[BigRedSled1985]

thanks for the info/advice, i felt the same way about the junkyard radiators (i.e. seemed the cheapest way to just "check things out" but leary of getting other issues with it) but the CFC idea may be a good way to get a vehicle that was sound upon arrival. I was also thinking of looking for something towed in for a nice right or left side t-bone that did not have damage to the front so i know it was running when it got creamed, and hoepfully is still in possesion of a good radiator. I am still unsure if other year-model radiators will fit mine, does anyone know where i can cross-reference the radiators to see if they fit the same as mine, in case i run across a radiator iin another year c-10 (or even another model that may be better than the one i had i.e. more rows more HD unit) that would fit my truck?

BigBlocksRule, besides the usual clouds of oily smoke that i believe would follow a cooked ring issue, anything else to look for that would show me i might have that problem? i don't have compression equipment to check that, but obviously could "loan-a-tool" from somewhere to check if that would show it.

thanks again for the info so far and for any additional help coming!

shaun