again.