I just called the radiator shop and they told me that when the plastic tank splits on a radiator you are basically SOL. Since I was also told for a long time that you couldn't rebuild a Camaro waterpump either, I thought I'd ask before it went into the recycle bin. Does anybody make aftermarket plastic side tanks for these things?

 

The radiator shop can replace the side tanks.....

 

Replacing the side tanks seemed to be the way to go but the shop I called said it couldn't be done. Maybe I should call some others.

 

The shops don't like to do it because the "tabs" that hold the tanks on have to be straighten and rebent. Some times they brake off, so the shop is stuck replacing the rad. anyway. It's just easier for them to replace the rad. and cheaper.

 

find a cheap cheap used one with at least the tank you need being good, bend all the tabs out and swap tanks over. There is just a rubber seal and some use a little adhesive. clean the little channel with the seal sits. clean the old adhesive off the seal, then take some good quality black gasket maker and run a bead around where the seal goes. Set the seal and tank in place, rebend tabs tightly around tank. Set it close to a heater over night and it should be good to go. We just fixed one like this and its better than it was before it started leaking.