Pontiac Repair: 96 Antifreeze leak, radiator repair shop, antifreeze leak

Question
I have a 96 Grand Am that is suddenly leaking antifreeze. It overheated on the way to work the other day. I parked it, got a ride to work. Later that night, a friend and I went and put liquid metal into the reservoir then added more antifreeze. It worked, I got the car home and even drove it to work the next day. That night, i parked my car at my friends apt and all my antifreeze started leaking again. I immediately lifted up my hood and saw that there was a crack on the drivers side of the radiator where it is leaking. I bought and put on a sealant. Is this going to work? Will I have to spend MORE money to replace the radiator? (I've spent thousands of dollars to repair this car!!) About how much will replacing the radiator going to cost me? Thanks!

Answer
Hi
I am sure the crack is in the plastic tank, as you can see it. I personally, have never had any PERMENANT success with any type of "Over the counter" repair items that are poured or added to any part of an automotive system. Especially the Cooling system and it deals with both heat AND pressure. You can either take the vehicle to a radiator repair shop and see if they can replace just the tank that is leaking.
You can, as you already realize, shop around, get the best price on a radiator and have it installed. If you know a mechanic, you may be able to save a little money and have them pull radiator out and send it to the radiator shop, may save a few dollars. You may also save a few dollars by pricing radiators and then purchasing a new  radiator at your local Auto Parts store, and then finding a repair facility that would install it for you. Not all places will install customer supplied parts, but some do.
As for cost, it depends on the price of radiator, and the labor rate for your area. They may charge you anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours labor, from what my labor time guide states. Again each shops are individuals so there are alot of varibles.
Use caution when dealing with the Cooling system.
I hope this helps.
Hope everything works out.
Just suggestions from experience.
Good Luck
Paul