Radiator Replacement Questions
 

Preface: 2006 LS Manual - 61K miles - Stock

So I noticed the other day I have a coolant leak. From what I can tell is that I have taken a small rock to the lower corner of the radiator as evidenced by coolant only visible on the bottom 3 rows of fins on the drivers side of the radiator. However, there does not seem to be any particularly bad damage and outside of a few slightly larger areas of bent fins, no obvious point of origin. I just discovered the TSB about the radiator cover (Thanks for nothing GM!) and assume this is common. Now now for my questions:
1) Where else should I look for a leak? There is no sign of moisture from any hoses, nor any other area except the lower corner of the radiator. Is there a connection hidden that I should check?
2) Does anyone have a walkthrough/How-To on how to replace the radiator? I have 0 experience swapping them out. Do I need to remover the bumper/front end? Someone mentioned removing the hood latch. If anyone has any input that would be awesome.
3) Is there anything I am probably forgetting? I have a gallon of Dex-Cool and a radiator on the way. I have a manual transmission car. Do I have to worry about TOC/EOC oil? Any thing I may not be thinking of outside of "Swap radiator and coolant = Done"

Thanks guys. And it looks like I will be making a grille for the lower opening. Another poor engineering decision by GM.

Check your PM for a link to help.

You can easily add a lower grille with a piece of gutter guard from HomeDepot/Lowes etc. here https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...t=lower+grille.

The TSB refers to a small piece of plastic that got added to the bottom of the radiator.