is there a way to paint parts like the radiator or the oil cooler?

[VO101_Tom]

Originally Posted by KG26_Alpha

Its possible animated parts are hard coded and not editable.

I do not think, bacause many parts of the skin is animated (cocpit, flap and control surfaces, wheel cover, etc.). This is an easily editable file (layer) would be as dirt, wear, small signs, plaques, etc...
I think, the reason is much simpler. Whatever you can do with this layer, the painting will not be (very ) lame, because you can't edit the non-painted parts, panels divide a lot of small labels, additional signs, weathering layer, etc... I like this solution.