Well time for an update.
The overheating issue has been narrowed down to air getting into the cooling system from the combustion side of the engine. This had been causing it to push coolant out through the overflow. For a true fix will require a full or partial rebuild.
As a temporary fix, I have installed a pressurized tank so that it will let some air out of the system first before pushing coolant out. While re-installing the thermostat, the bolt broke and required to be cut out. (Thanks ItsWill) The system will still get air trapped into the radiator, but its easier to fix and doesn’t require dumping a bunch of coolant into the system.
I got some new/used shocks and Tien springs from fidelity. I got the rear ones installed yesterday and that makes a huge difference in the drivability of the Vert. I was unable to get the fronts replaced becuase of the in ability to get the front lugnuts off. I am hoping to get to that this weekend. Otherwise the effort on this car has been slow.