Classic/Antique Car Repair: thermostat on 68 t-bird, upper radiator hose, thermostat

Question
Hey-  I'm wondering where the thermostat is on my car and how I can check to see if it's working properly.  1968 t-bird  429

Answer
On your car at the engine end of the upper radiator hose there is a connection/housing that is screwed/bolted to the intake manifold. The thermostat is in that housing. To check the thermostat I usually remove it and put it in a pan of water on the stove with a thermometer in the pan as well. The turn the stove on and watch the thermostat and the thermometer. the thermostat should start to open about 185 to 190 degrees for a 190 degree unit and 175 to 180 for a 180 degree unit. The opening temperature is usually stamped on one end of the thermostat. The thermostat should close at about the same temperatures and be full open above these temperatures.
Brad