I managed to get the car where I could drive it 10 or so miles and same behavior on warm up, but the temp fell slightly above mid range on the gauge once the car was moving.

Granted this was on a cool day (40-50*). When I got home, I pegged some areas with the thermometer.

- WP housing 165* +- 5*
- right at sender unit 135*
- engine heads near intake 160*
- radiator near inlet (upper hose) 125*
- radiator near outlet (lower hose) 90*