the radiator hose going into block

Doesn't matter. For overheating issues, check the radiator cooling fins to see if they're corroding away. Be sure the plastic shroud is in place behind the radiator. Check for the rubber weatherstrip along the front edge under the hood and be sure it seals to the core support above the radiator.

Feel all parts of the radiator. If one section is cooler than the rest, it is likely plugged. Be sure it's the correct radiator for the car model and engine. Look for any place air can go through that bypasses the radiator. Large engines require a three-core radiator instead of the common two-core. That's the number of rows of tubes counting from front to back.