7g Celica GT Cooling System Rebuild?

Just noticed my 14 year old radiator is starting to weep from 2 locations in the core and summer is soon to be here so I'm going to try and be preemptive and fix it before it explodes. Factory radiator is aluminum with crimped on aluminum end tanks and has lasted this long (172,XXX miles). Considering replacing with aftermarket model with welded aluminum end tanks (found several new for under $300). Anyone got opinions/recommendations for a quality replacement or just go back with OEM? Planning to do the radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator hoses, and serpentine belt so far. Are there any other parts I need to consider replacing or "while you're in there" projects? Any special tools or model specific tips I need or is it straight forward on this model? Any good "how to" threads or videos out there?

Thanks for any input!

OEM style replacement for $120. I've purchase one radiator from them and its working great after 5 years.

http://coolestradiator.com/index.php?vPath=TOYOTA_2000_CELICA_GT_1432904_18

trucke wrote: OEM style replacement for $120. I've purchase one radiator from them and its working great after 5 years. http://coolestradiator.com/index.php?vPath=TOYOTA_2000_CELICA_GT_1432904_18

Does it have metal or plastic end tanks?

Anybody got an online source for a good deal on OEM Toyota parts? I'll probably replace everything but perhaps the radiator with OEM.

secretariata wrote:

trucke wrote: OEM style replacement for $120. I've purchase one radiator from them and its working great after 5 years. http://coolestradiator.com/index.php?vPath=TOYOTA_2000_CELICA_GT_1432904_18

Does it have metal or plastic end tanks?

Mine was an exact OEM match. All bolt and threads lined up perfectly. It has a plastic top just like my OEM radiator. So, no, it's not all metal.

In reply to trucke:

I need to verify if my OEM has metal end tanks. I guess I could have been not paying much attention and looking at the AC condenser...thanks for the link!