Hi Ron,
My experience with survivor 1970 Chevrolet radiators is that the petcock or drain valve was installed after paint. This is due to not seeing any evidence of paint on this part on the 70 Chevelles I've had the opportunity to inspect and service.
Another part that i have had the opportunity to study was an NOS radiator for a 70 A body that although painted from the factory had a cardboard plug where the drain plug would be, so that could explain it if Harrison shipped the radiator to the assembly plants the same way? The only 70 Camaro radiators I've had the opportunity to inspect did not have the barrel feature that is typical on 70 A body radiators. Don't know why they would be different but appear that some at least were.
The flare on the handle of the valve should be facing the engine.
Hope this helps.
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