[WGJ]

-Santayana.

Electrophil,
Apparently my experience is somewhat different than yours:
First would be many more years of dealing with this sort of thing. From having to have the headers on my '67 427 'Vette (I autocrossed in high school when the 'Vette was new), taken back to the shop so they'd fit correctly (and stop cracking) to this alum rad...custom work is rarely right the first time.
Second, I have the "luxury" of not needing the use of the rad back in Dec. Had I been depending on the timely delivery of an easy to install rad with 0 problems and encountered this fiasco, I'd probably be as pissed as I am at the repair shop that ripped you off replacing your speedo gear.
Sorry you got jammed up but I think you've made your point. As for, "There was to be specs, and pictures, and all kinds of christmassy stuff." I've been involved with this thread since inception and I don't remember that. Regardless, it's time to move on and try to be positive. Or return the rad and get your money back. Otherwise let's move on.
WGJ