Is Eastwood the only company that sells black radiator paint? I don't want to spray my nice new aluminum rad with regular paint because I've been told that's a great way to reduce it's efficiency. Anyone seen any other place to buy specific radiator paint?
Pontiacanada said
Mar 15, 2018
Would a special primer for aluminum (just the tank maybe) be needed? I dunno.
cdnpont said
Mar 15, 2018
It's the opposite Carl. Painting it black is said to increase the efficiency ever so slightly.
BBQ Black is a good material to use. Make sure the tanks are degreased. Spray it on very lightly, just enough to get coverage.
4SPEED427 said
Mar 15, 2018
Yes, the more I read the more I know the black is good, but then I see warnings that normal paint is too thick. I sure don't want to screw up a brand new rad!
Greaser said
Mar 15, 2018
When I was working, we used SEM self etching primer on aluminium (sometimes large sheets)
it was the best primer to keep the paint on the aluminium and prevented peeling.
Might want to consider using this product first before painting the radiator.
I wonder if I could just use primer and be done? I don't want it getting layers on there.
I may just be paranoid but I sure don't want to insulate my new rad!
cdnpont said
Mar 15, 2018
I believe the aluminum rads have some kind of clear on them. Mine does. If so, then the self etching is redundant.
I think I'd give the tanks a chlorinated brake cleaner wipe down, then a very light scuff with some ultra fine Scotchbrite. Wipe and paint.
Teich said
Mar 22, 2018
Carl check with local or Wpg. rad shop I belive they use a special paint flat or gloss, two shops in Brdn. one uses the flat other the gloss instant id. Laurie
LandShark68_2+2 said
Apr 6, 2018
Carl .. have you done anything about this yet ?
I bought the same rad and I'm curious on how you proceeded with paint ?
Regards, Scott (LandShark ...)
4SPEED427 said
Apr 6, 2018
No, not yet. I shopped around locally and had no luck. I'm still thinking I may buy Eastwood's rad paint just to be on the safe side. Not quite sure yet, and I have over the summer to decide still.
bensonr said
Jun 27, 2018
I used Rustoleum barbecue grill paint, and no problems so far.
63-7867 said
Dec 16, 2022
Carl, did you use Eastwood's rad paint and their self etching primer? If so, how did it work for you?
Thanks,
Jeff
4SPEED427 said
Dec 16, 2022
63-7867 wrote:
Carl, did you use Eastwood's rad paint and their self etching primer? If so, how did it work for you?
Thanks, Jeff
No I didn't, I actually just used a parts store paint. I think it was flat black but it might have been semi gloss, I kind of forget now. I've been happy with the results at any rate. No indication that the radiator is not performing up to its full potential because of being painted. That was my big concern.
63-7867 said
Dec 16, 2022
Thanks Carl. Did you use a primer?
4SPEED427 said
Dec 16, 2022
I didn't and I find it does chip/scratch pretty easy. I'm ok with that because my desire is for my car not to look restored under the hood but to look unrestored, as the car is. The fresh engine actually looks a bit out of place.
Primer on the tanks might be a good idea. I don't think I'd do the fins, just the tanks and mounting brackets.
LT1Caddy said
Dec 16, 2022
I used a "knock off" GM engine compartment paint. We'll see how it works out. I can't see the paint making a lot of difference. If anything, the paint would burn off, but as to insulate the rad....nah.
Rad looks great...
Would a special primer for aluminum (just the tank maybe) be needed? I dunno.
It's the opposite Carl. Painting it black is said to increase the efficiency ever so slightly.
BBQ Black is a good material to use. Make sure the tanks are degreased. Spray it on very lightly, just enough to get coverage.
When I was working, we used SEM self etching primer on aluminium (sometimes large sheets)
it was the best primer to keep the paint on the aluminium and prevented peeling.
Might want to consider using this product first before painting the radiator.
https://www.semproducts.com/product/self-etching-primer/39673
I may just be paranoid but I sure don't want to insulate my new rad!
I believe the aluminum rads have some kind of clear on them. Mine does. If so, then the self etching is redundant.
I think I'd give the tanks a chlorinated brake cleaner wipe down, then a very light scuff with some ultra fine Scotchbrite. Wipe and paint.
Carl .. have you done anything about this yet ?
I bought the same rad and I'm curious on how you proceeded with paint ?
Regards, Scott (LandShark ...)
Thanks,
Jeff
No I didn't, I actually just used a parts store paint. I think it was flat black but it might have been semi gloss, I kind of forget now. I've been happy with the results at any rate. No indication that the radiator is not performing up to its full potential because of being painted. That was my big concern.
Primer on the tanks might be a good idea. I don't think I'd do the fins, just the tanks and mounting brackets.
I used a "knock off" GM engine compartment paint. We'll see how it works out. I can't see the paint making a lot of difference. If anything, the paint would burn off, but as to insulate the rad....nah.
Rad looks great...