SafelyRemoving Paint Overspray from radiator fins?

[Jersey]

The prior owner had some sloppy paint work done and I have a good deal of superficial overspray on the radiator.

I thought about gently applying paint remover to with a paint bush and then hosing it off without blowing it back into the engine compartment, but that is still less than ideal. Is there a better solvent?

Does anyone have a safe way of removing it?


Jersey

 

[tahoe healey]

Two thoughts come to my mind.
Goof Off is used to remove paint over-spray and works well with out damaging the paint below.
A clay bar will scrub off the excess paint if used with the proper lubricant. I'd try that first and it is a nice thing to have on hand as it removes all surface crap before waxing (or what ever you use to shining) your car.
Whatever you do, experiment on an area not easily noticed.

 

[stevebn2bj7]

I would not do anything to try and remove it unless you take the radiator out and have it boiled to remove all paint and then start over. If you try using a paint remover you will likely get some gumming up of the spaces between fins reducing airflow. The same with a polishing method. If you do not want to take it out, I would just get some black paint and lightly spray over the body paint in there and call it a day.

 

[nevets]

Re: SafelyRemoving Paint Overspray from radiator f

If overspray is on the radiator fins then the easiest and best way is to repaint it (outside the car as suggested by stevebn2bj7).

Overspray can sometimes be removed if fresh but once cured is not easily undone. Solvents and abrasives will likely damage the underlying paint. You can give it a try on a small hidden section, but I would dab it with a rag and small amount of solvent (question is which solvent? Lot's of choices and some are more damaging than others?). I'd stay away from the brush & garden hose technique.

Good luck

 

[Randy Forbes]

Re: SafelyRemoving Paint Overspray from radiator f

Keep in mind, that layers of paint will act as an insulator too, reducing how easily the heat will transfer to the air.

If you really want to do the job right, pull the radiator (NOT a big job in a Healey) and have it boiled, as Steven suggested. It shouldn't cost much, unless the radiator is in a bad way to begin with (and a better time to find out now than out on the road) and then coat with a thin layer of black paint (low gloss, satin or user's choice).

I chose to go "paintless" on my top tank, just polished the brass. Next time mine is boiled, I'll probably stay paintless throughout, unless it's too ugly :wink:

 

[Keoke]

I would not do anything to try and remove it unless you take the radiator out and have it boiled to remove all paint and then start over. If you try using a paint remover you will likely get some gumming up of the spaces between fins reducing airflow. The same with a polishing method. If you do not want to take it out, I would just get some black paint and lightly spray over the body paint in there and call it a day.

This wuld be my recommendation too!!, take to the shop and have it stripped while it is being boiled out.--Keoke

 

[tahoe healey]

Oops, didn't see the word fins. My help wasn't no help.

 

[Keoke]

HI TH

Well the forum will forgive you this time but be a little more careful in the future.--Keoke :laugh:

 

[Jersey]

Re: SafelyRemoving Paint Overspray from radiator f

Thanks to all...I will probably pull it and get it boiled...the car is 3/4 disassembled anyway...

Thanks

Jersey