Radiator Paint

[Bryan M.]

I've had my original 1972 copper/brass radiator re-cored and now I need to paint it the correct shade of black. What would be the choice of paint? Can I find the correct color locally or will I need to order it from a corvette vendor?
Thanks

[Paul O.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Bryan from your photo it look like your top rail has been replaced there should be 2 hole at both ends on 1 square and 1 rectangle. As far as the paint goes the best that I have seen is when a radiator shop uses there paint it is usually the right sheen and about the right thickness. Eastwood may sell a paint product for this that maybe your other alternative. Paul 18046

[Patrick H.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Paul is right on with both suggestions.

Check your original core for the rectangular holes, and copy them onto this one. Then, your radiator shop's paint is likely just fine, or check with Eastwood and use their product.

Patrick

[Bryan M.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Bryan from your photo it look like your top rail has been replaced there should be 2 hole at both ends on 1 square and 1 rectangle. As far as the paint goes the best that I have seen is when a radiator shop uses there paint it is usually the right sheen and about the right thickness. Eastwood may sell a paint product for this that maybe your other alternative. Paul 18046

Paul is right on with both suggestions.

Check your original core for the rectangular holes, and copy them onto this one. Then, your radiator shop's paint is likely just fine, or check with Eastwood and use their product.

Patrick

Bad pic. The angle of the pic is hiding the holes. The core came from DeWitts and is supposed to be correct for my application.
I did ask the shop about painting it, but they told me I might want to buy the paint from somewhere else because the paint that they use is crappy. I think I'll go with the Eastwood suggestion.
Thanks!

[Bill S.]

Re: Radiator Paint

i like the newer krylon rust semi flat black. it goes on great and has a real oem waxy like finish. even less than perfect surfaces come out like new. i pulled my radiator to put in my shroud i painted a year ago and it still looked new.

[Mike E.]

Re: Radiator Paint

radiators are all about heat transfer. Eastwood and radiator shops have paint designed for radiators and to not prevent heat transfer.
Normal paints like Krylon, dupli-color, etc., will partially hinder heat dissipation.
Use only a paint designed for radiators.

[Paul O.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Bryan Mike is right on with the heat transfer with regular paint and the holes look right on. Paul 18046

[Bryan M.]

Re: Radiator Paint

The Eastwood site offers gloss or satin radiator paint. I'm assuming that I need the satin. Is that correct?
Thanks guys!

[Paul O.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Bryan The finish should be to the gloss side then satin. Paul 18046

[Jack H.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Ditto that Rev Mike! Plus, DeWitts knows what happens when either the wrong paint is used OR it's applied too heavily. I believe they once experimented with using out of country, contract mfgrs...

On where to get 'correct' paint, why not go back to the horsie's mouth and ask DeWitt? You'd think it'd be right up their line (or should be) to sell matching paint...

[Bryan M.]

Re: Radiator Paint

Bryan The finish should be to the gloss side then satin. Paul 18046

Nice engine bay! Once I get my radiator painted and installed, I might catch the "while I'm at it" disease and start sprucing up the rest of the stuff under the hood.

Ditto that Rev Mike! Plus, DeWitts knows what happens when either the wrong paint is used OR it's applied too heavily. I believe they once experimented with using out of country, contract mfgrs...

On where to get 'correct' paint, why not go back to the horsie's mouth and ask DeWitt? You'd think it'd be right up their line (or should be) to sell matching paint...

Email inquiry sent to DeWitts!