1982 308 thermostat replacement question

Is it easier to replace the thermostat by starting from the top down i.e. through the bonnet or by going through the wheel well opening?

 

Thank you.It's a simple replacement but a mother to disassemble everything to get to the thermostat. I replaced the temperature sending unit at the bottom of the radiator today as the first part of my troubleshooting also replaced both fan relays.

 

That's what I meant. I've had problems with overheating and the fans not coming on. I connected the two leads on the old fan switch as suggested by Birdman but the fans would not come on with the ignition on. Relays also replaced. Thermostat next. Used an 82 degree C fan switch and using an 82 degree thermostat. Hot! is an understatement here in Nevada.

 

The fans do not come on when I jump the leads on the fan switch. As a process of elimination I have replaced the fan switch with an 82 degree C fan switch and replaced the fan relays and the fan fuses. Right now I'm also replacing the thermostat with an 82 degree C unit. The driver's side fan does come on when I turn on the air conditioner so I believe the fan motors are O.K.