do you think it would be wise to paint the radiator in a heat proof paint? and not just ur normal pressure pack?

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I've used pressure packs before without any problems , the paint will normally fail because of grease or stuff on the radiator before it fails due to heat . The radiator shouldn't get above 100 degree's (well , maybe a little above under pressure in extreme conditions but you'll have more to worry about then the paint on the radiator at that stage) so it should be alright .

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thanks bro

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Lightly sand do in enamal primer first then black if its in the car mask up well

steve

when they put in a new core all they use is cheap black paint
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

But do not use just the crappy $2 can from bunnings or supercrap unless you want a sticky black swamp with even the slightest suggestion of oil on the radiator. These cheapest paints have absolutely no resistance to oil.

I find the easiest by far is the VHT "quickcoat" use either the gloss or at black. It dries out in minutes, one coat is usualy all that is required, doesnt run unless you fiddle sticks up really badly when using it and is pretty durable.

This may be a stupid question.... but

If you have the radiator out can you paint the whole thing including the fins etc or will this make it not cool as effectively or block it up???

Just mask it up if not sure.

it shouldnt block at all, seeings tho the water travels inside the fins.

Am i right? after all theres plenty of other sh*t and gunk around ur fins anyway.

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Yeh i used a white knight gloss black, its quick dry, it came up awesome if i do say myself like u wont be able to see most of the fins when its in, but looks damn good with a lick of paint on the top of the radiator. Looks brand new.
will go well with my fresh motor rebuild

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The clearer the fins are , the more air can flow through them , the more efficient the cooling is . Best to not put too much paint on them but a thin spray to make it look good and the same as the rest of the radiator should be ok . Don't forget too , if you put too much paint on the fins , you're virtually putting a blanket around the core holding the heat in .....

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The theory being matt black radiates the most heat, and a thin insulating layer of paint is less detrimental to cooling performance than tarnished fins.

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Too many cars, and too little time.

ah thanks for that, didn't want my radiator to be a hot water bottle!!