Taking the plunge, buying a HUGE kit! Need you guys to look over it before purchase

[ihaveacamaro]

Ok guys, I'm taking the plunge and going to spend around 300-400 dollars on HUGE kit.

I want your recommendations, or suggestions, or tips or anything you got to offer! I have a 2010 Aqua Blue Chevy Camaro and I would say medium-heavy swirls. Did I get everything I needed?

First off is this: Lake Country - Porter Cable 5.5 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pad Kit FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-5inch-pad-kit.html)

Now, six pads aren't enough for me, so I'm going to get this too:
Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html)

Also, I'm going to get this: Lake Country 4 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack.html)

And of course this: 3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate- porter cable 7424XP hook and loop backing plate 3.5 inch. (http://www.autogeek.net/lc-43085da.html)

So which pads do you think I should get?

I was thinking two of each color of 5.5" except red (the PC kit automatically comes with two reds, check the top right of the page for the kit). How does that sound? Basically I would be getting two of each available pad.

And one of each color for the four inch pads except blue.


And then I was going to get M105 and M205. Does AG have a kit for getting both of them in 32 ounce?


And then I was going to get seal my work with this: Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html)


So.... If you got through that, how does that sound? Would you recommend anything else?

And, um, Mike/AG staff, by the way, shameless plugin here, but with the 175 or so dollars on top of the kit that I'm going to be buying... any way I can get a discount?

Thanks!

Roshan

[ihaveacamaro]

I think I forgot some optimum polish before using the Opticoat, so as to remove all polishing oils. I'm pretty sure that you can't go straight from M205, to wash, to IPA wipedown, to Opticoat right?

If I remember correctly, you have to do M205, wash, optimum polish, opticoat?

I forgot this too Detailer’s Speedy Surface Prep Towel Combo (http://www.autogeek.net/speedy-surface-prep-towel-combo.html)

[S2K]

You really don't need 7 different pads. I would go with orange, white and gray. M105 with orange will do as much cutting as you will need and M205 with white/gray will finish very nice.
Unless you have other cars to do since you are using the Opti-coat you won't use any pads again for 2 years and you won't need red or blue pads since you won't be spreading any wax.

[ihaveacamaro]

You really don't need 7 different pads. I would go with orange, white and gray. M105 with orange will do as much cutting as you will need and M205 with white/gray will finish very nice.
Unless you have other cars to do since you are using the Opti-coat you won't use any pads again for 2 years and you won't need red or blue pads since you won't be spreading any wax.

I think I was planning on sometimes applying some wax onto the car before shows, because even though it won't stay on for long, it'll give that deep wet look more so than opticoat. Thoughts?

[BobbyG]

Hey Roshan,

If you really have your heart set on the Meguiar's Twins then Autogeek offered the following in kit form..

Meguiars Porter Cable Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polishing Kit, Meguiars polishes, Porter Cable 7424 Mirror Glaze (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-meguiars-kit.html)

Stick with the 5 1/2" pads, it even indicates it on the counterweight...


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1525/medium/Porter_Cable_7424_spec.jpg


The Porter Cable 7424xp


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)
Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)

Here's more great information by Mike Phillips that will help you learn the correct way moving forward...



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)
How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)
DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/38399-da-polisher-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html)
How to MAXIMIZE your DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-your-da-polisher.html)


Foam Pads

Orange, White, Gray, and Blue pads are the most common.

Yellow Cutting Foam - Use this pad to apply compounds or polishes to remove severe oxidation, swirls, and scratches. It is the most aggressive and should only be used on oxidized and older finishes. Always follow this pad with an orange or white pad and a fine polish to refine the paint until it is smooth.

Orange Light Cutting Foam - Firm, high density foam for scratch and defect removal. Use this pad with polishes and swirl removers. It’s an all around pad that will work on most light to moderate imperfections.

White Polishing Foam - Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so it’s perfect for pre-wax cleaners.

Gray Finishing Foam Pad - Composition is firm enough to withstand added pressure during final finishing to remove buffer swirls. It has no cut and will apply thin, even coats of waxes, sealants, and glazes.

Blue Finessing Foam – Pad has soft composition for applying glaze, finishing polish, sealants, and liquid waxes. Flat pad provides full contact with paint surface to minimize the pressure applied by the user.


Other product suggestions sure to please. Many of the protectants listed here are multipurpose and can be used as intended..:props:

Wash - Duragloss #901 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-car-wash-concentrate.html)
Clay - Meguiar’s Clay (http://www.autogeek.net/megovclay.html)
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-powergloss-compound.html) (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-po203.html) (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-nano-polish-po-106-fa-finishing-polish.html) (PO106FA)
1-Step - Duragloss 501 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-marine-rv-polish--501.html)
Sealant -Duragloss 105 TPP (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html) & Duragloss 601 Bonding Agent (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish-bonding-agent.html)
Wax - Collinite 845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-spray-wax.html)
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser (http://www.autogeek.net/mg10801.html)
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL (http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html)
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-tire-trim-guard.html)
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiar-s-wheel-brightener.html)
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html)
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/mg12001.html)
Glass Treatment - Aquapel (http://www.autogeek.net/rain-repellent.html)
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean (http://www.autogeek.net/128oz-optimum-power-clean-apc.html)
Interior Protectant - Ultima Interior Guard Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-interior-guard-12.html)

[ihaveacamaro]

Hey Roshan,

If you really have your heart set on the Meguiar's Twins then Autogeek offered the following in kit form..

Meguiars Porter Cable Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polishing Kit, Meguiars polishes, Porter Cable 7424 Mirror Glaze (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-meguiars-kit.html)


Hey Bobby,

I've done my research and it turns out that for me to get pads and the Meguiar's combo, it will be cheaper if I just buy the link I posted and add in approximately 50 dollars for the M105/M205.

For example, my linked kit plus M105/M205 will come out to about 250, but I get M105/M205 AND 6 pads AND the XMT cleaner AND XMT conditioner.

The kit that has M105/M205 already in it will be 250 dollars, but will only come with M105/M205 AND five pads but no cleaner nor conditioner.

Both come with two detailing towels. Same money, but I get a lot more the top route, rather than the bottom route.

I've also seen this post with the links by you before and read them beforehand, but no doubt will be returning to them during the correction :dblthumb2:

Thanks!

[Jaretr1]

I started with the CCS pads, and they are very good. But I recently tried the Hydrotech pads, and I beleive I do prefer them now. The low profile pads allow more pressure with less effort and are certainly easier to clean than the CCS pads.

I like M105/M205 combo. They are the combo by which all others are measured (for results anyway) but do bear in mind that M105 is tricky to use for sure. If you are like me, you will buy the 32oz, and then start trying other products and never use it up. Go with the smaller bottles. I recently used Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Remover and Advanced Finishing Polish and the swirl remover was much easier to work with than M105, and after doing a test, got no worse results on my Camaro.

[Buckskincolt]

Ok guys, I'm taking the plunge and going to spend around 300-400 dollars on HUGE kit.

I want your recommendations, or suggestions, or tips or anything you got to offer! I have a 2010 Aqua Blue Chevy Camaro and I would say medium-heavy swirls. Did I get everything I needed?

First off is this: Lake Country - Porter Cable 5.5 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pad Kit FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-5inch-pad-kit.html)

Now, six pads aren't enough for me, so I'm going to get this too:
Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html)

Also, I'm going to get this: Lake Country 4 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack.html)

And of course this: 3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate- porter cable 7424XP hook and loop backing plate 3.5 inch. (http://www.autogeek.net/lc-43085da.html)

So which pads do you think I should get?

I was thinking two of each color of 5.5" except red (the PC kit automatically comes with two reds, check the top right of the page for the kit). How does that sound? Basically I would be getting two of each available pad.

And one of each color for the four inch pads except blue.


And then I was going to get M105 and M205. Does AG have a kit for getting both of them in 32 ounce?


And then I was going to get seal my work with this: Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html)


So.... If you got through that, how does that sound? Would you recommend anything else?

And, um, Mike/AG staff, by the way, shameless plugin here, but with the 175 or so dollars on top of the kit that I'm going to be buying... any way I can get a discount?

Thanks!

Roshan

I'd wait for Labor Day, I'm sure there will be a nice sale then ....

On the pads, I'd opt for the 5.5" flat beveled pads over the CCS pads, I think they finish better IMO.
Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)
I really think you should look at the 5.5" HT pads but they are more expensive so might blow your budget.

On the 4" pads I'd get Ht, a much better pad the the spot buffs in the CCS.
Lake Country Hydro-Tech 4 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, Hydro Tech Foam Buffing Pads, spot polishing pads, pads for water based polishes (http://www.autogeek.net/hydro-tech-4inch-pads.html)

IMO the M105/205 aren't all that great for a beginner, they have fairly short work times, dust pretty bad and can be a challenge to learn to use. Some will argue this and I'm just giving my opinion so no need to argue.

Instead I'd go either with the WG twins (not as aggressive) and are more forgiving, or Menzerna polishes as BobbyG outlined above. Or my new favorite polishes the Optimum Hyper spray compound and polish. The polish is on BOGO right now so it's a smoking deal
Optimum Hyper Polish Spray, Optimum spray polish, hyper spray polish, Optimum car polishes (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-hyper-polish-spray.html) and the compound (no BOGO) Optimum Hyper Compound Spray (http://www.autogeek.net/opt-hyper-compound-spray.html)
Depending how bad your paint is you might just get by with the polish. These finish really nice, have a much longer working time, little to no dusting, and are more forgiving to use. Anyone using the 105/205 combo who hasn't tried these are missing out IMHO.
:dblthumb2:

[ihaveacamaro]

I'd wait for Labor Day, I'm sure there will be a nice sale then ....

On the pads, I'd opt for the 5.5" flat beveled pads over the CCS pads, I think they finish better IMO.
Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)
I really think you should look at the 5.5" HT pads but they are more expensive so might blow your budget.

On the 4" pads I'd get Ht, a much better pad the the spot buffs in the CCS.
Lake Country Hydro-Tech 4 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, Hydro Tech Foam Buffing Pads, spot polishing pads, pads for water based polishes (http://www.autogeek.net/hydro-tech-4inch-pads.html)

IMO the M105/205 aren't all that great for a beginner, they have fairly short work times, dust pretty bad and can be a challenge to learn to use. Some will argue this and I'm just giving my opinion so no need to argue.

Instead I'd go either with the WG twins (not as aggressive) and are more forgiving, or Menzerna polishes as BobbyG outlined above. Or my new favorite polishes the Optimum Hyper spray compound and polish. The polish is on BOGO right now so it's a smoking deal
Optimum Hyper Polish Spray, Optimum spray polish, hyper spray polish, Optimum car polishes (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-hyper-polish-spray.html) and the compound (no BOGO) Optimum Hyper Compound Spray (http://www.autogeek.net/opt-hyper-compound-spray.html)
Depending how bad your paint is you might just get by with the polish. These finish really nice, have a much longer working time, little to no dusting, and are more forgiving to use. Anyone using the 105/205 combo who hasn't tried these are missing out IMHO.
:dblthumb2:


I might just wait for Labor day. It's only a few more days :)

Also, I think I'm going to stick with CCS pads because of $$$. They may take longer, but I have all the time in the world. No need to pay more just for something that will take less time.

As for M105/M205, I have no problem if you have objections. If you and others think it might not be the best option for a newbie, then I might go another route. I just thought that M105/M205 gave the best results, so that's why I wanted those.

For the Optimum, do you need a rotary?

[Ironman]

I would like to offer you a chance to save some money and still get amazing results. It appears that you may be buying a bit too many products in my opinion. I buddy in Dallas just finished detailing his 2009 Lexus GX470 family car/daily driver and it looks amazing. So I'm going to do what he did

Here is what he used:

-Porter Cable 7424XP
-WG Total Swirl Remover w/ Lake Country Orange 6.5 inch and 4 inch pads
-WG Finishing Glaze applied by hand with poly foam pad
-WG Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

He recommended the 6.5 inch pads so that you'd have some extra padding around the backing plate, so as to decrease the chances of incurring damage to the paint.

[6supersport7]

I would like to offer you a chance to save some money and still get amazing results. It appears that you may be buying a bit too many products in my opinion. I buddy in Dallas just finished detailing his 2009 Lexus GX470 family car/daily driver and it looks amazing. So I'm going to do what he did

Here is what he used:

-Porter Cable 7424XP
-WG Total Swirl Remover w/ Lake Country Orange 6.5 inch and 4 inch pads
-WG Finishing Glaze applied by hand with poly foam pad
-WG Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

He recommended the 6.5 inch pads so that you'd have some extra padding around the backing plate, so as to decrease the chances of incurring damage to the paint.
I personally would not go with the 6.5 as it seems to be a little to big for the PC and will take much longer for correction, the 5.5s correct much faster ime. I would also use the finishing glaze with a white or black pad on the da. I am sure it can be done by hand, why when you have a machine?

[ihaveacamaro]

I would like to offer you a chance to save some money and still get amazing results. It appears that you may be buying a bit too many products in my opinion. I buddy in Dallas just finished detailing his 2009 Lexus GX470 family car/daily driver and it looks amazing. So I'm going to do what he did

Here is what he used:

-Porter Cable 7424XP
-WG Total Swirl Remover w/ Lake Country Orange 6.5 inch and 4 inch pads
-WG Finishing Glaze applied by hand with poly foam pad
-WG Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

He recommended the 6.5 inch pads so that you'd have some extra padding around the backing plate, so as to decrease the chances of incurring damage to the paint.

Hey Ironman,

There are a few reasons I'm not doing something like what you have posted above:

1) 6.5 inch pads are notoriously bad on a PC. Almost everyone recommends 5.5 to get effective results in a manageable amount of time

2) If you only use Orange pads, it is my understanding that when looking closely, you will still see micromarring. You need other colors that allow you to polish to remove that marring.

3) Some of the products I am buying are not for correction, but rather for prep, such as the Detailer's speedy prep towel, which is essentially clay.

4) Opticoat 2.0 is permanent whereas the paint sealant is not.

5) I have no problem using wolfgang or optimum or meguiar's. I just want to use what is most effective with the least drawbacks. Right now, after researching optimum I'm heading that way instead of megs, but if I research Wolfgang and it is easier/more effective I might go that route.

Thanks for your thoughts! :)

I do agree with you that I'm spending too much money... 485 dollars in the cart right now :/

[ihaveacamaro]

Hey Mike, any suggestions from you?

Thanks!

[DaveT435]

I really like the Optimum hyper polish...it's amazing how much cut you can get with a cutting pad and finishes real nice with a polishing pad. It would be great before the opti coat. I haven't tried the hyper compound but I would expect great results with that too...and you can't beat the work time. I use the 3 inch pads for the tight area. I haven't used 4 but it seems to me that there isn't much you can do with a 4 that you can't do with a 5.5. Someone said three different pads instead of all of them. I agree with that.

[Buckskincolt]

I might just wait for Labor day. It's only a few more days :)

Also, I think I'm going to stick with CCS pads because of $$$. They may take longer, but I have all the time in the world. No need to pay more just for something that will take less time.

As for M105/M205, I have no problem if you have objections. If you and others think it might not be the best option for a newbie, then I might go another route. I just thought that M105/M205 gave the best results, so that's why I wanted those.

For the Optimum, do you need a rotary?

Flat pads Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html) $34.99 6 pack
CCS pads Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html)
35.99 6 pack .....So how are the CCS cheaper? They are cheaper than the HT but the flats are better than the CCs in my opinion.

Here is a thread from a guy who had never used a polisher before. He used the Wolfgang twins on pretty damaged paint. take a look at his results. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/53223-newbie-amazing-results-2002-duramax-black.html
The WG polishers are formulated by Menzerna and finish very nice.
A couple pictures of your paint and what you are working to correct would help people here guide you.

Don't shoot me but .... I think you are moving a little fast, now that I said that hang with me a second. You are just learning to polish and to think you will get a flawless finish your first time is a bit optimistic. So then you want to use a coating, you are done for years. I think you should consider using a sealant and work on your techniques a few times to get it down then move to a coating. You wouldn't want to put a coating on if you don't have it just right. Not trying to discourage you at all just trying to give you some options.

What pads to get as far as cut goes? I'd go with 4 orange, 4 white, 2 black and 2 blue.