Follow-up,
I ordered a "genuine" Honda T-stat on eBay from a dealer in Seattle, Washington. After removing the Tupperware in 90°F (32°C) heat on a residential street(major ordeal for these old bones), I gave the old rig another start to give it another look with fresh eyes. I figured on another common cause/easy fix is the fan switch. Unfortunately, the switch is not stocked by dealers in the Chicagoland area, so once again I ordered the part from the Seattle dealer on eBay. For a heads up I discovered the overflow line at the Radiator cap housing was corroded shut. That issue was easily dealt with using a small drill bit to punch through the corrosion. I also found another issue common with this model rig, leaky vacuum fuel valve. For now I will probably bypass the valve. I will keep the forum apprised of my ongoing adventure. thx all to date.