Follow-up: I ended up replacing the over-the-radiator line after stripping the fitting. I didn't want to take chances trying to file it into shape, as is was really mashed. The new line was $90, so lesson learned! Interestingly, the new line fits the radiator a bit "snugger" over the top, so the clips probably aren't quite as necessary. Maybe that's why the new radiator doesn't have holes. I decided to drill them and place the new clips on anyway, though. Just a word to the wise, from an idiot: Be really careful drilling the holes, especially on the bottom where it's a tough angle with little room to work. I nicked the bottom of the radiator, pretty scary, although it didn't appear to go through and hit anything. No way near far enough to hit the bottom tube. Still, stupid. This was apparently my week of learning by doing stupid things. But, the transmission is fine, the radiator is fine, and now I can move on to the next problem. 
I'll post a picture of the new top line later for anyone curious. 
__________________
1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)
|