The weird thing is it was running just fine (except for that temp needle pointing north thing) the engine didn't seem hot, valve cover was warm, hoses and radiator warm, no steam, no leaks. Thats why I thought it might be the gauge. When I let it cool down and restarted and the bottom hose stayed cool I figured it was the thermostat.

I think I will try just having the thermostat replaced. If it's broke it aint getting broker.