Ready to buy first DA - help!

[CC268]

Depending on how much graduation money I get, I may buy a DA. I am doing as much research as possible in the meantime (including reading Mike Phillip's book).

I think at this point it is quite clear that the Griot's is the way to go. I don't think someone like me is ready for a Flex, nor do I need the capabilities of the Flex.

What do you guys think?

If I go with the Griot's, is there a good kit you recommend or should I buy the backing plates and pads separate?
If so...what backing plates and pads would you recommend (for a 2014 F-150 with paint in excellent condition)?

I do already have (3) red and (3) white CCS 4" pads.

Thanks guys!

[ihaveacamaro]

If I had to do it again starting from where you are:

Griot's GG

5" AND 3" backing plate from Lake Country or Meguiar's

5" and 3.5" Lake Country Flat Pads: 3 x Orange, 3 x white, 1 x Red in each size.

Menzerna FG400 (imo one of the best novice compounds you can find)
Optimum Hyper Polish or Menz SF4000

Make your own kit and don't buy the premade ones. They usually give you stuff you don't need, although they can be a good starting point.

If I had to do it again, I would've made my own kit.

[CC268]

Thanks a lot for the info. I actually have all my waxes already. I would just need pads and backing plates.

Here are the waxes I have:
Pinnacle Cleansing Lotion
Collinite 845
Pinnacle Liquid Souveran

I think the Griots wit 3" & 5" Lake Country would probably be a great route.

Would I be able to use my 4" pads at all with a 3" or 5" backing plate?

[CC268]

Would you go with the LC flats or the hydro techs?

I think I would go with the 5" and 3.5" backing plates.

[davey g-force]

You could use your 4" pads with a 3" BP.

So you'll only be waxing? No paint correction?

[CC268]

You could use your 4" pads with a 3" BP.

So you'll only be waxing? No paint correction?

Hmm...alright I guess I would have to choose between 3" and 3.5" backing plates. The paint is brand new. I would mostly be applying a cleansing wax and then following that up with Collinite.

I probably want pads that aren't very aggressive like the white and black pads?

Not sure how many pads I would need for truck either...I am guessing at least 4 of each color at a minimum...

[blown03]

I would give Optimums polishes a try , specifically Hyper Polish all most guaranteed to get excellent results , truly an amazing polish IMHO .

[Souldetailer]

Hey CC,

I purchase the griots not long ago. A very versatile machine with
plenty of power, haven't stopped it yet on the paint. I have added to the orinigal set up, a LC 6" backing plate, 5" plate and 3" respectively to accommodate 6.5", 5.5",& 4" LC flat pads. These are my favorite. A brush has been added too. I do plan on getting a Flex in the near future as I ramp my business up. But for starters the GG6 is the ticket. Good luck & take care.

Peace,

Darrin

[Jaretr1]

I would actually recommend stepping up to the new Meguiars MT300. Its a lot smoother than the Griots / PC and plenty powerful. Its also quite light. AG has a kit with the polisher and Meguiars discs in a kit thats a great value. Their foam discs are supposed to be outstanding.

[CC268]

The Meguiars looks like it isn't nearly as powerful though? Those pads are about double the cost as well. I have a big truck and will probably need at least 6 of whatever color I am using (at least I think).

I also already have 4 white and 4 red CCS pads that I could use with the LC backing plate and a Griots.