Aluminum Radiator, To Paint or Not To Paint?

[Theorangetiger]

I'm pretty set on installing an aftermarket aluminum radiator but am stuck on whether to paint it or not, the main concern being how much would paint or other coating affect cooling efficiency.
I prefer the more stock look of a black radiator but keeping the car cool is by far the most important factor here.

Thoughts?

 

[at the beach]

Techline Coatings (makers of Cermachrome) used to sell a black coating for radiators that improved heat dissipation. It was described as a thermal dispersant.

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[Bryan]

eastwood sells alum. radiator paint like early corvettes

 

[Warren]

Paint it black you Devil
Rolling Stones said it best...

 

[Theorangetiger]

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked at Techline. Looks like good stuff but the site seems neglected with no info on where to buy or how to order.

Eastwood does sell the radiator paint which they say dissipates heat. Looks promising.

 

[Austin Healer]

I'm pretty set on installing an aftermarket aluminum radiator but am stuck on whether to paint it or not, the main concern being how much would paint or other coating affect cooling efficiency.
I prefer the more stock look of a black radiator but keeping the car cool is by far the most important factor here.

Thoughts?

I tend to avoid the alloy radiators as they cannot be repaired. I re-cored my standard radiator with a special core with dimpled tubes that slow the water down.... and then I painted in black!

My car runs consistently just below the middle of the gauge even on triple digit days.

 

[KenF]

My car runs consistently just below the middle of the gauge even on triple digit days.

Anything else besides the radiator?

 

[Austin Healer]

Anything else besides the radiator?

horn blanking plates, maverick fan, reduced diameter water pump pulley (fairmont). Timing at 10 degrees BTDC... No headers, stock ex manifolds, 2" exhaust

 

[Theorangetiger]

I tend to avoid the alloy radiators as they cannot be repaired. I re-cored my standard radiator with a special core with dimpled tubes that slow the water down.... and then I painted in black!

Do you have a source for that core?

 

[Austin Healer]

Do you have a source for that core?

I just had my local radiator shop do the work. I live in the middle of nowhere... if he can get it, it must be pretty readily available. I'll call him later today and find out where he ordered it from.

 

[Austin Healer]

My radiator shop orders them custom made from Pacific Radiator MFG in Canada (B.C.) 800.663.2673

 

[Theorangetiger]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.