Just got my radiator back from the shoppe, checked and tested. Seems they spent all their time on fixing it and not so much time on an even semi decent paint job... I hope this is the case. How should I strip the paint an recoat it with something less glossy (they used super high glossy black)? Acetone? Thinner? Goo-gone? Should I be weary of the stripping product getting into the rad or will a proper water flush handle any residual chemicals that made its way in? What paint should I use to repaint it? Thanks!!! Sent from my iPhone (which probably means I'm sitting at my car confused)
You could have them dip it again to remove the paint. This happened to me as well. I now make sure they know not to paint the radiator.
Use a paint stripper. Just coat it on, wait a few minutes for the paint to bubble off, then wash it off. Might need to do it a couple times to be thorough. Most strippers dilute in water and won't harm anything except your skin, wear gloves. As for paint, Dupli-color satin (semi gloss) black works well with a self etching primer underneath. Or you could just scuff it with scotch-brite and use the current paint as a primer and paint over it.
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/paint-spray-paint-all-surface/auto-care-18-oz-gloss-aircraft-remover-sprays-6-pack-172568.html link for the aircraft remover
+1 Do you have a bodyshop nearby that could paint it? It might cost $150 to do it right after the radiaor company strips it, but the result will be a longer lasting finish. They'll likely use a self etch primer, or a 2 part epoxy, then a chemically activated semi gloss black urethane that is more durable than spray can finishes. If there's any imperfections in the tank, they can also repair those before painting.
I would just paint it with Rustoleum Satin Black. Looks great and close to original. Don't powder coat as you'll play hell getting it off next time it needs a fix. Too much coating can act as an insulator- not what you want on a radiator. Go simple and just paint it with a good paint and don't load up the cooling fins.
+1 True! Any coating acts as an insulator, I'd paint the header and bottom tank just for appearances sake and leave the core unpainted for best cooling. I'd use Krylon Satin Black, I've been having troubles with Rustoleum spray cans.
You don't want a lot of paint build on the fins. If you look at a brand new radiator, they have normal coverage on the tanks, but looks to be only dusting on fins. I would imagine heat transfer could be compromised.
While hanging around a radiator shop waiting for a recore I asked a lot of questions. One was regarding the paint. I was told it is special and does not inhibit heat transfer. I've never bothered to verify this but if considering repainting my own radiator I would.
