I don't know that much about radiators / and what it takes to repair them, but earlier this year the radiator in my '98 GMC P/U developed a stress crack on one side near the fill opening... the dealer suggested just having that side of the radiator replaced. Apparent, everything except the coolong coils and the cap is is made of a heat resistant plastic and was just a matter of taking it off and crimping in a new part. Supposedly saves money doing it that way. I finally decided to go with a new radiator as I may be driving this truck for a long while and the new radiator had have a longer warranty. But is was over $400+ gettng the job done.... OUCH!
You should have asked! I can get radiators for a great price I could have saved you a little $$