What about this thermostat housing? Can it be saved?

[cruiser]

This is the original 1973 date coded thermostat housing from my car. I'm rebuilding the engine and would like to use as many date coded original parts as possible. After bead blasting it, you can see how deeply pitted this aluminum casting is. Is there a way to fill in these pits and make it smooth enough to accept the upper radiator hose without leaking? I already have a new one, but there is no date coding on it. What do you think?

 

[Darter6]

JB Weld. Fill it, sand it, done.

 

[AJ/FormS]

If it was mine, I'd just file it flat, restore the clearance in the undercut, and if not leaking, bolt it on as is.

 

[Dartswinger70]

the hose doesn't seal where
the pits are does it? its more on the lip there forward of them yes the clamp goes there but...id it doesn't leak run it...

 

[Projectile Dart]

I would be a lot more worried about the inside of the housing to see if any spots are getting thin and where the gasket sits against the engine.
As stated above, the lip does more work than anything. And if you're still worried then add some jb weld and sand it smooth

 

[cruiser]

Okay, thanks for the tips. I'm JB welding it and will see what happens.