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04-19-2016, 01:56 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Lino Lakes, MN
Posts: 60
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Painting a Radiator
Hey guys,
I just had my radiator for my '56 GMC boiled out and pressure tested. The shop said it's in really good shape. The radiator is the stock GMC radiator and it will be running a SBC 350. At this point now it needs to get painted. What tips do you guys have for painting it and what suggestions for product do you have. There are a couple small dents in the top of the tank that would be nice to fill if I could. Ideally, if I could use engine primer and paint, I'd like to do that so that it matches (it is VHT Metallic Black). Obviously, if that will mess it up, I'll switch to something else if I have to. Thanks! Dan P.S. I accidentally posted this in the "Projects and Builds" section so if there is a moderator or someone who can remove it, I would appreciate it. |
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04-19-2016, 02:00 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Motown
Posts: 7,663
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Re: Painting a Radiator
i wouldn't suggest any filler on the tanks, it will fail
paint the tanks only, paint on the fins will make heat transfer less and may cause overheating
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cool, an ogre smiley  Ogre's 58 Truk buildhow to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer |
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04-20-2016, 09:58 AM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Lino Lakes, MN
Posts: 60
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Re: Painting a Radiator
Thanks for the feedback Ogre! I just need to look into something then to clean up the fins a bit then. Some of them have a bit of oxidation on them. I read a toothbrush (gentle on the fins) and some vinegar helps.
At any rate, Thanks! |
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04-20-2016, 11:55 AM
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#4 |
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Registered User
 Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,190
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Re: Painting a Radiator
My radiator shop says to use lacquer paint on the radiator tank & fins. Ive used body filler on top tanks & had good results. One time I had a thin crack in one.
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04-20-2016, 12:50 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 8,800
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Re: Painting a Radiator
rattle can engine paint, Duplicolor 1634 black is my favorite not to glossy and matches most OEM black finishes. High temp paint that will handle the heat.
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1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project |
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04-20-2016, 05:57 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lakes Region NH
Posts: 3,155
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Re: Painting a Radiator
Old time treatment was lamp black or stove black plus gasoline or turpentine. Enamel paint was next. Latex is common today.
http://www.northernfactory.com/UserF...es/STOCKUP.pdf |
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04-21-2016, 05:06 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 7,823
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Re: Painting a Radiator
just enough paint to make it look black. too much will inhibit heat transfer. some say black transfers heat better. I dunno.
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04-21-2016, 11:27 PM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Massapequa Park, NY
Posts: 873
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Re: Painting a Radiator
i painted my radiator, fins and all with black gloss rustoleum spray paint three years ago. didnt affect performance of radiator. i just put a light coat on the fins.., just enough to make it look nice.
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Frank 1957 Chevy 3100 2000 Silverado z71 SOLD 2012 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 1992 International 4700 |
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