Radiator paint?

PeteVS

PeteVS

Well-known member
I got an aluminum radiator. What do I want to paint it with? (I DO want to paint it!) Thanks!
 
Milt/Las Vegas said:
Why would you want to paint it?I would think it would hurt the heat disapating qualities of the aluminum.Is this a streat rod or a stocker?
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If the radiator is in the shade (under a hood) it will dissapate more heat if black than if natural aluminum color. If it's not in the shade, the raw aluminum would be better as the black will absorb heat from the sun. Radiators are not painted black for ornamental purposes only.
 
Contact Eastwood (or any other supplier) for a special radiator paint. It is thin to not hurt the heat transfer. If it is out of the car maybe take it to a radiator shop and have them spray it.

Charlie Stephens
 
Painting aluminum black does not help it to disperse heat, by coating the aluminum you are holding in heat, the main reason a copper radiator in painted is that they want to hide their ugly work and no one wants to drive around with a car with a green radiator,if you put on a black jacket in the shade when you're hot do you feel any cooler than if you put on a white one, or do you just feel cooler leaving the jacket off, I would not paint an aluminum radiator, I think you would have problems. Aluminum disperses heat very quickly coating it with anything is not going to speed up heat transfer.
 
what they all said,but if you still want to paint it wash good with vinegar and apply a very lite coat of self etching primer and a thin coat of black, Best is flat black.
 
there is special metal etch for aluminum, followed by a special type of primer. wouldnt do it Pete, gonna look like poop real fast and very hard to recoat, wish I had a picture of how poopy its gonna look but I dont like to take pictures of messes.
 
PeteVS.....; I was told that BBQ Flat Black is a good paint , so I did my 34 Rad. and it looks real good , but as the guys say to cover up the copper stains ... OMO.... Da. ..:)
 
just a thought.... aluminum radiator- - - aluminum paint??? its real thin, ect... not trying to be smart, just wondering if its been tried.... thanks........ kev
 
Radiator paint

Your local radiator repair shop should sell you a pint..... mine did. It was a thin flat black that I sprayed on.
Bruce/CT
 
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