Sandblast Radiator

Well I'd brush on paint stripper and scrape it way, and use a soft tooth brush to clean the fins. Keeps the brass and fins clean.

The exterior won't rust, so I barely hit the fins just to give them the black look, so heat can radiate easier. Some will baste the fins and give them a coating or two.

Agreed, do not attempt to sand blast cooling fins.  They will bend and warp.  Maybe use aircraft stripper with a paint brush.  Then gently dab the paint brush through the fins (gently).  Rinse off really well and try in again.  You might get most of the paint off that way, but it is labor intensive.  Did I say to do it gently!!!!

I hear you. Just took 4 layers of paint off my old hood. Not fun. But just get some of that thin plastic rolled sheeting and put it underneath. Makes it a lot cleaner and for some reason the stripper doesn't eat through the plastic sheeting. When you are done just roll it up, tie it off and chuck it. It will take a few applications but will save your radiator from sand blasting mangling! Nothing us easy on these old car jobs 😣 oh, and wear rubber gloves. That stripper can do a number on your skin if not protected and washed out immediately if you get some on your skin.

Edited by LakesideRamblin - Apr/24/2017 at 5:20pm

X2 with 401harry. Take it to a radiator shop and have them 'tank it'. I really suggest that you let them check the radiator up to the point of them painting anything. Take it home and paint it correctly.

Caustic acid is what the shops use to dip the radiator into (at least before EPA regs may have changed). Watch for interior rust if not reinstalled and used again soon. Paint at home and use phosphate free antifreeze.