1963 aluminum radiator

[Douglas G.]

I just purchased a new aluminum radiator and need to paint it before installation.What is the correct type of paint and gloss ie.gloss or semi-gloss that should be used? Thanks for any help.

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963 aluminum radiator

JG calls for gloss black.

[Paul J.]

Re: 1963 aluminum radiator

What's the matter, Doug? Did John's suggestion not work? I have'nt used the Eastwood paint but I'm sure it is a good representation of the original. There are several other rattle can gloss blacks that will work, and you can also mix it yourself. I would first try John's suggestion and if you're not happy with that then I would buy some others and try them. Just remember what John said, if your spraying from a rattle can be careful not to lay it on too thick.

There are probably some brand names listed in the archives, but any will work.

Paul

[Richard M.]

Re: 1963 aluminum radiator

I just purchased a new aluminum radiator and need to paint it before installation.What is the correct type of paint and gloss ie.gloss or semi-gloss that should be used? Thanks for any help.

When I was a kid, a radiator repair shop owner told me the type of paint to use on a bare radiator is thinly applied lacquer and to never use the thicker enamel.

Rich

[Paul J.]

Re: 1963 aluminum radiator

When I was a kid, a radiator repair shop owner told me the type of paint to use on a bare radiator is thinly applied lacquer and to never use the thicker enamel.

Rich

Wasn't that a long time ago, Rich? Lacquer paint today is not the same. It doesn't matter as long as the coats are thin, and even then it probably doesn't matter. I coated the radiator in my 64 with two thin coats of rattle can enamel in 1975, and it had several touch ups over the years. No overheating, no deterioration, no leaks, in 35 years. At least from my experience, it doesn't matter what type of paint you use.

Paul

[Richard M.]

Re: 1963 aluminum radiator

Good point Paul......When I got the '59 radiator re-cored about 20 years ago that's what he said. Today the paints are much better.

I agree, as long as it's not built up too thick when applied either lacquer or enamel would be fine. I would imagine that engine enamel probably wouldn't be the thing to use though. It's pretty thick out of the can.

Rich

[Michael F.]

Re: 1963 aluminum radiator

What's the matter, Doug? Did John's suggestion not work? I have'nt used the Eastwood paint but I'm sure it is a good representation of the original. There are several other rattle can gloss blacks that will work, and you can also mix it yourself. I would first try John's suggestion and if you're not happy with that then I would buy some others and try them. Just remember what John said, if your spraying from a rattle can be careful not to lay it on too thick.

There are probably some brand names listed in the archives, but any will work.

Paul

I just used eastwoods radiator "gloss black" Excellent paint.

But glossier than the paint DeWitts uses. Theirs is somewhere between "sem trim black" and gloss black. Not sure how close either is to the factory appearance.