would a bad rad cap leak fluid? or is there some other way to see that it is bad? No blow-off tank. The overflow is just a tube that runs down the front of the radiator and ends just above the bottom of the bumper. Good call on Ames. They have water pumps for $35 bucks which is hard for me to believe so I will call them to make sure it is the right one.

Looks like I am missing the lower baffels. Would these be "Core Support Filler Panels"? from the ames catalog. $99 a set..

Thanks again for the guidance. These old pontiacs seem to specialize in quirky!

Also a good call from Jim on turning the heat on temporarily. I saw that in a movie years ago (John Candy) and always wondered if that works. Unfortunately the heater in my bird doesnt work. The fan controls in the dash are junk and there just for looks. The interior needs some help but that is a project for another day... The important gauges work, the key turns, and the pedals work. Especially the gas! So 220+ is not bad. Maybe I need to revise my interpretation of "high temperature". Phew! I thought I did some damage! My manual says the stock (190deg) stat should be fully open at a temp not in excess of 222deg (their wording not mine). So I was assuming about 220deg was as hot as you would want to see. 220 is about where I start getting radiant heat burns on my feet too so I am good with <220 or I cant drive in sandals.