Thermostat

That would not fix overheating unless the thermostat is bad.

Yes.. you could just take the thermostat out.. but if the rad is pluged, it will still overheat. Also if the radiator is not a problem, then the engine will run cold.. ie. Bad milage, and could throw some computer codes related to lack of temp.. best put a t-stat in and if it overheats again feel the rad.. there should be no cold spots on thr fin part.. where the air goes through it.

Thanks. I’ll take your advise and just change the darn thing out, along with the gasket, etc. Besides, I need to sell it and I don’t want the new owner to have to deal with it.

I would also flush the system and install new coolant.

Yes.. good thinking with the flush.