HI Rusty, FWIW, yesterday, I took out the thermostat and put the plug back
in (previously tapped)(it is easy to tap, but be gentle and don't go too
deep-- 1/2"NPT).  

===>  Great, I'll be waiting to hear how it works, while safely on the
ground :-)  I tapped my bypass hole today, and installed an aluminum plug.
I also installed the Earls thermostat housing that Ed put me onto, and it
worked fairly well.  I had to file out the holes just a bit, but that was
all. It's all sealed up now, with NO thermostat.  

I also picked up some water wetter today.  I figure with a big aluminum
radiator, distilled water, water wetter, no thermostat, and a strong cooling
fan, I'll be making ice cubes.  Just need to design a dispenser now :-)

Rusty