Radiator Paint

dcapo · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2002, 12:01 PM

WHILE I WAIT FOR RADIATOR MOUNTS I WOULD LIKE TO PAINT MY GRIFFIN RAD. BLACK CAN I DO THIS AND WHAT PAINT SHOULD I USE THANKS IN ADVANCE ----DCAPO

renaissance man · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2002, 12:15 PM

No offense, but why would you want to paint that beautiful aluminum radiator at all?????

Cobranut · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2002, 12:32 PM

Dcapo,

I would'nt advise painting an aluminum radiator. Paint will reduce it's ability to transfer heat, and it will also likely flake off the core, particularly where it gets hit by bugs or debris.

You could possibly paint the tanks after scuff sanding and chemically etching them, but I think they look better in natural aluminum, or polished.

Later,

wadesdad · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2002, 08:20 PM

Dcapo,

Take a look at pics of some of your favorite Cobras. The silver the Griffin offers looks nice as seen from the front. Do what you like, however, after all its YOUR dream car. Happy motoring and enjoy the hobby.

-wadesdad

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2002, 11:45 PM

If you want to paint it, a thin coating of semi flat will help draw the heat off the tubes and fins. A very good product available at motorcycle accesory and parts departments is made by PJ-1 in a yellow and black spray can. It is made to go on the cylinder heads and barrels of bike engines. It has a very nice finish and withstands 500+ degrees.

Rick.............

Jack21 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-18-2002, 05:43 PM

Brass radiators are painted black, or flat black more to protect them from corrosion than as a heat transfer media. Aluminum needs no such protection and paint would likely detract from the metals ability to transfer heat, or Griffin would have painted it for you. Call Griffin before doing anything, even voiding your warantee. But I wouldn't paint it.

Campy · #7 (**permalink**) 04-19-2002, 01:46 PM

What do you think guys? Maybe we should put this one to vote?
To paint or not to paint?

Just kidding DECAPO, it's your car, you do what you want to.

I wouldn't paint for the record.

Have a great day

MattK · #8 (**permalink**) 04-23-2002, 02:00 PM

Eastwood makes a product called what else but "Radiator Black" specifically designed for painting radiators. It is designed to cover with a very thin coat. Worked well for me. Smokes a bit when freshly painted. Don't recall if it is made for use on aluminum or not. www.eastwoodco.com

Hope that helps.

-Matt