Brass Radiator Head - Why painted?

[Deleted User]

Someone educate me here....

In most of the photos of engines I see, the radiator head is painted black and that is about all you can see of the radiator (except for the cap). Now, I can understand why most aluminum radiators are painted, but why would someone paint a brass radiator black? Is it for better heat dissipation at the head or what?

The radiator in my 52 Pacemaker is brass and painted black... I am removing the paint from the head. I just don't understand what the purpose of painting it would be - maybe cause you don't want to have to polish the brass?

rambos_ride

kktreb wrote:

Someone educate me here....

In most of the photos of engines I see, the radiator head is painted black and that is about all you can see of the radiator (except for the cap). Now, I can understand why most aluminum radiators are painted, but why would someone paint a brass radiator black? Is it for better heat dissipation at the head or what?

The radiator in my 52 Pacemaker is brass and painted black... I am removing the paint from the head. I just don't understand what the purpose of painting it would be - maybe cause you don't want to have to polish the brass?

You answered your own question! Brass is much harder to keep polished - especially on a driver...

Aaron D. IL

rambos_ride wrote:

You answered your own question! Brass is much harder to keep polished - especially on a driver...

I've seen it polished and coated with a hi-temp clearcoat...might do the trick if you were inclined to have more shiny objects under the hood.

kamzack

Hi Aaron,

One of the reasons for not painting the top tank is the fact that it will dissipate heat better,oxidized or polished and no clearcoat. I'd been told that several times. While at the Hudson Nationals in Orlando in 2000,I had the priveledge of parking near Walt Mordenti. In looking at his detailed engine compartment I noticed he has his unpainted. He confirmed the heat dissipatation, even though reputable raditor shops will use a special paint for same,He says not painting the top tank will help. As you know, he is an encyclopedia and a lifetime of information. I've emailed him a number of times and found him to be very helpful and right on target with his suggestions. If you need cinfirmation, email him, his address is in WTN. Hope that helps and thanks for letting me share.

Kim

[Deleted User]

I read on another board that most people may want an aluminum radiator painted because it is and looks aluminum.... I am certainly not against that shade or silver grey in my engine bay, but I guess it looks too "new" against the other original equipment? Maybe?

I am removing the black paint from my radiator (which was scratched up anyway) and will maintain the luster of the brass. There is something just unnatural about painting a metal such as brass.... it is like painting chrome... unless you absolutely have to, why would you?

Unknown

I guess you hit the question right, so I don't need to answer.





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Bob

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