Gunk

In 1924 Mr. I. D. Blumenthal was a traveling salesman in need of repair to his car's radiator. A local tinsmith in Charlotte, North Carolina repaired the radiator with a "magic powder". Impressed with the product, I.D. teamed with the tinsmith and SOLDER SEAL became the first product of Radiator Specialty Company. His brother, Herman, joined the company in 1938 to make it a family run business. When I. D. passed away, Herman became Chairman of the Board, and likewise, later his eldest son, Alan assumed responsibility.

During World War II, rubber products were produced in the California plants and used in America's aircraft assembly. In 1949 the rubber production was moved to Charlotte where SAFE-T-CONE products were developed and produced as well as more chemical and plumbing/hardware products. In 1958 the Douglas Tools line of augers, hole saws, hammers, levels, and measuring devices, was added. GUNK LABORATORIES was acquired in 1959, resulting in the addition of an entire line of GUNK degreasers -- including ENGINE BRITE-- and cleaning products. The SolderSeal-Gunk logo was formed at that time.