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racephotoman
10-24-2013, 08:01 AM
I would like to paint the radiator black (not a thick coat) - any opinions regarding doing this - such as reducing the radiator's efficiency, etc.?
Thanks!
Walter
Gordon Levy
10-24-2013, 08:15 AM
If it's an aluminum rad it will knock down it's efficiency a lot.
dforthof
10-24-2013, 12:58 PM
Don't do it man!!!!
You may not have trouble at first, but I'll bet a dollar-to-a-donut you will later on. (but tell me if you do, because I'm interested to see how it works out for you... :)
68GT500MAN
10-24-2013, 01:17 PM
Eastwood makes a paint just for this purpose.
CHOTIS BILL
10-24-2013, 03:09 PM
Carroll Smith say’s don’t do it and that is good enough for me.

Bill Lomenick
carlewms
10-24-2013, 06:05 PM
I read the specs on the Eastwood product and the three reviews are positive including the use on aluminum... BUT

The radiator is nothing but a specialized heat exchanger (water to air) and any time you add a layer of anything on the exchange surface you reduce its ability to transfer heat. Even with the Eastwood product I would think that application conditions are important because you would also not want to impede the airflow through the radiator by "clogging up" the air channels.

Depending on your current heat load on the radiator you might be able to compensate by getting a larger, more efficient radiator.

Bottom Line: The Eastwood stuff might work just fine but it will still reduce radiator efficiency. While I would also like the blacked out radiator I would not want to risk a ruined radiator to get that look.

My two cents!

Carl
racephotoman
10-26-2013, 11:43 AM
Thanks Everyone!
Dan Babb
10-26-2013, 09:53 PM
I used the eastwood paint on my cobra and on my 52 dodge trucj that has a 354 hemi...both have alum radiators. No issues with cooling. I like the blacked out nose...i think the raw panels and radiator detract from the beauty of the car.
FritoBandito
10-27-2013, 11:07 AM
Dang it! You guys just made me realize I should have taken my radiator over to my buddy at the air museum to have it dunked in alodine. Probably a bad idea to just spray it on while it's still in the car. :(Wouldn't do squat for the inside anyway. Oh well.

Mario
mikiec
10-29-2013, 10:10 AM
My question is why? I always like to know the reason for doing things?
montyals
10-29-2013, 10:43 AM
I used Rustoleum "flat" can paint from Walmart on my aluminum radiator. Had it on there for over 6 years. No issues at all. Made absolutely no difference in engine temperature or cooling. No paint flaking, nothing. If you like the look (which I do also), go for it. It's really no big deal. Speaking from experience, it makes absolutely no difference.
rich grsc
10-29-2013, 05:32 PM
Every factory car has black radiators. If its the look you want, do it.
Dan Babb
10-29-2013, 09:53 PM
Thought this might help you decide

Before
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/FFR5857-Cobra/01ba6142.png

After
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/DansCars/IMG_7950_zpsaf142698.jpg

Note...in the second picture, I had finished the ac install and the cobdensor is in. The condensor was black and I think it would have looked bad leaving the rad and side panels raw.
carlewms
10-30-2013, 12:29 AM
Thought this might help you decide

Before
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/FFR5857-Cobra/01ba6142.png

After
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/DansCars/IMG_7950_zpsaf142698.jpg

Note...in the second picture, I had finished the ac install and the cobdensor is in. The condensor was black and I think it would have looked bad leaving the rad and side panels raw.

Dan,

The after definitely looks better. I am at the decision point in my build about installing AC. What unit do you have installed and how do you like it?

Carl
Dan Babb
10-30-2013, 08:23 AM
My car has the AC system that's sold by Richard Oben from North Racecars. It works as advertised. In the real hot months, you can feel it when you're stopped in traffic and when I'm moving, I point the vent down at my leg (and it does help take the edge off).

Whitby's also offers a unit that gets a lot of good press. I think they each have their benefits, so take a look at both. They use the same compressor, so I think the difference is the main unit and how you can control the vents.

If you're going to do it...definitely do it during the build. I got my car already finished (and the a/c box was installed in the firewall), but the unit and hoses were not installed. It was very tough finishing the install with the body on.
carlewms
10-30-2013, 08:46 PM
Dan,

Thanks for the info. If I decide to go I think it will be the Whitby unit.

Carl
Laser Stan
11-01-2013, 07:47 PM
Used the Eastwood black paint, two seasons ago, and it still looks good. Got caught in 98 degree temp on a fully sunny day in a 1 mph traffic jam, and didn't overheat.
Tyler Wayne
11-06-2013, 09:20 PM
Thought this might help you decide

Before
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/FFR5857-Cobra/01ba6142.png

After
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/DansCars/IMG_7950_zpsaf142698.jpg

Note...in the second picture, I had finished the ac install and the cobdensor is in. The condensor was black and I think it would have looked bad leaving the rad and side panels raw.

I too had a black condenser, but did the opposite. I painted mine aluminum to match the radiator.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g172/twyluh/IMG_0252_zps791766d6.jpg (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/twyluh/media/IMG_0252_zps791766d6.jpg.html)