How much product?

[S2K]

I'm trying to put an order together and am wondering how much I might need to get started. For example to do 2 or 3 mid sized cars and a large suv about how much 105 and/or 205 would I need? I know there are a lot of factors and probably hard to say but I don't want to run out halfway through the 2nd car and I don't want to end up with a lifetime supply of something I might not like.

[Old Tiger]

I would get 8 oz and try it before getting a qt. I am intrigued by the new Optimum Spray Compound and polish and would try these too! I have got them but havent used yet.

[Marc08EX]

I would get the 32oz for M105/M205. I had the same dilemma before but with the Meg's sale going on at AG right now, picking the 32oz is a no brainer. Good luck!

[FinalTouchAuto]

Agreed. 32oz is definitely the starter-size if you plan on doing 2-3 vehicles not knowing how many passes will be necessary.

I find myself using 3-6 oz on a car depending on what kind of condition it's in and how large the vehicle is.

You will certainly have product left over, but it has a pretty solid shelf life and can be saved for later when you need to re-polish a vehicle.

[HighEndDetail]

Like some mentioned the 32.oz size. And make sure you have enough pads too.

[S2K]

Thanks for the info! I wasn't really sure how far it goes. I have an old Hyundai and Expedition I'm going to practice on to get a feel for the machine before I do my Honda, so I want to make sure I have enough. Doesn't sound like 8oz is going to do it and like Marc08 said with these prices it's a no brainer.

[FinalTouchAuto]

You'll probably need close to 8oz just for the expedition! That is a large vehicle.

[Mike Phillips]

Ditto on the 32 ounce bottles... what you don't use just store in a place that won't freeze nor get extremely hot...

Also ditto on the extra pads... we're seeing a trend of more pad failures and it's not because pad manufactures don't make a good product because they do... it's because pads are being pushed to the limit of technology and also being abused...

In a perfect world I like to have a pad per panel, if nothing else it insures maximum performance from everything involved, the tool, the chemical, the pad and your time and energy.

Sometimes a couple of pads far large panels, like a large hood and large roof and a pad per panel for things like doors, fenders, trunklids...

I've posted this picture below over the years to stress the weakness of the first generation DA Polishers by Porter Cable in that once your pad gets wet with product this will show up as decreased rotating ability even on the 5.0 and 6.0 speed setting.

I figured this out real easy by simply switching to a clean, dry pad and Shazam! the pad starts rotating again...


Check out what I wrote in this thread about how many pads I used for a 1954 Corvette just to keep the pads rotating...

WG TSR/FG & PC 7335 Technique (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/21942-wg-tsr-fg-pc-7335-technique.html)


I count 7 yellow polishing pads in the below picture, as one pad would quit rotating effectively I would swap it out to a clean, dry pad.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/54VetteEM001.jpg




Now all the 2nd generation DA Polishers, which includes the Porter Cable 7424XP, Megs G220v2 and G ROP, all have a better design and are ALL more able to keep pads rotating during the correction step especially when they are fresh and even better if they are 5.5" in diameter and thin.


The point I'm trying to make is, have plenty of pads on hand...


Loved working on this car... single stage lacquer paint...


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/54VetteEM002.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/54VetteEM003.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/54VetteEM004.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/54VetteEM005.jpg




This is also the car I did the The Reverse Test Spot (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/22341-reverse-test-spot.html) on


The Reverse Test Spot
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/ReverseTestSpot001.jpg





:)

[S2K]

Yea that's what I'm looking at now, pads, and it sure is a dilemma. My shopping cart $ is getting a little high and now I'm thinking I need more pads. I like the LC hydro pads but I can get 12 CCS pads for only $10 more than 6 hydros. Trying to figure all this out is harder than I thought.

[ziggo99]

There is nothing wrong with the CCS pads. If you can double the amount of pads for a Hamilton, go for it. You'll be glad you did.

[FinalTouchAuto]

Agreed.

I only use CCS pads and I haven't ever had a problem with them.

[Mike Phillips]

Pad choice is in part personal preference, to be honest, all the pads Autogeek offers work great and for the most part, i can grab whichever "design" is closest to my hand and get the results I'm looking for, it's really about good technique.


:)

[S2K]

I want to get 2 of the LC CCS 6 pad deals, does this look like a good choice or do I need to change it up?
3 yellow
4 orange
3 white
2 gray

[ziggo99]

Most people just do Orange, White and Gray. That's what I did. If you're doing 105/205 combo, do 105 with Orange and 205 with White, and you'll be happy.

[S2K]

Ok I switched it up:
LC CCS 5.5"
4 orange
4 white
3 gray
1 blue
LC Euro hand applicator orange and white
GG ROP
LC 5" backing plate
Megs #105 32oz
Megs #205 32oz
Megs #21
Megs Smooth surface clay bar
Megs Ultimate quick detailer
Megs APC+
PB's Trim restorer
Megs Supreme Shine microfiber towels
WG Fuzion- freebie
WGDGPS- free sample

Well that's my cart right now, any suggestions on additions, subtractions, changes?
I know everybody is going to say Cobra MF but this came out to be more than I expected so I had to skimp on the towels, remember the cars I'm doing aren't show cars and I can upgrade towels later.
I'm itching to click "Checkout" but Gotta wait on the BOGOS.