Anyone have Auto Rad ? - Lateral-g Forums

ProdigyCustoms · #1 07-23-2010, 08:22 AM

We powder coat and paint them. Anodize aluminum has that look that looks like nothing else.

We are not having any staining issues, anodize is like a vampire, it tough as nails to anything except sunlight!

**Steve1968LS2** · #2 07-23-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

We powder coat and paint them. Anodize aluminum has that look that looks like nothing else.

We are not having any staining issues, anodize is like a vampire, it tough as nails to anything except sunlight!

Actually any heat is hard on anodizing since it opens the pores in the metal and that compromises the dye. Thats why when you look at older project cars the fittings are all baby blue and pink. lol

AutoRad quit offering black annodizing because they couldn't get a consistent result on the welds and the panels.

I agree that power paint would make more sense.

Musclerodz · #3 07-23-2010, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve1968LS2

Actually any heat is hard on anodizing since it opens the pores in the metal and that compromises the dye. Thats why when you look at older project cars the fittings are all baby blue and pink. lol

AutoRad quit offering black annodizing because they couldn't get a consistent result on the welds and the panels.

I agree that power paint would make more sense.

that is because blue and red are soft annodize. You can get black in hard annodize and will be much more durable. The only issue i have with annodize, is it will discolor around welds.

We sell lots of the PRC units and they work great, but when it came to needing a core support for project "N-XSS", I picked Autorad, Steve's pics say it all. Now you got me wondering Steve about our neck placement, guess I need to pull it out of the box and check it out.

Roadster Shop · #4 07-23-2010, 09:40 AM

We run Auto Rad radiators in every car that we build. Top notch stuff! The fit and finish level is second to none. We used to use other radiators, but would spend more time trying to make them look good and hide nasty welds. Auto Rad's stuff looks incredible in bare aluminum.

ProdigyCustoms · #5 07-23-2010, 09:45 AM

The Hard Coat anodize quality depends a little on what the welding filler was used. It also depends on who is doing the anodize. That is why we ship the radiator 1000 miles to us to anodize them.

Heat is not a big problem, we have been selling anodize front drives for years. Lots of hard coat parts are sold like Earls fittings, they do not change color. Remember the radiator is only at 200 degrees which is not real hot. Sunlight (UV) is death to any anodize.

Powder coat is not a option if you want the fins black, will absolutely ruin the cooling efficiency. You would have to paint the fins with a special paint for radiator fins, tape them off anf powder caot the rest. Might as well paint it at that point.

Here is Chris Radiator. The welds are SLIGHTLY different color. a LITTLE browner then the rest of it. But gives it that anodize look.

**Steve1968LS2** · #6 07-23-2010, 02:51 PM

The black looks really good.. and like you said the hard annodizing should hold up pretty good.

AutoRad just quit doing it since they could get consistent quality in the looks department around the welds and they are pretty picky.

My car idled for nearly two hours and the water temp never went over 200.. Stuff works real good.

Musclerodz · #7 07-23-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve1968LS2

The black looks really good.. and like you said the hard annodizing should hold up pretty good.

AutoRad just quit doing it since they could get consistent quality in the looks department around the welds and they are pretty picky.

My car idled for nearly two hours and the water temp never went over 200.. Stuff works real good.

Same reason we are changing our reservoirs to full cnc tank for production before we release them. I did not like the discoloration around the welds

71RS/SS396 · #8 07-23-2010, 06:35 PM

I have a couple of AutoRad units and the things are like a work of art! I like the fact that they bend the tubing in nice radius' and there are no exposed welded angle joints. I'm sure Franks performs well, I think it's a matter of looks if that's important to you. Imho the AutoRad is the best looking one on the market.