Radiator Paint

[mikester]

I have a 3 row radiator that came in my coupe. Its been sitting in a box for years. A couple of years ago I took it to a radiator shop to have it checked out. The guy pressure tested it and told me it was fine inside and out. Downside to taking it there was the guy spray painted it gloss black. It looks like crap.
I figured I'd hit it with some aerosol paint stripper, get all that paint off and respray it semi gloss black. So far Eastwood is the only place I can find paint specifically made for radiators and the semi gloss is out of stock until 6/26.
Anyone have a suggestion or a product theyve used with good results ?

 

[fleming442]

If it's already black, why not just semi-gloss/matte clear it?

 

[mikester]

If it's already black, why not just semi-gloss/matte clear it?

Because the guy did a piss poor job when he painted it. Theres dry spots and overspray all over the tanks. Second reason is I have no idea what he used and Im sure you know that a lot of paints that come in aerosols cans react poorly with other brands.
I'd rather start fresh. Summit has a copper/brass 3 row for just under $300. I considered buying it but the one side has a tapered tube for the radiator hose. If the one I have looks bad after its done I might wind up buying that.
Still dont know what paint to use though. Satin black engine enamel ? Or too thick ?

 

[ssn696]

I had good luck with the Eastwood Radiator Black. Make sure the stripper you choose is compatible with the brass and solder. Lots of rinsing.

 

[mikester]

I had good luck with the Eastwood Radiator Black. Make sure the stripper you choose is compatible with the brass and solder. Lots of rinsing.

Some strippers are an issue with brass and solder ? Never knew that.

 

[565bbchevy]

You can just buy an aluminum radiator and polish it instead.

 

[mikester]

You can just buy an aluminum radiator and polish it instead.

Nope. Been there, Big money custom fit Griffin. Racked as soon as I took it out of the box. Im not hacking up the rubber saddles just to get one to fit. Never again. Ive got a 4 row copper/brass one in my 81. Different strokes.

 

[565bbchevy]

Nope. Been there, Big money custom fit Griffin. Racked as soon as I took it out of the box. Im not hacking up the rubber saddles just to get one to fit. Never again. Ive got a 4 row copper/brass one in my 81. Different strokes.

I have done the opposite having used 4 row copper/brass radiators in an attempt to cool my large big blocks but never succeeding but I also have no issue modifying or fabricating to make something work if in IMO it is an improvement.