Found my dads original 1971 duster!

@dads71 , @missing linc makes a really good point here, if you compare his gauges, his dash gauge is right in the middle and his actual temp gauge is reading about 160ish(beauty temp). Your dash gauge when right in the middle is reading 215(definitely high) according to the temperature you took. So the accuracy of his dash gauge can also be debated; it has always been my personal experience that a factory gauge(in whatever vehicle) will show less then half when at a good running temp, and yet his is showing half way when hes operating at a respectable 160ish. Ive always found with a dash gauge, if you are showing half, you are running hot. And that may be the point hes trying to make :) But of course that can vary from vehicle to vehicle.
This is a a good example of inconsistency, and how you should always go with an actual temp gauge for an actual true reading.
Ive had a couple of beers, I hope Im explaining my point clearly. :)