If you paint it ...don't mess around, use Epoxy/2K primer first, Eastwood has one in an aerosol,and a top coat too, both 2K....jj

If you feel that you must paint the tubes and fins, don't use anything but paint specifically formulated for radiators and as little of that as possible. Paint on the fins and tubes reduces the heat transfer capability of the radiator. The factory radiators that come painted are balancing heat transfer with external corrosion resistance.

jerseyjoe wrote:

..... both 2K....jj.......

???????
 

josh-kebob wrote:

.....That's the name Eastwood calls this product line.........google is your friend.......
 

I re-made my old friends aquantance and found the two part Eastwood Aerosols, specifically AeroSpray™ Ceramic Chassis BlackThey actually have three black top coats.  One standing alone is Rat Rod Black.  It looks way too flat. Then they have Chassis Black in Satin and Gloss.  They only show one picture (of a rear axle assy) and they do not say whether it is gloss or satin. 

I am also not sure which would be the best for the visible radiator tank.  They also do not say if these spray cans are a one shot deal.  You have to puncture the catalyst tube before using.  I do not think that the paint and catalyst mix until it is sprayed but I also do not know if by  puncturing the catalyst tube you ruin its shelf life.
 

Last edited by boomyal (4/26/2014 2:27 PM)

Ya but, Rudi!  I can't hardly imagine that painting the top and bottom tanks and the side straps would alter the rad's ability to disapate heat.  Leaving the fins and tubes unpainted makes sense.

Last edited by boomyal (4/26/2014 3:25 PM)

boomyal wrote:

Ya but, Rudi!  I can't hardly imagine that painting the top and bottom tanks and the side straps would alter the rad's ability to disapate heat.  Leaving the fins and tubes unpainted makes sense.

 Let me be clear...what Rudi is saying is, don't load up the fins with multipule  coats...But the aluminum tanks should be primed.....epoxy or Zinc Cromate adheres to aluminum best,then topcoat it...personally I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a light coat of   black primer on the fins, and leave it at that.... you would have to be a scientist to see the lack of heat transfer by painting the fins with one coat....jj    

I installed my aluminum radiator yesterday. Used a vaccum rubber hose.. Had to as the overflow recovery tank had the metal lines coming out that were too smal for the 5/16th that the radiator overflow plug was made for. So stretchy cable is what I needed. Posting pics and details in my radiator post

And yes it freakjng works !