OK..... local hot rod shop saved my butt and was able to save the bung that I screwed up. Radiator is in. :-) Now, I don't think the t-stat is opening, or the temp sender is off as the temp gauge is climbing to 230 degrees, but the radiator is cool - no flow.

Think I'll pull the t-stat and leave it out for now to know for sure I am flowing coolant and put in the old sender and see what happens....then maybe I can get to timing it in and see about that high idle.....

David