[zrickety]

just keep an eye on the temp gauge. it's not bad unless the temp goes high. if it's really cold and you need some heat, use a piece of cardboard to block off part of the radiator.
you can test the circuit anytime by using a jumper at the temp switch...if the fan doesn't come on you'll need to repair something

 

[zrickety]

the radiator won't get hot enough for it to catch fire. it may get hot, but it will never burn. i used to wedge my cardboard between the radiator and the T-bar/hood support.
i left a gap on the fan side just in case it ever came on, but in really cold weather it's not an issue.