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| | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 | I can't believe that I couldn't find a post about this subject on the stovebolt page or google. What's the best way to paint an old radiator? It's been steam cleaned and tested. How do you prep the brass and what type of paint to use? (black engine paint?)
Gord
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 586 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 586 | I used Eastwoods radiator paint out of a rattle
can. I assume that its ok just because it says
radiator paint. Have got the truck to the point
to test it yet. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 629 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2001 Posts: 629 | Originally posted by 51Jimmy:
I used Eastwoods radiator paint out of a rattle
can. I assume that its ok just because it says
radiator paint. Have got the truck to the point
to test it yet. SAME HERE. They sell a thinner version now too.
Tim Sheridan 1947 First Series Chevy 1/2-Ton"Liberty Series" - "Art Deco" - Whatever you'd like to call it. In the Gallery | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,549 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,549 | The radiator shop here in town, that does all of or Bus, & truck radiators. Has said for years that reg. paint can cause overheating. Been in business since back in the 40's. So I believe them. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 | Yes, I have heard that the best paint for a radiator is no paint at all. If you want paint, black is supposed to be the best color for radiating heat. I do want paint - to polish all that brass would take too many hours.
The most important part of a paint job is the preparation. How did you guys prep the metal? I can't see paint sticking to tarnished metal...
Gord
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 Member | | Member Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 336 | FYI, this is what I finally did:
When I cleaned up the brass in preparation for the paint, it looked so good, I decided to leave it unpainted. However, I did paint the steel radiator frame with black paint to help prevent rust.
Gord
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 151 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 151 | Just an idea, but I saw a quick thing in Street Rod Builder magazine the other day, the owner of a car painted the rad, shroud and frame the same as the body color and has been running it on the street with no problems.
David
Just a firefighter,
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult
'46 1/2 T Panel
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 77 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 77 | Originally posted by spanky:
The radiator shop here in town, that does all of or Bus, & truck radiators. Has said for years that reg. paint can cause overheating. Been in business since back in the 40's. So I believe them. I've always understood that a thin coat of flat black paint is best for heat transfer and if you're trying to keep heat in then use an aluminum paint with a high solids content. So what does the radiator shop use if regular paint is not good? | | |
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