[Fullback66]

Originally Posted by ZeGermanHam

Cold Case is going to be about as close as you'll get regarding an aluminum radiator that somewhat resembles the factory unit. That said, there are fewer "ribs" on the top tank than came on the factory radiator, so if you know what you're looking at, the Cold Case is immediately recognizable as not stock. But for many, it's close enough. Just depends on whether you're aiming for a true 100% correct factory appearance. I have the Cold Case in my '66 and like it. Fit perfectly for me.

What paint did you use for the Radiator?
color

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by Fullback66

What paint did you use for the Radiator?
color

I used Dupli-Color semi-gloss engine enamel with ceramic. I believe the part number is DE1635. Very tough and looks great. I use it on all sorts of things.

I first sprayed the top tank with the radiator paint sold by Eastwood, but I was unhappy with how it came out. I don't know if I got a bad can from them or what, but the Eastwood paint came out very rough and textured. I sprayed the Dupli-color paint over that and now the radiator looks great.

[Fullback66]

Awesome!
Thank you for the reply.
FB66

[65madgoat]

I have always had great luck with Eastwood radiator paint. In both gloss and satin. Worked and looked super in either color.

[Fullback66]

Z
Did you put on a primer first?
FB66

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by Fullback66

Z
Did you put on a primer first?
FB66

Yes, I cleaned everything first with Eastwood paint prep, then sprayed etching primer, then top coat.

[lust4speed]

It's been said several times above, but it is important to note that paint is an insulator and it would be a shame to spend a bunch of money and then kill 10% to 20% of a radiator's cooling ability by layering on paint. Eastwood's radiator paint claim to fame is that it does not harm the cooling ability of the radiator if applied sparingly. Best to just lightly dust the fins.

I try and mostly hide the black Cold Case stencil. It's only on the back and not that big of deal if a little shows through.

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by lust4speed

It's been said several times above, but it is important to note that paint is an insulator and it would be a shame to spend a bunch of money and then kill 10% to 20% of a radiator's cooling ability by layering on paint. Eastwood's radiator paint claim to fame is that it does not harm the cooling ability of the radiator if applied sparingly. Best to just lightly dust the fins.

I try and mostly hide the black Cold Case stencil. It's only on the back and not that big of deal if a little shows through.

For this reason, I only painted the top tank on my radiator, and did not apply any paint to the fins, sides, or bottom tank. In my particular car with the shroud, rubber seals/flaps, and A/C condensor installed, you can't really see anything that is unpainted. Or not enough to matter, anyway.

I think Eastwood's claim that their radiator paint doesn't impact cooling performance is just because it's a thin paint. And with that in mind, I think you can achieve the same thing with any high-temp paint if you simply don't apply a heavy coat. But regardless, my preference is to have no paint at all on the fins.

[65madgoat]

I have sprayed all my aluminum radiators in full with Eastwood Radiator paint in 2 light coats. Unless you blow on some thick epoxy primer or rubberized undercoating, you are not going to have any problem.

[Fullback66]

Originally Posted by ZeGermanHam

Yes, I cleaned everything first with Eastwood paint prep, then sprayed etching primer, then top coat.

What etching primer did you use???

[ZeGermanHam]

Originally Posted by Fullback66

What etching primer did you use???

It was an Eastwood product as well. But I'm sure you can find something locally that works just as well.

[hgerhardt]

Originally Posted by Fullback66

I like the color. What paint did you use?

As far as I recall, it was Dupli-Color Engine Paint in semi-gloss black.

[turbo69bird]

I’m kind of surprised no company has anodized them black yet? Wouldn‘t that make sense?

[Tim Corcoran]

Black anodize would be great, but most people wouldn't be willing to pay the extra cost. I'm not sure but the anodize on the fins may affect heat transfer.

Do you really need to prime the radiator prior to paint? I'd like to hear from people who did not prime and how the paint held up.

[65madgoat]

Again, only Eastwood black radiator spray paint directly on radiator over a decade no issues ever...