You are on the right track in my opinion. That crack is common and not the end of the world. If fact it shouldn't be a point of much concern at all. These engines come with a radiator pressure cap of between zero and 4 pounds, which isn't much, so you won't have to worry about your patch blowing out.
Carl


1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission