OK....the 1955 SHop Manual suggests either a 165 or 180 degree thermostat, which I need to replace due to not getting to temperature and no heat.

What does everyone suggest, as either one needs to be ordered from the supplier here on island, therefore I want to tbe sure I order the correct one.

Thanks

the optimal running temperature for all vehicles is around 88* celcius. this promotes better emmisions and allows the fuel/air mixture to burn more completely. this translates into about 180-190*F.

If you are not getting to the right temp, with the lower setting temperature, you should definitely go with the higher temp thermostat. Keep in mind that you may not be achieving optimium cooling conditions because of pinhole leaks in the radiator or a weakened radiator cap. BTW, If you are not getting heat, you may also have a bad heater valve.

Right now the heater fan is not working, but I can't get it into a garage yet to check that out, and the weather sucks (raining heavily right now) so I am not working outside. The previous owner said that it just started to not get up to temperature, during the week before I bought it, and the system is full of fluid, which is why I thoguht it might be the thermostat.