Reply to "Cooling system questions"

Update: I put in the new PE fuse panel (the bottom couple of fuses on the OEM panel were barely held in) and topped up the cooling system a few times. B_dud also dropped by and helped me finish the fuse panel install and checked the electrical connections. I got the car out for a couple of rides, one of which was about 90 mins. At first I only thought one fan was running, but when it got hot enough both of them came on. Indicated temp on the gauge, which is definitely wrong (it reads 160 right after I crank it), topped out about 210. I used an infrared temp gun around the block and the radiator--readings topped out @ 190-200. At the end of the drives the coolant did not overflow or sound like it was boiling. Bottom line--I think I'm in a much better place! All of your ideas have given me a few more things to work on over the winter. Thanks all!