Well I feel like an idiot, but at least I'm a satisfied idiot. Ground wire from the bottom of fan. There is power line to the fan, and a separate ground wire that connects to the bottom of the fan. 212* and I'm in business. With a new thermo switch and thermostat to boot!
Now on to splines...
Thanks, guys.
That's pretty funny but it's how it is with electrical stuff. I'm a zero or negative one when it comes to electrical so I know how you feel with the idiot thing.

. Great that you got it all fixed though