I'm running basically the same setup in my 54 truck with a 1960 235 engine, same temp thermostat and a/c and my truck rarely goes over the 180 mark.

A couple things come to mind:

1. I'd check with an infrared hand-held thermometer to verify that it is actually overheating.

2. Are you sure you got the cooling system topped off. "Burping" the system and getting it full to just over the top of the radiator core is critical to keeping her running cool.

3. A couple factors will make a difference. If your running a stock driveline and running at higher speeds you might be overspeeding your waterpump and cavitating. Also, if your engine is a later model 235 with a "short" pump you may have some issues.

A little more info on your setup would help sort things out.

Dave


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