Hmm...Im a bit confused on where I mentioned I was having an overheating problem...

I took the old radiator in to get a proper deep cleaning and inspection from one of the local experts in my area. I also wanted the draining petcock repaired a bit better as it looked as though the prior owner had "boogered" it was some jb weld, especially since it wasn't drain properly.

After the radiator was deep cleaned, and the pet [censored] repaired properly, the tank was pressure tested and inspected. It was found to have multiple leaks in different areas. The old guy told me he could fix it, but, for what it would cost I'd be better off getting a new once since odds are that there were probably other leaks in the not so distant future.

There wasn't an overheating element to this problem... just a simple case of an old worn out radiator and the advice of someone working in the field for over 40 yrs to get a new one.

I submitted a Q to the forum asking for input on suggestions for a decent replacement. Cost was an issue as I wanted to stay under $400. I had already gone the cheap local Autozone route and twice the new radiator was either damaged, or the wrong make/model when it arrived.

So, I opted to go a a bit more expensive then the standard $250 and splurged for a $400 aluminum... I'll find out in the hopefully not to distant future if it was worth the extra $150 or not. Looks weren't the issue... longevity and cooling ability were.

Thanks again everyone for the alum vs brass debate...