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First some easy-to-cure subjects:
New or reconditioned engine
New parts fit tight. So allow the engine to break in gently. Follow the recommendations of the re builder. If you live in a hot climate try the evening , night or early morning to put some miles on the odometer. Don't force the engine. Slow down if the temperature exceeds.
Mixture too lean
Check your Carburettor and Ignition settings. Make sure your Carburettor is a good condition and is well adjusted. It's not as difficult as it seems. If you have or want to buy an exchange Distributor look carefully for the specifications of the advance parameters (i.e. the Type number). Also check that the springs of the centrifugal advance are tight and the whole advance system is not seized.
Now following some other tips and ideas to get rid of the heat.
Radiator
Make sure your Radiator isn't blocked. Follow the recommendations of most of the coolant manufactures and flush it every 2 years. The you can flush it reverse too, to make sure that no debris is left in the system.
If the Radiator itself is damaged (missing or bent ribs) go for an exchange unit. If you live in a hot climate try a BIG Radiator. A racing radiator is offered by MINI MANIA (1-800-94-MANIA)(They have a Web Page) in California that they really brag about. (About $500 last resort?)
Thermostat
Experiment with different Thermostat's. Only if there's no other choice use a blanking sleeve instead of a Thermostat. Never run the engine without a restriction. The pressure in the engine is well calculated and disturbing it may cause damage as some smaller cool channels won't get the full flow.
Always bear in mind the an Engine needs a certain operating temperature and forcing a cold Engine to high revs is as bad as overheating an Engine.
Fan
An Engine Driven Fan is a must! Multi-bladed engine driven fans move more air than electric fans every time (except at idle)! Also there is very little space for an Electric Fan if you will fit an Oil cooler. Make sure if you have no Radiator Fan Shroud to duct the fan, that the fan is no more than half an inch from the radiator. If a fan shroud hugs the fan, make sure that the fan protrudes about one third to one half of the fan blade thickness into the shroud.
If you own a North American model with a viscose coupled fan, change to the UK type of Water Pump which has no slip. And obvious to say, use the Multi-bladed Hot Climate Fan and not the 3 bladed standard version.
Additional Ventilation
Make louvres or outlet holes at the windscreen end of the bonnet. Take a closer look to the Sebring Sprites for an example how it's done there.
As an alternative to louvres in the bonnet, consider adding them to the sides of the front wings, above the MIDGET lettering and just in front of the windscreen post.
This will keep those cavities inside the fender from acting as air brakes, and gives the hot air another way to exit the engine compartment besides going down the trans tunnel. It will also help keep the cockpit cooler.
Oil cooler
See the section about Oil coolers and Oil in this FAQ.