New PC User

[nbk13nw]

Well, after a year of thinking about it I finally bought a PC 7336 from Lowes ($99.00) last night. Now, on to the needed accessories. Here is the where it gets a little fuzzy for me. Even though I have spent a lot of time the past week or two browsing through many different forums concerning detailing with the PC, I still am at a loss on what pads or accessories I may need.

I don't want to base my decisions on price alone and was hoping that there would be some suggestions coming my way on some pads or other accessories that I may want to purchase.

I have an 05 Mustang GT (Black) and the factory paint was not really up to par when I picked it up over a year ago. I spent some time hand buffing out the damage that the dealer did when washing the car down using some old rags or sponges before they turned it over to me. But during some service a few months ago, when I got the car back it looks as iff they washed it again after I asked them not to, so I decided that now is the time to get the paint where I want it to be.

Lots of spider webs, some very minor scratches and smears on the paint where the kids have put something on it and slid it back off when they saw me coming

So... any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks again!

Kirk

[Neothin]

you're going to need a backing plate. These come in many sizes. there are small 2" backing plates made specifically for 4" pads. then there are 5, 6, etc etc inch pads for the larger sized pads. your backing plate choice depends on what size pads you purchse.
For the pads, you have two choices. small spot buff pads or larger more conventional pads. In a perfect wolrd you'll want both. The smaller pads are used mostly for paint correction (removing swirls, waterspots, etc). The smaller area concentrates the PC's work ability into a smaller area and makes these types of products work better. The larger pads are for going over large areas of paint quickly with protection-type items like liquid waxes and sealants. I personally have both kinds.
Pads themselves can be categorized into 3 main types. Finishing, Polishing, and Cutting. In that order it goes from least aggressive to most aggressive. Not all pads will fit into these categories though. Some are sort of halway between two categories. Light cutting pads could also be called heavy polishing, etc etc etc. For your situation, your paint isnt in that bad of a condition. A few finishing pads and a few polishing pads will more than likely be able to handle anything that you throw at them on the mustang. If you want to just have complete peace of mind, pick up a light cutting pad.

[nbk13nw]

Thanks Neothin,

I was looking at the "Edge" stuff on the site... They seem to be a little pricey but the quality seems to be there from what I have read... With these all I need is the adapter and no backing plate correct? Maybe I should have one regardless. I think for now I will play with the larger pads and when the time comes maybe pick up som 4" pads for the inevitable bumps and bruises to come.

So, maybe some Blue, Light Orange and White 6" pads from Edge to start... Now, your personal opinion here, I currently have some Zaino Z2-Pro and Z-5 as well as some accelerator left. Should I think about replacing it with another product? I have always liked the end result with Zaino but I am willing to expand my horizons and try something new...

[Neothin]

Sorry, can't help ya there. I haven't used the edge system, nor have I heard many reviews on it. And as for Zaino... I've made it quite clear on other boards that I'm an anti-Zlot

[cwcad]

I have fun using other products. My truck is a veritable test bed of sealants. Unless you are like me and like to use different products, I would use up the Zaino and get good results with it. If you are a product #####, as I am, go ahead and use all the products that you like. I would be very interested to read a post or two on what you observations are after having used Zaino and then going on to another product line.

As far as pads are concerned you have already recieved very good advise. I am heavily invested in hook and loop so I am a little biased at this moment. Truthfully, if I were to start over, I would have to consider the edge system. It is a new system that shows promise as well as comittment from the manufacturer for good pads as well as customer service. They are also attuned to the consumer feed back

[killrwheels@autogeek]

A PC is a valid addition, and you need to enhance your choice with a flexible backing plate and some pads. Most use the orange, white, and grey most often. Size will dictate your choices so go outside and spot measure the tight areas.

Z makes some great sealants, but please realize thats what you got. Two paint sealants, and one with some light filling ability. Neither need to be used with a PC and infact, you will use much to much in doing so. Lets agree to protect by hand and remove by microfiber as possible.

Now since we know your protectant (Z), we need to get to the point where it is needed. Are we going to clay ?? If so, any kit is compatiable . After that we know that we are going to polish (thus the PC purchase) to remove swirls. We can look to two or three combos. Poorboys 2.5 and 1.0, Optimum Polish and Hyper , or Menzerna FP and IP. (yes others exist) Once we get the finish to perfection you will want to rewash or wipe down with 70/30 alcohol to water in order to remove any fillers. You will then Z5 or Z2 as wanted. Afterwards if a little more depth and wetness is wanted, consider a carnuba topper. That should easily work within your perimeters and get the finish up to show quality.

[nbk13nw]

Well I bit and ordered the Edge 6" pads. Orange, Blue and White as well as the adpater for the PC. As for the "cutting" product. I had some Zaino Z-PC, Z2-Pro and Z-6 lef tover from last year and plan on using it until it is gone. Then I think I would like to try some Poorboys and others to see what they can do for me. I do plan on claying the car after a good wash prior to trying to work the paint a bit.

I have a used Ford Escort for my oldest daughter and it is in dire need of some TLC. Lots of staining (tree sap and leaves) from being parked under some tress for so long. Otherwise the body is in really good shape.

I want to thanks everyone for their thoughts and comments... I plan on being here for sometime and hopefully I can add some value to the board once I get familiar with the products out there....

Kirk

[cwcad]

I do not believe that you can go wrong on the purchase. Maybe next year I will try the Edge system. Have read many good report from reputable members of other forums. So if used properly I think it will work well.

Using your pads appropriately I believe that you may well be able to get most of your corrective work completed with what you have on hand. Although using Poorboy's SSR line will no doubt serve you well when you purchase same.

[nbk13nw]

Again I want to thank everyone that has assisted in my decision process. I will try and get some before and after pics since the "Black" cars seem to be the bears to deal with when it comes to a really good finished product. I should mention that the one true thing that has driven me to this is that the dealer helped out a bit.

When I first received the car (11 miles on it), I took it home and spent the weekend claying the car and preparing it for some serious work. A full day was spent hand buffing out the minor flaws, mainly from the dealer washing with sandpaper beofer I picked it up. Once done the car was spotless.

I had some work done at the dealer a few months later (New rear end installed) and forgot to ask them NOT to wash the car. Well, picked it up that afternoon and it was abolutely covered in scratchs from the wasing processes again. I have since been so unsatisified looking at the car. I realize that most would not see it but I see it everyday. So, I found this board, joined up and have ben lurking and reading for sometime now.

In such a short while I feel as if I have gained enough to at least venture into the PC world. I do know that I have so much more to learn stil, especially the new "language" concerning the products... Thanks again to everyone....

Kirk