i posted earlier and everyone was great with suggestions- i need to get at the distributor and the haynes manual doesnt show me a good pic- can anyone suggest best way to get at it and what tool to turn it? my timing is off and am thinking that is why it is overheating w/in 20 mins of idling...

 

I suggested this on the other thread. Your normal parts store carries a distributor wrench. It's kind of L shaped and makes the whole job WAY easier. Less than $10 most likely You want the 9/16, but usually comes with a 1/2 as well

 

I just use a 9/16" crowsfoot on an extension.

 

Look under the nose from the side, see if the black plastic secondary airdam is still directly under the radiator. It may have been torn off. If it is still there, view it from in front to look for damage.
Retarded timing typically comes from timing chain stretch, and typically does cause overheating.
Be sure to disconnect the tan wire with black stripe, near the A/C stuff, before setting the timing, and be sure to re-connect it afterwards.
If the timing is way off, more than maybe 4 degrees, consider a new timing set. I suggest the Cloyes Street Roller.