Radiator paint

C

Clem Smith

Member
What black paint is best to use on radiator after cleaning?

Les Andrew's book states use tar based paint, never enamel.

Where can you get such (in CA,NV,AZ)?

What do you use?

Thanks
 
EASTWOOD has it.

Already used it.

Works great,

Thin flat black aeroslol paint in a rattle can that is not thick like enamel will not insulate and attenuate the transfer of heat.

1-800-342-9353 as Eastwood says, "Do it right the first time."

Eastwood Radiator Black Paint


Standard engine paints are too thick for radiator use because they can interfere with heat transfer and block air flow between the cooling fins. Also, standard paint tends to flake off radiator tanks. Radiator Black helps solve this problem. Durable Enamel formulation resists temperatures up to 250ºF, gas and chipping. One can covers 6 square feet (most radiators require 2 cans). Net wt. 12 oz.

Radiator Black Satin - Many have asked for a lower sheen radiator black. The lower satin sheen resembles the gloss level of modern plastic tank radiators and some imports.





2 Review(s) | Add Your Review
 
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Eastwood has radiator paint. I often use satin or semi gloss black lacquer. The important thing is, don't put it on heavy. I spray on enough to just cover the fins, anymore will insulate and cause it to run hotter or completely overheat.
 
Since you should only put on a thin layer I'm sure 1 can would do the trick. If it was me I'd buy two cans to be safe and so you have some touch up :)
 
I ran a rad-repair shop for nearly twenty years in northern New York State and anyone that knows will tell ya that any paint, even the radiator paint, will cause a heat-exchange factor. The thinner it is applied, the better the cooling! I ALWAYS talked the farmer with the tractor radiator out of any paint and when-ever I did apply, I lightly sprayed in a approx 45deg angle downward to be only for "show"! No paint is the best paint but the above could be used on the model "a" for color!
 
I just used a heat resistant flat black. One can was way more than enough. Just my way of doing it because I had it on hand. Remember I am not an expert on these kind of things and just try to keep my old A's looking good. So do what the people above do if you want the correct way of doing it. BTW it looks great and also used it on my tail pipe and exhaust manifold. Again no expert on this suff but just a guy working on his A's.
 
I have a 31 Chev that was overheating badly. I took it to the rad shop to have it cleaned. The owner said you don't need it painted all you need is to get that damn black lacquer off it. He removed the lacquer and the problem went awaY.
aL
 
Hi Clem,

My humble opinion:

1. Painting a radiator consist of about:

A. 99.99% of one's time removing it, cleaning it, removing the existing coating, cleaning again, reinstalling the radiator & ordering/buying the radiator paint.

B. No more than 00.01% of one's time is used spraying the paint -- in (45) seconds it is painted.

2. Eastwood is a very responsible top-of-the-line company like similar responsible Model A Vendors such as Bert's, Bratton's, & others who investigate & check out their products prior to offering them -- their very reputation is considered "everything".

3. Painting it "once" with $11.00 worth of paint is representative of common sense, rather than coming back in (3) years or so, removing it, removing failed coatings, cleaning, & re-doing everything.

4. I painted mine (6) years ago with the same Eastwood product & it looks like it was painted yestersay.

5. I used one (1) 12 ounce can, spraying at a "constant" distance, (parallel to the surface), from about 16" away, all (6) sides, & still have some left in the same can.

6. I painted it on a very "calm" day with no wind, rather than painting it during a (35) mph wind thus having to use (12) cans -- again common sense.

7. Just by your humbly asking for experience & advice indicates you are an intelligent person.

Wish you only the best of luck & great success!
 
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Here is a contrary opinion. A couple years ago I posted a calculation on Fordbarn which showed that the temperature drop across a thick coat of paint was insignificant. I asked for someone to recheck my calculation, but did not receive a response. If I can find my old calculation, I will re-post it.
 
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