Thanks for the feed back guys, Nick when you had the rad ends dipped were they coated after the transfer was applied.
I have found a company in Maidstone who spray a protective coating on after the transfer has been applied, not sure how tough this would be , but they have been used on car wheels .
Re "poly thread" excellent rebuild read the thread very skilful not sure i have the necessary patience or skill set , but i thought your engine respray section was really good, intend to copy your example.