Abstract: The invention relates to a metal side-plate (12) for a radiator, particularly a tubular radiator, such as those used in motor vehicles with combustion engines. The aim of the invention is to provide a meal side-plate (12) which is embodied in such a way that stresses arising from various types of thermal expansion of the metal side-plate (12) and tubular radiator (10) can be prevented. The metal side-plates (12) are characterized in that they have a weakened area (13) in which the material of the metal side-plate is weakened in order to compensate heat expansion according to that of the cooling body.