paint for radiator?

[41husk]

Is ther any special paint needed for a radiator?  Can I just use a enamel?

[gasoline_24]

Eastwood makes one just for the radiator, but I am not sure what makes it any different.  Here is a link:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=125&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=390&iSubCat=391&iProductID=125

[superduperbee]

Radiator paint or engine paint is formulated to allow heat to escape. Regular paint will hold the heat in, not a good idea for a radiator. I know of one guy who's big block chebby seized up after he painted his radiator all nice and shiny.

[69hemi]

Eastwood makes one just for the radiator, but I am not sure what makes it any different.  Here is a link:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=125&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=390&iSubCat=391&iProductID=125

That is the best stuff to use.  I have mine recored then not painted at the radiator shop so I can coat them when they come home.  Nice light, foggy coats to get good color coverage but not too thick.

[41husk]

Engine paint or high temp paint will work?

[bill440rt]

I used PPG's Deltron urethane for the upper & lower tanks. Then, just thin coats of Krylon on the fins to allow heat to escape. No problems at all with overheating, car runs cool as a cucumber. Engine is stock with a 30 overbore.

[41husk]

Thanks Bill!!

[bill440rt]

Thanks Bill!!

[471_Magnum]

If the type of paint you use on your radiator makes the difference between overheating and not, you've got bigger problems.

A light application is what you want.

[daytonalo]

The marketing dept for those clowns at Eastwood brain wash all you young guy's !!! I have used many kinds of paint over the last 25 years from Imron to Epoxy to Krylon , any and all will work !! Face it a rad only gets Max 220 . I love how people complicate life !

[bull]

Black.

[daytonalo]

I apologize for my rather Harsh style !! I really am just trying to make our lives less complicated 1


Larry

[Ghoste]

You're the best Larry.



(you know though it appears to me like you apologize for the gentle stuff but couldn't care less when you rip somebodys guts out  )
(oh, and I agree with you btw, it goes hand in hand with Magnums observation)

[bill440rt]

I used PPG's Deltron urethane for the upper & lower tanks. Then, just thin coats of Krylon on the fins to allow heat to escape. No problems at all with overheating, car runs cool as a cucumber. Engine is stock with a 30 overbore.

Come to think of it, I did this same paint application on the radiator in my '68. That 440 is bored 40-over & is mildly modified: cam, intake, carb, gears, etc. I wouldn't say it runs "cool", but right where it should. The temps might get a little up there with excessive idling in July, but that's normal. I wouldn't say it's the fault of the radiator.

471 Magnum stated it best about the rad paint, I wouldn't blame the PAINT either for an overheating problem. Unless, of course, the fins are completely blocked by goopy paint.