If you open the cases you run the risk of voiding the lifetime warranty. My GG6 is 8 years old and still running strong on the original factory grease.
Stick with a Griots GG6 for your first polisher. Here's a write up by Mike Philips that may help--Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips
I've been using Megs Ultimate Fast Finish on wheels with very good durability--getting about 6 months out of one coat. It is really easy to apply to the wheels including the barrels and makes the...
I'd stay away from prepackaged kits and put your own together. Kits usually have things you will never use. As an example the GG6 only comes with the 6" backing plate. You really don't even want...
After soaking them in APC I clean them with LA Awesome Orange Degreaser from the Dollar Store. Doesn't get all the stain out, but gets the LSP and AIO out of the pad.
Wow--sure is a different experience than I've had with my G15. With both Boss and B&S pads it's very smooth and easy to control with little to no pressure.
Since I only take care of our two cars I started using the Nanoskin sponges a couple of years ago and they have worked out great. Using UWW+ mixed at the waterless wash dilution as a lubricant I'm...