Kevin71

Polished a alum radiator. Tried to clear coat didn't come out very nice. Any suggestions. Smiths radiator that I bought from doesn't think I should paint it. I thought I would used a high temp which would be higher than the temp would get a 500 degrees. So would there be a issue?

Iowan

The thing with polished aluminum is there is nothing for the clear to bite to and sooner or later it peels. I have seen a radiator with its tanks powder coted in clear, not sure how long that would last ether.

Kevin71

I guess I should get used to polishing it. It looks like chrome right now.

moe7404

at the Boeing plant i worked at had a spcail coating so it would stick. regular paints dont stick to AL. the one they used was ugly green color. and was for corrosion protection. dont know of a clear that will work.

Iowan

There used to be a product like this called Zip seal, but I can't find it.
This looks similar.
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/shineseal-aluminum-sealer


It made polishing less frequent.

RacerHog

The Problem with sealing up an Aluminum anything is you restrict the heat dissipation factors of it purpose.....

Iowan

Sealing the tanks would not affect the performance of a radiator, in fact polishing the tanks in the first place would reduce heat transfer more, which the rad company's don't seem to concern with.

Kevin71

$70 for a small kit to do 40 sqft. Only need about 2 sqft. Has anyone tried this Shineseal?

Iowan

There website says go to 700 degrees, I'd try it. I used to use zip seal on customer builds, the last one was a $2900 Becool setup for a 55 Chevy.

Kevin71

I am not concerned about the heat so much as just staying on and looking right. I have already sprayed with a cheaper product and didn't look worth **** so I buffed it back off. That was more work than polishing the first time.

Iowan

I think the key word is cheaper, I've never said the stuff was cheap


The cheap stuff turns yellow/brown dull with time and heat.