Technical Making aluminum radiator black...with primer

I just purchased an aluminum-in-the-raw radiator for a stock '65 Impala and you know it has to be black. I'm not sure that all the fuss some make about reduced cooling ability is a factor unless you decide to apply an 8 layer BC/CC finish. Still, this got me thinking -- Since it really doesn't require any UV protection and it should be a low gloss black why not use what's on hand, this would be black epoxy primer. It could be reduced to sealer visc and provide a thin one or two coat finish that should stand up well to the environment. In addition it would be just different enough in sheen to look OEM mismatch.

I'm basically sharing my intentions but still interested in hearing any opinions or experience?

 

Make sure that you use zinc chromate primer because regular primer doesn't stick to aluminum very well. Once the chromate is on you can apply any color your heart desires.

 

Main thing is worry about is it still turning lighter from all the heat cycles. On my 53 I used engine paint to actually paint the tanks and lightly misted the core to make it overall look black. Still cools fine

 

I've just used rattle can.

 

They actually sell radiator black fiz can paint that won't turn chalky or peal like primer will.
https://www.eastwood.com/ew-radiato...ickedid=629881824402&wickedsource=google&wv=4

Or order it from Amazon and it ships from Eastwood. https://www.amazon.com/Eastwood-103...iator+black+spray+paint&qid=1722389584&sr=8-2

 

I have used barbecue flat black high heat paint with no pealing issues.

 

BBQ Grill black spray can,I used on new alum rad,also,, over 8 years back,is still good,no faiding/graying.

 

Thanks to all. Much appreciate the info and insight!

 

Another vote for eastwoods rad paint, definately no cooling issues.

 

Used BBQ paint with no problems with peeling or oxidizing over the years.

 

Buy some spray bomb radiator paint at the auto parts store. It gives a thin coat to aid cooling.

 

Experience here with black epoxy primer. Nice satin finish. Looks great. Been in use 12 months now. About 3000 miles. No cooling issues. Still looks like I painted it yesterday! So far so good.

Prep was somewhat cursory. Surfaces (except fins) were scuffed with scotchbrite and then the entire rad was heavily sprayed with panel wipe/ prepaint. I mounted it in a body panel rotating paint stand so I could reposition it whilst painting to help get full coverage without excessive buildup, especially on the fins. I think it came out as well or better than I could have imagined.

Kinda funny thing. I cheaped out on this car with a Champion aluminium rad but once fitted I regretted that decision. Looked nowhere near as good as the Walker rad in my roadster, but since painting it I've not given it another thought! Both cars have full hoods so there's not much to see but I think I'd be happy either way if they were hoodless, but I'm not hardcore trad! Ymmv.

Chris

 

...What's your "general" location in Maryland?

 

Paint sprayed at a radiator core will not penetrate deep into the core, it will just cover the outer layer, the part that easily can be seen. Use whatever good paint you like, as that isn't much if the total cooling surface area of the core. Even if a layer of paint actually does reduce cooling, most of the core still remains unpainted.

 

Wrinkle black has always been considered best for heat dissipation

 

I like VHT Chassis and Roll Cage black. It has a satin finish to it and is quite durable. Touch ups, it blends in very well.

 

i bought an aluminum radiator from a local manufacturer here in Missouri and he told me if i wanted it black, to paint it with cheapest Walmart flat black. Apparently, it had no effect on cooling.

 

Much appreciate the replies. Lots of great info and insights!

 

Currently just outside Andrews Air Force Base (JBA). Making plans though to vacate the state early next year to, as of yet, parts unknown. In search of a bit more freedom than MD offers along with just a little warmer winters. Not going back to south Florida but likely somewhere in-between and nearer the Appalachians.

 

I've used duplicolor black paint on an aluminum radiator. It's still on there 12+ years and nearly 40,000 km's later, and my radiator happily keeps the truck on thermostat temp.

 

I painted some of em many years ago with plain ol Krylon Semi-gloss black. Lasts for a looong time. Cooling? How come air cooled modern cycle engines are satin black? Black absorbs heat. Air dissipates heat to atmosphere. In SAE theory it should cool better. "OK smart ass then why aren't new radiators black?" Cuz it saves em fuckin money. How much better does it get in black? I dunno, I'm not the engineer, and I also like how it looks. Seeing an aluminum radiator thru the grille is like seeing someone in a bridal party with his fly open. Yeah, I said it...

 

...I can completely understand how you feel. I spent my first 12 years in East Tennessee in the foothills of those Southern Appalachians and I've always felt like I left my heart there.

 

In the reverse of things, I like to spray my SBC engines with aluminum paint and tell people it's a rare Can Am engine that I (obviously ) removed from a Corvette

 

Not long ago, I media blasted the ends of a set of Dart aluminum heads for a SBC and painted it orange, so they looked iron.

 

BBQ paint if I'm feeling fancy, but usually whatever black I have in a rattle can.

 

Engine paint has always worked good for me

 

I left my aluminum radiator unpainted, so it would stand out and look like crap through the grille of my blue truck.

Actually, in the heat of the build, it was one of those things that slip your mind until its too buried to paint it. Someday, when I have to take the front of the truck apart, maybe I'll remember to paint the radiator, or, maybe not.

 

I painted three aluminium radiators black witch cheap flat black spray cans , it holds up real good for many years.
No problems with heat , radiators don't get real hot so no need for heat resistant paint.