[69vert]

I just purchased a used radiator and I wanted to spruce it up a bit with some paint. I was thinking of using Hi temp black paint. I was going through the Eastwood catalog and they have a "special radiator paint" that they claim is thinner than Hi temp paint. Has anyone ever painted their radiator, did it work well, what did you use and did you have any problems?

Thanks

Bob

 

[rick]

I've used the Eastwood and it looks good & goes on evenly. It is very thin. I've "heard" that regular paint goes on too thick and actually can insulate the radiater. Prevents heat transfer.

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Rick Schaefer
68 Camaro
72 El Camino
TPI350/700r4

 

[elcamino72]

I used the Eastwood paint with very good results. I picked up a few cans at Carlisle and I was sceptical, but once I spray it, It made a believer out of me.

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Bryan Shook
Favorite Quote - Some people have shrinks. Some people have their garage.
My Father's 1968 RS 327!
My First Generation Camaro site

 

[pete b]

I was told the same thing about too much paint "insulating" a radiator too much. The Modine rep who explained it to me said the fins are much more critical to cooling than the tanks, and it was ok to put a few coats on the tanks (just a few) and to use the minimun amount necessary on the fins.
Jeez...how's that for a run-on sentence. My English teacher would be so proud!

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68 Camaro 355", TH-400, 3.73 10 bolt, Rally rims.
69 Nova 355" TH-350, 4.88 12 bolt, 150 shot...click here to see it.
And a garage full of vintage bmx bikes.

 

[HOTRODSRJ]

I put a coat of PPG Global DP black on all my radiators...alum or cu. Never had any problems and if you leave it bare the aluminum will corrode to create it's own insulation barrier that is alot worst than the paint. Just don't over do it.

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STEVE JACK
ConceptOne Pulleys and Brackets
Northern/Southern Rodder Magazine's "Jack'Stands" author and creator
Techical forum/links at www.inccn.net/techforum.htm

 

[Hugger]

I have also used Eastwood's radiator paint - works like a charm. Only put on enough to just cover the surface.

The fins/their spacing and location are all crutial to the heat transfer process. The radiator is simply a heat exchanger that acts to heat up the incoming air (via convection) and in doing so cooling the coolant in the radiator. Water has a much higher heat capacity than air - by adding a film thickness of paint - you simply reduce the amount of heat transfer that can occur.

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Craig Wood
1969 Camaro RS/SS