Technical TEMPERATURE

We are still sorting out our '30 roadster. It's powered by a '58 348. The radiator had a leak and--turned out--a lot of old, patched leaks. We had a new radiator built and replaced the thermostat (with a 165 degree unit--same as what was on it). We have a 10 pound cap on it. The temperature gauge reads 200 degrees when we're running on open road (with the temperature in the upper 80's-low 90's) but climbs to 220-225 degrees in traffic or idling for any period of time.
Questions:
1. Is this too hot if indeed the gauge is accurate?
2. How can we check the accuracy of the gauge or determine the true temp?
3. Other than adding an electric fan, is there anything we can do to run cooler?

Also, on a different note, Jack and I would really like to join a hot rod club in Portland--anyone belong to or know of one? My uncle, Bill Hoffman (Google his '53 Chevy!) was a Road Knight but the club is long gone.

Thanks in advance for advice--

Eric

 

Is the motor fresh? It may run cooler overtime.
220-225 is getting a little warm in my estimation, 210 probably wouldn't be bad for a max temp.
1. Tune
Timing - make sure its right
Fuel ratio - make sure it not too lean
Plugs - make sure they look like they are burning right

2. Fan
Diameter - as large as possible with hitting anything
Pitch - as much as possible
Blades - as many as possible (from 4-5 or?)
Distance - as close as possible. 3/4-1" from radiator.

3. Shroud
Do the above first and if still hot build a shroud

4. Electric fan
Last resort from a traditional open hood 30's era car like your. (It would probably be the second thing I would do with a late 30's 40's 50's car

 

The blown 427 in my Chevy II runs about 10 degrees warmer than that....and I'm going to live with it, as there isn't much I can do to fix it.

Best thing might be to get a gauge that doesn't have numbers, just C and H. Like my other cars all do. It's not so worrisome if the gauge never gets completely all the way to Hot.

 

Go to harbor freight and get an Infrared lazer heat gun. Read the top tank then read the bottom tank and compare those readings to the gauge!!