radiator leaking

[Bossjoe]

Hi. I'm "restoring" a 1968 250 SL. It sat in the barn for almost 20 years. Among other things, the radiator is leaking in at least 2 places, toward the bottom - one on each side. It's definately the radiator, not a loose or broken hose. The fins on the radiator are a bit brittle, but otherwise in good shape. I'm only moderately knowledgable about auto repair, but far from an expert. So I'm asking for opinons, I hear that there are additives that can plug leaks, I'm guessing that I can have it repaired, or I could buy a new one. What are your thoughts? For what it's worth, I'm 2 bolts away from being able to remove it. The hood is off and there's no A/C.

Thank you,

[Tycoon]

 Bossjoe,
Radiator core leaks can be repaired, as the metal tubes can be soldered for pin-holes at a professional rad shop, if the rest of the rad is in decent condition. The best way to know if the rad has any life left is to place your index finger on the copper fins and move the fins up and down ( vertically) and see if they are still attached to the adjacent tubes through which the antifreeze flows through. If the fins have detached themselves from the adjacent tubing and you are able to wiggle them loose, the rad is cooked! Your options are a re-core or if affordable, a replacement rad. If you have a transmission oil cooler ( automatic), re-core would likely be cheaper. Rad flush should be done at that time, as well.

[Bossjoe]

Thank you Tycoon!

[Iconic]

If a known good radiator is punctured by an object, then I might consider repairing the core, but generally, if it is leaking due to age/neglect then in my opinion it should be re-cored or replaced since if you repair the leaks, you will get new leaks soon due to the age/neglect.
Re-coring is a less expensive venture than replacement, and you can have a larger core put in (3 core vs. the standard 2 core) which will provide more cooling.
My opinion is to re-core the radiator and you won't have to deal with that again if properly maintained.
I have a radiator in a car that was re-cored in 1977, I've changed the fluid regularly since then and that radiator is still sound.

[Bossjoe]

Thank you Iconic.

[specracer]

I had mine recored last week, mine had been messed with, and was time. The result is really nice.