Sorry for the late update. I tackled this on July 22nd. I replaced the water pump, all hoses, thermostat housing, thermostat, radiator cap, belt, tensioner & idler pulley. I thought about the fan clutch but ended up keeping the old one for now.
I did end up pulling the radiator which made the task very tolerable. Only had one challenge, one of the locating nipples had sheared from the tensioner and was stuck in the block. Also apparently the tensioner was broken for who knows how long. Took me 4 hours'ish start to finish. I didn't feel like it took that long but it did, I thought was done so much quicker than I actually was, guess I was having fun???
How long has this been this way I wonder?
I was on the struggle bus for a bit on this little but of joy. But vice grips and a hammer were persuasive.
Got it out!
Cleaning it up and making ready for reassembly.
Started around 9:30 and was finished before 2pm. Also the garage was a little warm by the time I closed the hood, and the sun hadn't even got to that side of the house yet. Ugh.
All buttoned up and shake down run to the beach went without issue. Also... whens the last time you flew a kite??? Was gifted this Shark kite and not gonna lie, it was fun!