I drove the 65 (283 4row and mech fan) to frys a few days ago, and wow did that thing get hot. I cruise around 3K on the way there. I have the stock SS temp guage, it doesn't have any numbers, just a c and h. It was probably about 80% H, which it never gets that high. When im just driving around time, it sits right in the middle. I read somewhere that a lower radiator hose can cause problem, at upper rpms, but I don't think 3k is an upper rpms.

I think Im running mostly water. Should I try adding more coolant or water wetter?

Assuming that the temp indicator is reasonably accurate, I'd suspect thermostat. I have changed two of them this year. First was a three years-old Robertshaw 195* that was not closing and engine was not warming up promptly. Second was a Stant 185* that stuck closed or close to it one evening. Newest one is a CarQuest cheapo model (probably made by stant), and it works perfect. Coolant is not a factor, nor is lower hose likely a factor. 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water is what most people should use and works just fine for cooling and corrosion control.
My $0.02

I've had this problem before way back when. I tried new fan clutch, a better fan shroud, new T-stat, new Lower radiator hose, new water pump...whew! When it was all said and done. It was the radiator it was (corroded) clogged. If it's clogged its all good until you start generating more BTU's than it can effectively cool, guaranteeing your heat will slowly creeeepp :D From what I remember, for me the best way to check it was to get it up to temp then reach down and feel the core and side tanks for cool spots. HTH
Now if I have a heat problem the radiator is the first thing I replace LOL! j/k

well the radiator is new. Is there a way i can check the t-stat?

well the radiator is new. Is there a way i can check the t-stat?Pull it out and drop it in a pot of water with a cooking thermometer. Heat it up and see what temperature it opens at. However, I doubt that is the problem since the engine stays cool while city driving. I suggest trying a different gauge. I guess nothing is blocking air flow through the radiator.

You might check the ignition timing. Late timing can cause an engine to run hot.

When i timed it last time, i was running 50 or something with the vacuum advance. It sill needs a little more initial advance, but I need to give it less vac advance.

Does yur lower radiator hose have a spring in it? If not, the water pump at higher rpm's can cause it to suck it self shut.

If it doesn't ping at part throttle, 50+ degrees advance w/ the vaccum advance functioning is NOT a problem.

Check to make sure the fan is not on backwards. This is hard to find out if you're not deliberately looking for it and will cause the problem you have.

Are you sure there's a t-stat in there? SBCs can have weird overheating issues with no thermostat.