Hello forum

[beavis87]

Been in country after not having a vehicle for three years from being stationed overseas. I now have two six years old cars. My truck has quite a bit of miles for its age but the paint isn't too bad. My car has less miles but the paint looks like it's never been waxed and is beginning to look bad after being in the hot sun here in hot sunny El Paso. I applied a layer of turtle wax's cheaper rubbing compound, polish and liquid wax by hand on roof, hood and trunk lid which were worst areas. I was not impressed with the results. It looks better but there was a lot of chalky residue, swirling and the wax showed all the paint chips in the hood. The car is black. Im now researching a quality line of polishes and waxes that are good to apply by hand for dark paint. I'm also looking for products that don't break the bank. Been researching for 3 days after work but still haven't decided. There's lots of good quality products on auto geek but I'm trying to find something for my needs. Any suggestions? Thank you.

[4u2nvinmtl]

Meg's M101 Compound
HD Polish or CarPro Reflect

I don't recommend polishing by hand as it will be hard to get even results and it will take forever.

[beavis87]

Meg's M101 Compound
HD Polish or CarPro Reflect

I don't recommend polishing by hand as it will be hard to get even results and it will take forever.

So I should invest in a good buffer. Which do you recommend. Seems the porter cable 7424xp is what I've been hearing about a lot.

[Priyaka]

I just started out with the PC 2474XP and I really like it.
You will also get alot of recommendations for Griots GG6 due to its lifetime warranty.

[Paul A.]

Welcome beavis87 and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country!

[Mike Moore]

The PC and the GG 6" are both good machines to start with.
I recommend a Megs DBP5 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate.
I like LC 5" flat pads & the Megs 5" microfiber cutting discs.
That combo works nice with Megs D300 and Carpro Essence.

[beavis87]

Meg's M101 Compound
HD Polish or CarPro Reflect

I don't recommend polishing by hand as it will be hard to get even results and it will take forever.

Is M101 intended for a DA polisher? Can it be used with microfiber pads? What Meg compound would be best with a DA polisher with either foam or microfiber pads? I thought M105 was intended for DA polishers with different pads.

[beavis87]

Welcome beavis87 and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country!

Thanks, living the dream!

[beavis87]

The PC and the GG 6" are both good machines to start with.
I recommend a Megs DBP5 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate.
I like LC 5" flat pads & the Megs 5" microfiber cutting discs.
That combo works nice with Megs D300 and Carpro Essence.

The pads and discs look good, so I will be definately ordering them. However, I'm finding it hard to justify Meg's D300 if I'm getting M101. Also, while the CarPro Essence looks to be great polish, its quite expensive. I'm looking for a good polish about half that price.

[70fastback]

If you are trying to jump in without breaking the bank, and a buffer is in your budget, maybe try this.
Get the machine of your choice, whether it be the PC, GG6...or whatever. Buy a 5" backing plate and some 5 1/2" pads (orange and/or white). Then head down to your favorite auto-part or discount store and get some Meg's Ultimate Compound!
Tape off a test spot and check out the results...I think you'll be amazed.
Then as the addiction grows, you can move on testing other products as the budget allows.

Personally, if I were just starting out, I would be very interested in the McKee's line of products after seeing the results on this red Caddy...simply amazing!!!
Sneak Peek! - McKee's 37 at Cars & Coffee Tech Session Tomorrow!