Question: Why are aluminum radiators painted?

[jackfit]

View attachment 18949

View attachment 18950

View attachment 18951 I am about to get a replacement radiator for my 327/350. I wonder why the radiator is painted. Is it for looks or for cooling? Also is the shroud left plain fiberglass or is it painted black?

Thanks Jack

PS
I did not paint it. It looks too good just the way it is. Just installed , along with new engine, dash and rear harnesses.

I may lose ""points"" but after 40 years of driving the car, who cares.

 

[JohnZ]

The factory aluminum radiator was painted for appearance reasons. The small-block shroud is natural dark gray raw fiberglass (unpainted).

 

[jackfit]

Thanks for the info, I can now install it, one more thing I don't have to paint. Would a coat of clear work to ease in cleaning and to give it a better look. It is 43 years old.

Jack

 

[JohnZ]

Thanks for the info, I can now install it, one more thing I don't have to paint. Would a coat of clear work to ease in cleaning and to give it a better look. It is 43 years old.

Jack

Assuming you're talking about the shroud, I wouldn't put any kind of coating on it.

 

[sub006]

The factory aluminum radiator was painted for appearance reasons. The small-block shroud is natural dark gray raw fiberglass (unpainted).

A black coating HELPS radiate heat, and the engine will run cooler. That's why refrigerators were painted white and brake drums were painted black back in the day. Or just go stand barefoot on an asphalt road on a sunny day.

 

[studiog]

A black coating HELPS radiate heat, and the engine will run cooler. That's why refrigerators were painted white and brake drums were painted black back in the day. Or just go stand barefoot on an asphalt road on a sunny day.

Do you mean black absorbs sunlight and white reflects sunlight?
I don't see how black paint would radiate heat.