Question regarding reassembling radiator

Do not know the condition of the tank, etc but if the are in good shape I do not see why you would need a bonding agent.

Cover the pieces and gasket with a good coat of NeverSeize and put them together, The NeverSeize will keep the gasket soft, and I you ever do have a leak, the thing will come apart. We never use a sealer/bonding agent unless the peices are so pitted that you have to fill in the low places. When that 22 was made, the gasket did the job, let it do the job now.
Dan

Do not know the condition of the tank, etc but if the are in good shape I do not see why you would need a bonding agent.

Cover the pieces and gasket with a good coat of NeverSeize and put them together, The NeverSeize will keep the gasket soft, and I you ever do have a leak, the thing will come apart. We never use a sealer/bonding agent unless the peices are so pitted that you have to fill in the low places. When that 22 was made, the gasket did the job, let it do the job now.
Dan

Greig , I use Permatex as a joining Compound and does an Excellent job . But good Prep. is essential on all Water Joints. If there is Pitting on any Faces ,Clean off , bead blast or whatever and Repair with JB Weld , Devcon or similar and carefully reface , I just carefully File down level [ I don't have a Plane ] and put together and put antiseize on bolts LJ

Thanks folks for the advice. The core is near new and the cast pieces are not pitted. Previous owner decided to start disassembly of the rediator to get to the waterpump to fit the packing.