Replacing leaking radiator

[rjg1987gn]

My 87 GN stock original radiator has developed a small pinhole leak in the pass side tank. The car has 40k miles and engine, etc are all stock, no chips.
I am going to replace the rad with an Alradco alum black painted rad. While replacing rad , I am also going to replace upper and lower rad hoses as well install a new 160 degree thermostat. Is there anything I should be aware of when removing the old rad or with the install of the new rad? Should I consider replacing anything else?

Thanks

 

[Phoneguy]

I would replace the S hose (bypass hose) with the silicon hose from Gbodyparts.

Bryan

 

[Red C5]

If you haven't ordered yet, order this weekend. We're having a sale. Thank you. www.alradco.com

 

[DavzGN]

Flush the system with the old radiator in place.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using TurboBuick Mobile mobile app

 

[GNONYX]

I don't know if anyone has done so, but when I replaced the lower hose I removed the inner spring and place it inside the new replacement hose.
you also might want to keep the upper hose clamp on the thermostat housing as this will make it easier to remove the thermostat housing since it seal with an "O" ring.
Once you removed the thermostat housing you might want to replace it with a stainless steel or aluminum type:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=thermostat&submit_button=
http://www.gbodyparts.com/advanced_...id=c5d402cb1450ad640b5776ce70ae04cf&x=11&y=11

 

[chopped39]

I would install a external trans cooler as well. You can install in line with rad or by itself. Get the fans he sells with it and there will be no messing around in the future. That is a nice set up

 

[Fast4Ward]

re spring...hmm dude never even thought of that....got to be a reason for Buick to place a spring in there..do you think the hose collapses at top off the power curve. I actually had a friend ask me if my replacement had a spring in it but didn't discuss why.

 

[earlbrown]

The springs seem to be missing now. Most likely a cost saving measure.

 

[GNONYX]

I don't know if the today hoses are made like years ago time, but back then the reason for the spring inside the lower radiator hose is to prevent the hose from collapsing.