Which Kit for a Beginner?

[zerovandez]

Hey guys,

I'd imagine this question and topic has been covered on more than one occasion so let me apologize for creating another one of these "I'm new help me choose" threads.

I'm dealing with 3 cars.

1. Honda Civic (silver metallic)
- Has new(ish) dual stage paint; base and clear. It's been sitting for a few years and has accumulated a nice thick layer of dirt and dust. The clear looks to be in good shape still just orange peel here and there. Not faded or sun damaged.

2. Chevy Trailblazer (Black)
- It too has been sitting for a while. Only difference is that this car was not covered from the elements. So there's discoloration from UV damage. It's not so horrible where the discolored areas are white, but it's starting to turn "bluish" on the black paint especially the hood and roof of the car.

3. Audi A4 (black)
- This is my daily driver. Some of the car has been repainted. Otherwise, most of it is dullish. The clear is still good, again just dull with small scratches and swirls.

Which of the "Porter Cable" kits would work for all 3 cars? For some reason, I was leaning towards the Porter Cable + Menzerna Ceramic Shine Kit. Or, should I put together a kit of my own and which products should I purchase if it's highly recommended that I go this route?

Thanks!

[VISITOR]

Or, should I put together a kit of my own and which products should I purchase if it's highly recommended that I go this route?


the GG6 is a little beast/monster!
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher FREE SHIPPING (http://www.autogeek.net/new-griots-polisher.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_27859469

Griots Garage 5" DA Vented Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-5-inch-vented-plate.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/griots-garage-5-inch-vented-orbital-backing-plate-1.gif

many different pads (you want 5.5") to choose from which are all high quality...

Griots Garage BOSS Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-boss-5-inch-pads.html)
Buff & Shine Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/buff-and-shine-5-in-6-pk.html)
Lake Country ThinPro Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-thinpro-5-inch.html)

[StephenK]

To go with Vistors recommendation
Griots Garage 5.5 inch BOSS Foam and Microfiber Pads (http://www.autogeekmobile.net/griots-boss-5-inch-pads.html)
Get the white, orange, and black

Griots Garage BOSS Correcting Cream (http://www.autogeekmobile.net/griots-boss-correcting-cream.html)

Griots Garage BOSS Perfecting Cream (http://www.autogeekmobile.net/griots-boss-perfecting-cream.html)

Griots Garage BOSS Finishing Sealant (http://www.autogeekmobile.net/griots-boss-finishing-sealant.html)

[Coopers ST]

None of them, I would get a Griots Garage kit, I got the Wolfgang one and am very happy with it.

[ski2]

Don't forget the Griot's polisher not only has all the power you'll ever need, but it also has a lifetime warranty with great customer service. You'll appreciate the power when you tackle the hard Audi paint.

Kits usually contain items you'll never use and not enough of the items you'll need (especially pads). Build your own kit and in the end you'll save money.

Here's an article by Mike Phillips regarding the number of pads you'll need per step: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/88109-how-many-pads-do-i-need-buff-out-my-car.html

[VISITOR]

to the OP - here' a video of the GG6 in action from the one and only AGO forum member joe@nextleveldetail...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_bu5uQ-6zc

[dlc95]

Of all the available kits, this was the one I liked the most:

Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424xp Ultimate Polishing Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-porter-cable-kit.html)

Have no fear in going with the PC. It's a capable tool that has made me a lot of money, and continues to do so. As of late, I've even been using the "underpowered" first generation 7424 that I bought second hand. I still remove sanding marks, and severe swirls with it too. The PC enjoys a reputation of extreme reliability. Considering the high volume of these machines they sell, not just in the detailing industry, the reliability factor is a proven entity.

I haven't used the Wolfgang line, but I believe it's manufactured by Menzerna, which I do use, and works like a charm with Lake Country Hydrotech pads.

Here is a video of Mike using the PC 7424xp, and LC Hydrotech pads. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IHNmLI4bc0Y

[dlc95]

I'm putting together a kit for a friend of a friend.

Just the machine, pads, and products. He has microfiber towels.

Porter Cable 7424xp
2 - Lake Country 3" Crimson Hydrotech
2 - Lake Country 3" Tangerine Hydrotech
2 - Lake Country 3" Cyan Hydrotech
4 - Lake Country 5.5" Crimson Hydrotech
4 - Lake Country 5.5" Tangerine Hydrotech
4 - Lake Country 5.5" Cyan Hydrotech
3" Meguiar's backing plate
5" Meguiar's backing plate
Meguiar's Ultimate Wax liquid
Meguiar's ColorX (cleaner wax)
Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound.
Meguiar's M34 Final Inspection

[RonAlv]

I was in the same boat, I went with joe@nextleveldetail and have not looked back. The GG 6 is an awesome machine along with their products. My next purchase, will be the 5.5 conversion kit from GG. The 6.5 is a little to big for the 3 cars that I do. Just my .02

490124901349014

[ski2]

Here is a link to a recent thread regarding the GG6 from a detailer who has used both units: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/griot%92s-garage-polishers-boss-6-da-3-da/101454-gg6-review.html

[StephenK]

Here is a small review of the boss pads and creams using the gg6

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/99082-review-b-o-s-s-pads-creams.html

[zerovandez]

Thanks for replying, everyone! I didnt get any updates via email.

The trailblazer is what im really conerned about. I will post pics of its condition. Dont want to spend time on it if new paint is the best option.