I think I need a new radiator....
Well guys I ran by a radiator shop today and had a long conversation with the owner. Turns out he's my age but we went to different schools.
He thinks I can use a 3 row in my 1972 stepside without any issues but only because I don't have AC and they don't make 2 row radiators anymore. When I told him that I had a fair amount of calcium both on the inside and some on the outside where the tubes meet the sides, he says that's a good sign that the radiator is badly rusted and it is the calcium buildup itself that's actually preventing leaks. Once I had that cleaned out the unit will likely begin to leak.
So....I guess I need to go ahead and get a new radiator.
I don't feel too bad about all this expense as well, all this stuff really should have been done long ago and it's a good learning experience for me.
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