I believe it would have been satin or semi-gloss. Eastwood sells black radiator paint in a rattle can, designed to be thin so that heat transfer is not overly impaired. I have used this product and it is quite satisfactory. Regardless of what type of paint you settle on, you don't want to lay it on too thick,

Kent


1937 Chevy 1/2 ton
1942 Chevy 1/2 ton
1947 Diamond T Model 509
1951 Chevy 1/2 ton
1950 Chevy COE Model 5700 ~ "Barney" ~ And more pix