My radiator appears to be the original from the markings on the tank. It's ugly, the top inlet is dented and out of shape. The transmission lines have been hacked with rubber hoses and the ports have brass elbows screwed in to accept the rubber hose connections. I've tried to make it leak free with no real success. It's much better, but it still "seeps", meaning, there's coolant leaking but I don't know where it's coming from. I can take it to a radiator shop near by and have it tested, maybe repaired- depends what they find- but is it worth it?

Has anyone dealt with something like this? Maybe I should just buy a new radiator? I'm just looking for feedback, all opinions welcome.
Sorry I don't have pictures at this time.

 

Older IS better...most of the time.
Take it to a known quality radiator shop that recores...if thats possible.

If ya cant find one then look at Dewitts. https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...inum-radiators
A USA made replacement radiator is worth its weight in gold."DeWitts™ aluminum radiators are assembled in Michigan and we control the manufacturing process in house". Not an ounce of china in that statement!

I haven't had to replace/recore an A body rad in years...way before singular bean counter choice of offshore junk.(vomit)
Both my 68 GM cars have their original radiators. Try that with plastic offshore junk.

Give these guys a call with the dimensions and outlet orientation see what they got

 

I had mine recored a few summers ago by Central Radiator in Pawtucket RI. When I priced it out it was cheaper to have it recored than finding something new, granted they are not far from me so it didn't involve any shipping. They had it done in a few days and it was nicely done plus I didn't have to mess around with making something else fit.

 

The brass fittings and rubber hoses on transmission cooler in the lower tank are the original design. When you replace them you'll see a swage on both metal lines to retain the rubber hose.

Use either power steering fluid return hose or transmission cooler hose, which are in reality the same thing.

 

I recently had a ’70 3-core radiator re-cored using original top and bottom rails and the bill was approximately 2.5 times more than your 2023 invoice. But it’s a beauty now!

 

Repairing the old one is the route I'd take if it is salvageable and not insanely priced.