Rocky suggested to mount the sensor on the motor near the water pump where a pipe plug exists. This plug has been sealed since the car was new and does not want to budge. I've tried everything, but no movement. About two inches away is a similar plug, but located on the waterpump. The water pump is relatively new and this plug will turn. Is that a potential location for the sensor?
Larry, I thank you for your explanation. My car does run very cool since the big Fluidine aluminum radiator and sucker fans were installed, but I never drove in a parade for an hour or so at slower than walking speed. This made me nervous about going out there 'unprotected' without a working temperature gauge. All was not lost, I drove a friend's big block 65 Vette with side pipes. It's fairly loud too.
Thank you for everybodies help.
Tom