Original radiator has seen it's day, need advice on a new one

[rickjordan]

My "new" SL's original radiator has called it a day. She sprung a leak in among the fins in the upper right corner. I have been pricing around and these things aren't cheap. I don't remember the radiator on my wife's '87TD being $350 + for an aftermarket one, never mind OEM. Fastlane doesn't even list a radiator for a '83 SL, but it does for a '83 380 SEL. Anyways, Performance Products list "aftermarket" for $383 and OEM $500!!!!!.
Somebody please give me some insight as to why so much and would it be better to get the original rad. re-cored. Here it is the Summer practically and the car is out of commission until I fix the rad.

[kip Foss]

Go to your local independent radiator dealer and check the price. As you know any time that you mention MB the price is going to double. Indies have access to thousands of radiator cores and can use your existing tanks to build you a new one. Plus you can often bargin with them for a reasonable price.

[rickjordan]

I e-mailed Phil and he says "list" price is, are you sitting down, $950. Said he could get it for me for $440 delivered. Why on earth would a radiator cost that much. It's not like I am looking to buy a the oil cooler for a 1984 Lamborghini Countach, it's a radiator that I am sure wasn't just used in the 107 chassis.

[Pili380SL]

Rick, I have a good used one if you're interested. I sent you a PM.