1960 Radiator Painting

[Joe Maulsby]

I am going to remove the original brass radiator this weekend and plan to have local radiator shop disassemble see if core is good enough to clean out and reuse. If it is good enough to reuse, do I let the radiator shop paint it? Or do I paint it myself? What is the best way to prep the radiator for painting? What is best primer for brass? and best paint for a brass radiator?

[James F.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Painting

Joe,
I have read that there is specific black paint for radiators. The radiator shop should have a black paint that's OK with them. If your '60 radiator has the Harrison tag on the top tank make sure the repair shop understands you want this tag where they found it when you pick up your tank. I speak from experience, I watched a '56 top tank being heated (by torch) prior to removal. The tag got hot enough to slide off onto the floor. Back in the early '60's no one could think of a reason to go after it, including me! Regards,

[Dennis A.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Painting

Joe...

I have used Eastwood Radiator Black with very good results ...no primer

[John H.]

Re: 1960 Radiator Painting

Don't prime it - the heavier the paint film build on the tubes and fins, the less efficient the heat rejection will be. On a radiator, less is better.