i recently replaced the thermostat in my 289 and today after idling for 10 mins. or so the radiator hose became extremely hot as well as the top of the radiator. and i mean HOT
any ideas?

 

The first thing that came to my mind is that you put the thermostat in upside down. The longest part goes down. Here is a pic.

 

Yup, that sounds like the problem. Did you look at your gauge?

 

Theyre supposed to be hot. Dont touch them.

What did your temp gauge say?

 

temp gauge stayed at almost halfway (not quite)
maybe its just me worryin too much and yea, i kno they are supposed to be pretty hot.

and so the side witht the curve goes toward the radiator and the flat side goes to the intake manifold correct

 

Just like in the picture above