I think the thermostat doesn't move the flaps after
engine warm-up.  It just helps the warm-up happen
faster.

How about an old-fashioned "choke cable" from under
the driver seat to move the flaps?  Do they even
make choke cables anymore?  I put one on my '61 bus
when the Solex choke didn't work right....

I think I have the bug thermostat on my '81.  Is that
NLA, too?

Richard