About to buy.

[strifex]

Hey guys. I really considering purchasing the 7464xp. This bundle specifically. If you’re in the market for a dual action polisher, look no further than the Porter Cable 7424! (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-pad-kit.html)

I have a few reason I'm hestitating.

1. Do I really need a polisher? I've been trying to correct problems on my car for quite some time. I've been using this method. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/20257-man-versus-machine.html But it still doesn't get the blotches off the car (still very shiny though). Should I just have it detailed, or get a polisher for myself? I inted to autocross so is it even worth it?

2. Does this bundle have everything I need? I was just going to do the same process as above but with the polisher. I've read that the backplate isn't so great. Do I need a counter weight or a wrench?

Any help you guys can offer would be awesome. I don't wanna spend alot on stuff I dont need. I would have liked the meguiars polisher (because everything I use is meguiars) but its sold out and more expensive every where else.

And I believe I put this in the wrong forum. Sorry.

[tkendrick]

Hey guys. I really considering purchasing the 7464xp. This bundle specifically. If you’re in the market for a dual action polisher, look no further than the Porter Cable 7424! (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-pad-kit.html)

I have a few reason I'm hestitating.

1. Do I really need a polisher? I've been trying to correct problems on my car for quite some time. I've been using this method. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/20257-man-versus-machine.html But it still doesn't get the blotches off the car (still very shiny though). Should I just have it detailed, or get a polisher for myself? I inted to autocross so is it even worth it?

2. Does this bundle have everything I need? I was just going to do the same process as above but with the polisher. I've read that the backplate isn't so great. Do I need a counter weight or a wrench?

Any help you guys can offer would be awesome. I don't wanna spend alot on stuff I dont need. I would have liked the meguiars polisher (because everything I use is meguiars) but its sold out and more expensive every where else.

And I believe I put this in the wrong forum. Sorry.

If you want your car to look its very best, then yes, you need a polisher.

Based on my own experience, I would consider just the Porter Cable XP.

And if you like Meguiars buy this Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html) (You won't be sorry) It is truly an amazing system.

[weavers]

If you plan on using the DA more than 3 times its for sure worth it. you can use a terry cloth towel some compound and follow up with mf and polish and wax by hand. but that takes forever and you won't get even results. if you have more than one car or plan on doing family members or freind's cars for sure buy the DA, its money in the bank.

I would get griots DA and buy a 5.5" backing plate, 5.5" pads, either ccs(4 orange, 4 white, 2 wax) or thin hydro pads(4cyan, 4 tang, 2 red wax) also surbuff pads are great very aggressive. get m105/m205 or ultimate compound/polish both are amazing and cheap also get ONR and a grit guard. Lastly get the DA carpet brush, its a brush that attaches to your DA so dirty carpets/seats are super easy to clean.

Make life easy buying the right products for the right job.

[onlycodered]

Strifex, I would personally recommend choosing two orange and two white pads out of the bundle you've linked. These are the pads I most commonly use for a 2-step correction. Also I would recommend the Porter Cable over the Meguiars buffer due to the better track record the 7424XP has had in terms of reliability. I know of quite a few people who have dropped their PC and they keep on running as if nothing ever happened! I believe the Meguiars is currently out of stock due to a defect which Meguiars is currently working on fixing as well.
If you want your car to look its very best, then yes, you need a polisher.

Based on my own experience, I would consider just the Porter Cable XP.

And if you like Meguiars buy this Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html) (You won't be sorry) It is truly an amazing system.This is a very good kit but I'd only recommend it if your car doesn't have soft paint. I've tried using M205 (finishing compound) using the MF system finishing pad and got some micro-marring on my Si. Hondas are notorious for soft clear coat.

[BobbyG]

First things first:

:welcome: To Autogeek Online!

This is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

This is something I've posed several times and it covers many areas at a high level but give you an idea of what's available and some of the prices.

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do. After reading and understanding some of the basics, the more hands on your are the quicker you'll build your knowledge and gain experience.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html)

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Make detailing enjoyable and practice. Take your time and do not become overwhelmed. Just because there are a thousand product doesn't mean you have to use them all.

Pick one product from each category from the steps above.

1. - Do you need a polisher? The answer is yes in order to produce consistent results in a reasonable amount of time.



Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

2. - I prefer to put my own package together.


Porter Cable 7424xp (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)
Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)


Polishes


Menzerna Bundle (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-bundle3.html)
Meguiar's M105 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-105-compound-8oz.html)
Meguiar's M205 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-205-polish-8oz.html)

[strifex]

Thank you so much for the help and opinions. I have been reading alot about detailing and taking car of my car, trying to figure out what suits me, and how to use a DA if i get one.

BobbyG, why do you suggest those pads instead of the CCS pads? Also the bundle brings two microfiber bonnets and is a few dollars cheaper. Do I need more than four pads? I planned on getting a yellow, orange, white, and red pad.

Also, I currently use meguiars ultimate compound with and orange ccs pad, followed by swirlx with a white pad, and finish with swirlx on a red pad. Are these not as good as the 105 and 205? Thanks again.

[onlycodered]

Thank you so much for the help and opinions. I have been reading alot about detailing and taking car of my car, trying to figure out what suits me, and how to use a DA if i get one.

BobbyG, why do you suggest those pads instead of the CCS pads? Also the bundle brings two microfiber bonnets and is a few dollars cheaper. Do I need more than four pads? I planned on getting a yellow, orange, white, and red pad.

Also, I currently use meguiars ultimate compound with and orange ccs pad, followed by swirlx with a white pad, and finish with swirlx on a red pad. Are these not as good as the 105 and 205? Thanks again.I would highly recommend having more than one of each pad available. You don't want to polish an entire car with a single pad because by the end you'll have dirt in your pad which will begin scratching your paint. I typically use three to four of each pad for each step I do. An example would be four orange pads with cutting compound followed by three white pads with finishing compound. You typically want more of each cutting pad since those remove the most dirt.

Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using Tapatalk

[BobbyG]

BobbyG, why do you suggest those pads instead of the CCS pads? Also the bundle brings two microfiber bonnets and is a few dollars cheaper. Do I need more than four pads? I planned on getting a yellow, orange, white, and red pad.

Also, I currently use meguiars ultimate compound with and orange ccs pad, followed by swirlx with a white pad, and finish with swirlx on a red pad. Are these not as good as the 105 and 205? Thanks again.

I prefer a flat pad without grooves or pockets. These tend to fill or collect product that belongs working between the pad and finish. The four pads you list above are good but I'd opt for a few orange and white.

Depending on how much work you'll be doing then yes, you'll need a few more pads otherwise you'll be stopping to clean them.


Yellow - 1
Orange - 3
White - 3
Gray - 2
Red - 1

Yellow is the most aggressive pad and red is about the softest and generally used for applying sealants and waxes.

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound is a nice over the counter product and will work well with the orange and white pads. Meguiar's SwirlX on a white and gray produce a nice gloss.

Meguiar's M105 is more aggressive and has a shorter working time than Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. Many prefer the longer working time of the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. What you have should work well for you...:props:

[strifex]

I've narrowed it down to the 7424xp, 5" backing plate, 1 yellow, 2 orange, 1 white and 1 blue (since there's no red one, I assume this is its equivelant.) What is a good microfiber cloth? I've mostly used the ones from autozone/o'rielly's and a couple meguiars, but lately the have all been leaving little hairs all over when I wipe the car clean.

[onlycodered]

I've narrowed it down to the 7424xp, 5" backing plate, 1 yellow, 2 orange, 1 white and 1 blue (since there's no red one, I assume this is its equivelant.) What is a good microfiber cloth? I've mostly used the ones from autozone/o'rielly's and a couple meguiars, but lately the have all been leaving little hairs all over when I wipe the car clean.Have you washed the towels before using them? This could be the cause. You want to make sure you wash microfiber towels before using them. Any plain old laundry detergent will work as long as there's no fabric softener in it.

[heathtx]

I also am a newbie here, take care of 3 cars and a motorhome. I bought a PC from AG and have used it twice this week. Once was for wax application and once for sealant application (after claying). Wow, what a difference!

Best $200 I have ever spent (on cars)!

The only thing I found cumbersome about the PC was the location and shape of the On/Off switch. I would like to try a Griot's as I think the switch is more where your thumb would normally rest (I am right handed).

[strifex]

Thanks for all the awesome replies! Thanks to the sale today I think I'm going to get the meguiars polisher with the microfiber system. I have a black rx8. Any last minute input?

[jekyl05]

Thanks for all the awesome replies! Thanks to the sale today I think I'm going to get the meguiars polisher with the microfiber system. I have a black rx8. Any last minute input?

Test Spot... ensure you are happy with the results in an isolated area before completing the remainder of the car.

Most importantly enjoy the new tools/products... oh and it is addictive.

[RFulmer]

I've narrowed it down to the 7424xp, 5" backing plate, 1 yellow, 2 orange, 1 white and 1 blue (since there's no red one, I assume this is its equivelant.) What is a good microfiber cloth? I've mostly used the ones from autozone/o'rielly's and a couple meguiars, but lately the have all been leaving little hairs all over when I wipe the car clean.

Sounds like a good lineup on the pads. I too like the 5.5" flat pads better than the CCS pads. You'll use the orange and white the most, the gray is good sometimes to be used with a finishing polish and the the blue for applying sealants and waxes.

Just out of curiosity, what polish are you planning on using?

[strifex]

I decided on meguiars microfiber system and if that doesn't work I'll got back to the ultimate compound