Radiator Top Plate cracked...repair or replace?

[Magconpres]

I'm in the process of rebuilding a 93 3.0, 4WD, 5spd.

Dropped the radiator off at a shop to have it pressure tested and cleaned.

They called today and says it has some cracks in the top plate.

$130 to repair the cracks and retest (that's on top of the $55 for the original test and clean).

I like the idea of using Toyota parts, but a new radiator is outside of my budget...at least for now.

Replacing this with an after market aluminum unit will cost about the same, but I would have my old one back to repair later, possibly myself.

My concern with fixing this one is that it will just continue to crack or have other issues given it's age.

Other than the top plate cracks, the shop doesn't think there's anything else wrong with it, but they can't say for sure until the cracks are repaired.

Any advice?

Thanks.

 

[MaLarryYa]

I'd replace with a decent 2-3 core aluminum radiator and call it a day.
If you're a purist, replace it later and sell the other one.
I run a 3 core and find myself cooling too much, being kicked out of overdrive when it's 60 degrees or lower outside- I'm not complaining.