23 T Radiator

[tommyleea]

To paint, or not to paint..I am speaking of the radiator core. Do you guys paint yours or not, and if so what paint do you use? Thanks..Tommy

[Steve Jelf]

I believe there is paint especially made for radiators, but I haven't tried to find it. I want those fins directly exposed to passing air, even if they might look prettier with a paint job.

[Erik Johnson]

If you google automotive radiator paint, the only product that comes up is Eastwood.

https://www.eastwood.com/catalogsearch/ ... ator+paint

You would think that a variety of brands would be available and that major auto stores such as NAPA would carry a brand of radiator paint but that is just not the case. That makes me wonder if you actually need to use so called "radiator paint."

Years ago, I had my radiator cleaned and gone over by an "old-fashioned" radiator shop in Minneapolis. When the work was completed, they applied a light coat of inexpensive, rattle can black lacquer.

About 25 years ago, my father painted a Model T radiator with a light coat of Rustoleum black satin barbecue paint and has never had any problems. He did this per the advice of the late Royce D. Peterson (the father of Royce N. Peterson who used to be a frequent poster on this forum).

I have a hard time believing that using anything but "radiator paint" will cause problems unless its loaded on so thick it narrows the space between the tubes and fins causing restricted airflow.

Also, I'll bet that the only difference between radiator paint and high heat rattle can enamel is the label.

I think it doesn't matter what is used as long as it's a thin coat.

[tommyleea]

I believe there is paint especially made for radiators, but I haven't tried to find it. I want those fins directly exposed to passing air, even if they might look prettier with a paint job.

That's what I was thinking..I have painted other radiators without a problem, but I am hesitant with the T and its cooling system.

If you google automotive radiator paint, the only product that comes up is Eastwood.

https://www.eastwood.com/catalogsearch/ ... ator+paint

You would think that a variety of brands would be available and that major auto stores such as NAPA would carry a brand of radiator paint but that is just not the case. That makes me wonder if you actually need to use so called "radiator paint."

Years ago, I had my radiator cleaned and gone over by an "old-fashioned" radiator shop in Minneapolis. When the work was completed, they applied a light coat of inexpensive, rattle can black lacquer.

About 25 years ago, my father painted a Model T radiator with a light coat of Rustoleum black satin barbecue paint and has never had any problems. He did this per the advice of the late Royce D. Peterson (the father of Royce N. Peterson who used to be a frequent poster on this forum).

I have a hard time believing that using anything but "radiator paint" will cause problems unless its loaded on so thick it narrows the space between the tubes and fins causing restricted airflow.

Also, I'll bet that the only difference between radiator paint and high heat rattle can enamel is the label.

I think it doesn't matter what is used as long as it's a thin coat.

Thanks..I did notice the Eastwood Radiator Paint. I agree with the thin coat. A thin coat would still leave good airflow, but I was wondering about the heat dissipation of the fins with paint on them. I take it that not many paint the core. Tommy

[Erik Johnson]

If you are planning on painting an old Model T radiator, make sure you clean out all the debris between the fins and rows of tubes all the way from front to back with a wire, dull hacksaw blade or other comparable tool.

Sometimes you'll find out that they are loaded up with a lot of road dirt.

[Mark Gregush]

I paint the whole radiator, tanks and core. Just a quick thin coat over the whole shebang for looks with what ever black paint I have on hand.

[tommyleea]

If you are planning on painting an old Model T radiator, make sure you clean out all the debris between the fins and rows of tubes all the way from front to back with a wire, dull hacksaw blade or other comparable tool.

Sometimes you'll find out that they are loaded up with a lot of road dirt.

Thanks..It's old, but it is very clean..Tommy

I paint the whole radiator, tanks and core. Just a quick thin coat over the whole shebang for looks with what ever black paint I have on hand.

Thanks Mark...I like the BBQ Black..

[Hudson29]

After my '23 developed a leaky head gasket that made a big mess in the cooling system I painted the freshly cleaned radiator with a Krylon Industrial semi-gloss black. It was just one light coat and it has been on for ten years or so with no overheating issues even in heavy summer SoCal traffic. This paint is very good, I painted the whole engine with it and it does not burn off or chip.

These pics were taken years after the paint was applied. The finish still cleans up well.

[tommyleea]

Thanks Paul, that's good to know.