Bill, If you look on the new thermostat housing, it comes with the seal already on. It just sits in place, in the grove.

And guys, I am sure everyone has their own specific and different ways of doing this. I feel most comfortable and confident of doing it this way for my own vehicles.

Dave, the heater hoses were warm, not extremely hot, because I was constantly filling with cold water. You could feel heat coming out of the dash vents so I know it was circulating through the core.

Thanks guys.