Picking out DA and polish for a newb

**ws6guy** · 03-14-2023, 07:54 AM

Hi all I hope this is the right place to ask the question. Between this site and Autopia I'm overwhelmed!

I just picked up a 2021 Ram in Granite Crystal metallic. The truck was filthy when I was looking at but I couldn't see much in the lines of swirling. When I was doing the purchase paper work they decided to wash the truck. I didn't notice at the time anything bad but wow at sunset the paint looks awful. I have a feeling their tunnel wash did a number on it. Now I've seen much worse but I've got to get this polished up. In the below pics I tried to capture the swirling but it's hard to get a good shot.

I've always wanted to try my hand at using a DA to polish but never had a good reason until now to make a go of it. I've been reading a lot and watching the youtube. I wouldn't mind keeping this to a one step product for ease of use. After watching some of the Apex channel on the tube I'm leaning towards 3D one with a uro buff and shine pad. However I don't know how hard or soft the paint is on Rams and if the URO pad is a good fit. But it seems that a lot of people like 3D one for the ease of use. Also maybe a less aggressive product might work as well?

Since I'm starting from scratch would I be better off finding a kit to use? I have plenty of TRC rags but need all the polishing equipment.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Please don't mind the mess in the garage. Winter time in the midwest causes a little chaos

Picking out DA and polish for a newb-pxl_20230312_205715807-jpg

Picking out DA and polish for a newb-pxl_20230312_205759796-jpg

Picking out DA and polish for a newb-pxl_20230312_211133475-jpg

Picking out DA and polish for a newb-pxl_20230312_211612862-jpg

Picking out DA and polish for a newb-pxl_20230222_224116480small-jpg

**DanaDetailingPros** · 03-14-2023, 08:06 AM

FLEX XCE 8-125 18.0 Polisher
I loved my corded so much I bought it in the cordless. Only regret is I wish I bought the cordless first

**Eric7810** · 03-14-2023, 08:57 AM

Here’s your shopping list..

Porter Cable 7424
Velcro backing pad
Lake Country orange flat pads
3D Speed
Microfiber towels

Have fun

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Silly Rabbit** · 03-14-2023, 09:18 AM

Welcome to the site!! Great truck and the best color also!!!!

I am biased though, lol

And I see your name, do you have a 'Bird??

**Desertnate** · 03-14-2023, 09:24 AM

I'm a fan of the Griots polishers. After using a HF polishers for many years I really appreciate the better ergonomics of the Griots tools...that and the overall quality is way better.

As for pads, I would get at least a couple different cut of pads. This will allow you flexibility to have a fall-back for more correction if you hit a place that's worse than others and you need a little extra correction. Example Lake County white for the normal work and the orange when you hit areas needing more cut to correct.

I don't know if Ram paint is any different, but I found the paint on my son-in-law's Charger to be pretty easy to correct. I was able to buff out mild marring with just Griots Perfecting Cream and Lake Country white pads. I stepped up to the Griots Correcting Cream on the white pad for a couple bad spots, but also got similar results on those bad spots with an orange pad and the Perfecting Cream.

**Silly Rabbit** · 03-14-2023, 10:40 AM

I am a new to machine work guy, always compound/polish by hand. I looked to make the switch but because new wanted to keep it simple. After alot of research I went the 'system' approach, and got Rupes machine with their compounds and polishes and pads. But I did go off script a bit because of so many vids and such and got a bottle of Sonax Perfect Finish and extra yellow pads. For me it has worked great, but I also have not tried all the various products and have anywhere the experience as folks on here. But it sure worked better than doing by hand

**ws6guy** · 03-14-2023, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Eric7810

Here’s your shopping list..

Porter Cable 7424
Velcro backing pad
Lake Country orange flat pads
3D Speed
Microfiber towels

Have fun

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

3D Speed seems interesting, it might provide just enough cut to get the swirls out. As far as pads go, does it make much of a difference between the pads with the dimples are the straight flats?

**ws6guy** · 03-14-2023, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Silly Rabbit

Welcome to the site!! Great truck and the best color also!!!!

I am biased though, lol

And I see your name, do you have a 'Bird??

Thanks for the compliment! Yes I do have a Bird, purchased new in 2002. After 21 years it too could use a tiny bit a paint correction. Once I tackle the truck I'll look in to doing the car with something that has very little cut as the paint still looks pretty good.

**Silly Rabbit** · 03-14-2023, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by ws6guy

Thanks for the compliment! Yes I do have a Bird, purchased new in 2002. After 21 years it too could use a tiny bit a paint correction. Once I tackle the truck I'll look in to doing the car with something that has very little cut as the paint still looks pretty good.

Nice!!!! My favorite car there is!! Original owner car too! What color?
Get that 'Bird cleaned up and take it on a road trip this summer to Dayton Ohio, last weekend of August. You will have the best vacation!!

**ws6guy** · 03-14-2023, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Silly Rabbit

Nice!!!! My favorite car there is!! Original owner car too! What color?
Get that 'Bird cleaned up and take it on a road trip this summer to Dayton Ohio, last weekend of August. You will have the best vacation!!

Here she is. Only 30k miles. All these years I've never made it to the nationals, I keep thinking I'll do it sometime. Bad thing is that I'm only 2 hours from it