Gonna Order One...

[jaguax]

I think I'm gonna jump the gun and get a 7424. Originally I was begging for any locals with experience to remove the swirls on my car for me, but since I didn't get the reply I wanted, maybe I should just try it myself and stop being scared to death of wrecking the paint. Good idea or no?

So yeah, I think I'm gonna order the one with the backing plate and orange pads. The purpose of this thread is to ask exactly what I need in addition to this buffer.

I want to be sure that I have EVERYTHING I need for the task, because it's the worst feeling in the world to be missing something during a project, and then having to wait another week for shipping!

So, my plans are to do a full body swirl removal on a 1997 BMW 328is. But what do I need besides the buffer? Microfiber wiping towels? Pad cleaner/conditioner? How about sponge/mitt types for the pre-wash? And soap?

If someone can provide me with a complete list of the things I will need for a pre-wash, and swirl removal, I would greatly appreciate it.

P.S. I don't want the most expensive and glorious products out there, I just want things that just plain work. So please, give a MINIMAL list if possible.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

edit - And what about tape to protect side moldings, headlights, windows, etc? Necessary? What type? etc...

[D&D Auto Detailing]

I think its a good idea, although I believe Im one of the locals that responded to you?

Soap
DP xtreme foam
Pinnacle bodywork shampoo
Poorboy's super slick & suds
DG #901
Meguiars gold class
Meguiars NXT for really dirty cars

Sponge
The ShMITT
Anything by Cobra
Get something local for your wheels

Drying
GUZZLER!

Clay
Mothers clay bar- use their QD to spray onto pads to reduce dusting

Polish
XMT 360, #2, or #3 depending on paint condition

Wax
Natty's Blue
Liquid Souveran
Sig. Series II
Souveran Paste

Tires/ Wheels
DP wheel cleaner gel (or just use soap)
AA tire foam
DP wheel glaze

MF
Cobra Indigo to wipe away polish
Cobra Deluxe Jr. Microfiber Towel for final buff

Clean pads with dawn and hot water. Wash MF in washing machine, cold water, no softener, dry in drier with no/ low heat, or air dry. Store in plastic BIN (not bag) once everything is 100% dry.

Get this kit, XMT Porter Cable 7424 Light Swirl Remover Kit with CCS pads! Free Bonus! and the only other things youll need are soap, sponge, guzzler, indigo only (not deluxe jr. MF), clay, wax, and wheel/ tire stuff.

Hope this helps! If you dont want to do all this, then shoot me a PM, maybe we can work something out.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

A 7424 is a valuable option ... if looking for a kit checkout the Poorboys. Everything but soap is included !!

[sparkie]

Welcome to AGOL. The best thing (IMO) someone can do is buy a complete kit. AG's has some great ones made up. Porter Cable 7424 Dual Action Polisher
Kits has everything you need. No guessing about it.

For wash, Shmitt and Duragloss #901

The ShMITT Multi-purpose Foam Mitts (I like the white and yellow) and Duragloss Car Wash Concentrate #901

Go to lowes are wal-mart and pick up 3m blue painter tape.
Hope this helps. By the way, how about LSP, "wax or sealant"?

[jaguax]

Originally Posted by 03gtmustang

Get this kit, XMT Porter Cable 7424 Light Swirl Remover Kit with CCS pads! Free Bonus!

So how do I determine if that is enough to remove the swirls on my car. Because in direct sunlight it looks pretty bad (blue car). You can't see them at sunset/sundown, but during high noon, it's equivalent to a nuclear explosion of swirls. Maybe I need #3 or #4? I'll post some pics tomorrow.

And about all this prep you mentioned, is it really necessary? I would prefer to keep the process as simple as possible. I was expecting to just wash the car and get right to polishing. Do I really need to go over the whole car with clay and whatever else?

[D&D Auto Detailing]

Yes, you really do need to clay to do it correctly. Pictures would help greatly to determine what kind of swirl remover you need.

[travisdecpn]

Originally Posted by jaguax

And about all this prep you mentioned, is it really necessary? I would prefer to keep the process as simple as possible. I was expecting to just wash the car and get right to polishing. Do I really need to go over the whole car with clay and whatever else?

Proper prep work highly increases the quality of your work. Claying isn't always necessary, but if you run your hand over your paint with a plastic bag and you feel any resistance then you should clay the surface. The clay will remove surface contaminants to help smooth the surface. Claying also makes the polishing step much easier by reducing the amount of material being removed.

[justin30513]

Some really nice tips here. Not much that I can add except welcome aboard!

Keep asking questions and all will learn.

[D&D Auto Detailing]

Originally Posted by travisdecpn

Proper prep work highly increases the quality of your work. Claying isn't always necessary, but if you run your hand over your paint with a plastic bag and you feel any resistance then you should clay the surface. The clay will remove surface contaminants to help smooth the surface. Claying also makes the polishing step much easier by reducing the amount of material being removed.

Exactly, plastic bag test.

[jaguax]

So after all is said and done it might be cheaper to just bring the car to a reputable shop?