i took the car out for a ride to get some gas tonite. its not registered or anything so i dont take it out much. but anyways, it got pretty hot on the way back, about 7/8th up the bar. whats wrong? i didnt dog it or anything, just one or two trips to redline. is there anything i should check out immediately?

 

7/8 to 'HOT' you mean? That would be really hot... I would look into a blocked thermostat, bad fan or fan relay, leaking coolant, old coolant, blocked coolant passage or leaky radiator or hose.

Have it checked out and don't drive it no more til it's fixed. If it ever gets too close to 'HOT' mark, pull over and tow it.