Help me keep it quick and simple with my PC and Subarus

[jem7sk]

I've been out of the game for a little while and am wondering what the quickest and simplest way for me to use my pre-XP PC 7424 that I bought from Autogeek back in 2004... and also a quick and simple method for me to maintain that shine for the year. I've got 5" and 3" backing plates but which pad and AIO combo would be best for my 2014 silver Subarus? And what would be the quickest and easiest method/products to keep it maintained?

[dwaleke]

People love 3D Speed and Blackfire one step for AIOs.

[jem7sk]

People love 3D Speed and Blackfire one step for AIOs.

Would a Meguiars 5" Yellow pad be a good pad to use?

[dgage]

Would a Meguiars 5" Yellow pad be a good pad to use?

EDIT: Sorry. You mentioned Meguiars and I was thinking Rupes pads. I haven't used the Meguiars pads to be able to comment but I have used the Meguiars Fine and Cutting Microfiber pads and like them but the microfiber might not finish out well on softer paint.

Yes. Yellow is a popular pad to use with an AIO and either of the aforementioned polishes should work well. Depending on the paint hardness and how well it finishes out, you may not need another pad type to polish your car but with soft paints, you might need to get the white pads as well. Remember to pick up multiple pads of each type as you'll need quite a few to even finish a small car. I'd personally start with 6 pads of each type though you could go with fewer pads but you might have to spread the polishing over multiple days.

[dgage]

And if you're picking up pads/polishes locally, you may want to look at the Griot Boss pads and polishes as those are highly regarded but may not be a one step depending on the condition and type of paint.

[psnt1ol]

Thin low profile pads works better with a Porta Cable. 3D Speed is my goto for an AIO but I am getting some BF AIO as well since I like the idea of a sealant in an AIO.

[jem7sk]

Thin low profile pads works better with a Porta Cable. 3D Speed is my goto for an AIO but I am getting some BF AIO as well since I like the idea of a sealant in an AIO.

Any low profile pads in particular that are best with Porter Cable? I'm guessing the Meguiars pads are low profile?

[glen e]

No matter what pad you’re buying, buy a medium foam pads whatever color that is in the manufacture line that is available to you. Use 2 to 3 on a car.Then use any of the AIO’s like one mentioned above, and finish up with a good wipe on sealant. That’ll last you 6 to 9 months, if your garage a year, if you use gentle washers.

Go slow with the polisher, don’t rush it , let the pad and polish do its work.Watch the “using a buffer” in the “How to’s”videos of this site.

[jem7sk]

No matter what pad you’re buying, buy a medium foam pads whatever color that is in the manufacture line that is available to you. Use 2 to 3 on a car.Then use any of the AIO’s like one mentioned above, and finish up with a good wipe on sealant. That’ll last you 6 to 9 months, if your garage a year, if you use gentle washers.

Go slow with the polisher, don’t rush it , let the pad and polish do its work.Watch the “using a buffer” in the “How to’s”videos of this site.

When you say "buy a medium foam pads"... do you mean to get the medium cutting powered pad? My car is unfortunately kept outside 24/7.

[glen e]

Don’t overthink this, usually the orange pads are the real heavy duty pads, and they go all the way down to a red pad which is for applying wax. Buy something in the middle. With CCS that’s usually green, white ,or blue… get the blue.....Your detail won’t go all the hell if you pick the wrong pad as long as it’s not on either extreme end.