I just received a new aluminum radiator from Speedway Motors. It is one of their universal units (w/tranny cooler installed) and will be going in the narrow front end of my 1937 Cadillac LaSalle. You may be shocked that the radiator they sent me does not look nearly as shiny and new as the one pictured on their website. The price was right at about $300. the next cheapest alternative I have seen is a PRC radiator going for about $460 for the comparable unit. For all I know the PRC one won't be any prettier. I am not looking for a polished unit, just one that doesn't look like it was already used.

Any advice?

On a related topic, will painting the radiator negatively affect its operation? Is there a specific paint for this application? Obviously I wouldn't put a heavy coat on the cooling surface, but a little elbow grease and some gloss black might help the appearance of this radiator dramatically.

Thanks, Jay