correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

[Keith B.]

just had my local radiator shop re-core the original. now its bare metal. what shade of of black. in the 4th edition of the judging manual it states they should be gloss black. nothing is said under the BB section. also will any gloss black paint work. or do I need a special paint

[Patrick N.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Kieth, I'm not sure on the gloss question but Eastwood sells specific Radiator paint which is high temp, good chemical resistance and goes on thinner than other paints. It has good coverage and is offered as a rattle can.

[Keith B.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Any body for the correct shade

[Paul J.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Any body for the correct shade

Gloss, as the JM states and you indicated in your first post. You may want to go into the archives, or the auction web sites and look at some of the pictures so you get an idea.

You can use any type of quality paint, but apply it in thin coats.

[Keith B.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

like I said the color was only said in the small block section. nothing in the big block section of the JM

[Terry M.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

BB & Sb radiators were coated the same at St Louis.

Just a hint: Take it to your local radiator shop and ask them to paint it with their coating. At most it will cost you a few bucks, and if you talk nice and promise to bring them more business it might be free. Don't wait for it because it will take a few days to dry well, but overnight it can be handled carefully with gloves. Don't make the mistake I did and get the coating on your clothes -- it will be there forever. At first it will look very glossy, but after a dozen or so heating cycles it will be exactly right.

Yes i know the coating used today is not the same as that used 40 to 50 years ago. It still works fine for our purposes.

[Keith B.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

The radiator shop owner only had a flat black paint. He knew what he was working on and told me he was sure 60's GM rads were glossy So he left it bare for me to paint He told me I could use hardwear store rattle gloss black in a thin coat and it will be fine.

[Patrick T.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Keith, I've used Eastwood's Radiator Gloss Black, part #1617Z and it looks great. Just an FYI. Are you and your Dad going to the National this July in Hampton, Va? PT

[Keith B.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Thanks Pratick. I would like to go for at least one day. Not sure are you getting your car judged there

[Patrick T.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Thanks Patrick. I would like to go for at least one day. Not sure are you getting your car judged there

Keith, right now it looks like I'll be getting it judged. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive. Maybe we can drive our cars down there together, in case one of us breaks down on the way.

[John H.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

BB & Sb radiators were coated the same at St Louis.

Terry -

To clarify, both SB and BB radiators were painted at Harrison; St. Louis just took them out of the rack and installed them.

[Terry M.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

Terry -

To clarify, both SB and BB radiators were painted at Harrison; St. Louis just took them out of the rack and installed them.

My bad, I knew they came in coated -- I don't know why I typed St Louis. I was trying to make the point that they were coated with the same stuff at the same place, and I should have stuck to my main thought.

[Rick B.]

Re: correct paint for a 67 BB radiator

I have used Dupli-Color gloss black engine enamel on several brass radiators for mid sixties GM vehicles (Nova SS & Olds 442). I purchased the paint at my local auto parts store. Its formulated for higher temps and maintains a reasonable glossy finish after multiple heat cycles. Make sure your radiator is clean and apply several light coats of the gloss black to obtain sufficient coverage. I didn't use the Dupli-Color primer and have not had an adhesion problem. I have even been able able to do some touch up with the Dupli-Color gloss black after having a small tank to core leak repaired, I have had good results with this product.