Classic/Antique Car Repair: Hot Rad, pontiac laurentian, bars stop leak

Question
Hi Roger
A new problem with my 64 Pontiac Laurentian 230 6 cyl.
Last weekend I did a flush and fill as the coolant looked dirty.There were black pellets floating around,which looked like 'Barsleaks' had been added by the last owner.
After that I went for a spin and proceeded to blow the big rad hose!
I took it to the local garage and the pressure tested good.The temperature gauge on the dash doesnt work,but the mechanic thought the engine wasnt overheating.He drained a bit of coolant after running the engine for five minutes, and it was just warm-not hot.The rad itself though got really hot to the touch after only a couple minutes.
He said its almost ipossible to find a salvage rad,and it would cost over three hundred to fabricate a new one.He wasnt  100% sure if it was a rad problem.What do you think? Thanks!

Answer
Barry;
HI- well the first thing I would do is remove the thermastat and replace it.If there was bars stop leak in it and still floting around the thermastat might be all gummed up. also check all hoses and clamps and try a new rad cap. see if that helps you out. also I do not think that a new RAD. should cost you over  $ 150.00 .Or  You can have yours re-cored or you can try ( JC Whitney.com ) and tell them I sent you, they sell them at around 100.00 for a new one.
and free S & H ok.>>>