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**Detalnewb** · Mar 22, 2006, 08:12 AM

When people talk about PC's they are talking about Porter Cable polishers. You can get either the 7242 or 7336 model numbers. It's a variable speed random orbital (dual action) polisher. TOTALLY worth the money. You can pick up Meguiar's G100 (which is a re-branded PC) for about $200 or you can search places like Amazon or Lowes for the 7424 or 7336 - should run you about $100-120. The G100 has a lifetime warranty.

Then all you'd need would be pads and products and you'd be golden. You'll probably pay for the PC the first job you do so consider it a worthy investment!

Here's a link to a how to here on Meguiar's Online!

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

**Murr1525** · Mar 22, 2006, 08:29 AM

Here is a pic and the Meguiars link..

G-100a

Keep in mind the Lowes Porter Cable will not have a lifetime warranty, but is a bit cheaper.

However, you best bet is at Autodetailingsolutions.com. They have very good prices and packages with the G-100 and products you may need. It is a very good company, and you get the G-100 with the lifteme warranty.

**kellyinkc** · Mar 22, 2006, 09:50 AM

Get a PC, you WILL NOT regret it. I have used mine once. WOW.
I bought the Lowes, then ordered the backing plate and pads from Meguiars.

**JG_Detailing** · Mar 22, 2006, 10:09 AM

I got mine at Lowes. It work's great. The only thing is you will have to get a backing plate for it. Because the one that come's with it has a pad attached to it. Get Meguiar's velcro backing plate or your local detail shop.

**Lydia** · Mar 22, 2006, 10:24 AM

OK thanks for the help y'all. Also, are they hard to learn to use? Is it possible to wear the clear coat off of a car with them? Or maybe I should say, is that a sensible worry? My sister wants me to work on her car but she is worried I will wear the clear coat off. And one more question: could I use consumer line products (scratchX etc.) with a PC or would products like #80 etc. work better? I have a lot to learn about this so please bear with me...I'm trying to read old threads to learn as much as I can but I still have questions... Thanks again!

**Murr1525** · Mar 22, 2006, 10:43 AM

Consumer line products will work, though they can take a little practice, since they are meant to apply by hand and may react differently to the machine.

Even if I had a couple consumer line products around, I would just get a bottle of #80, it will be your best bet. You will still need ScratchX for places the PC cant reach.

For your first question, no you really cant rub through the clear coat unless it is already damaged in some way, like clear coat failure.

People detail their car monthly with the PC and #80 for years around here, and never have a problem. And even for a beginer, you will not wear through. You might not get the best results your first try or two, but only a little practice is really needed untiil you are up to speed.

The only precaution worth mentioning is to not work too hard on sharp pointed areas and ridges. Just kind of work along each side of the ridge up to the point, but not straight on top of the point. And dont drop it onto your paint.

PS. Yes, they definately talk about the PC and #80 at classes.

**Mike Phillips** · Mar 22, 2006, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by Detalnewb

or you can search places like Amazon or Lowes for the 7424 or 7336 - should run you about $100-120. The G100 has a lifetime warranty.

Make sure to go to the Amazon or Lowe's detailing forum also, they provide invaluable information for using the tools they sell to insure you get great results.

**PaintPolisher** · Mar 22, 2006, 11:00 AM

Neophyte detailer - Lydia

I would suggest saving those 5’s & 10’s [dollar bills] to acquire a product that will suit your needs. A motto of mine is to always buy the best you can afford too. I have noticed you on the site here and you have been seeing and hearing lots of very good information. Keep it up.
I use a Porter Cable 6” variable speed random orbit polisher # 7424 [PC] for vehicle detailing and large wood projects. I have been using this tools little brother the Porter Cable 5” variable speed random orbit sander with Velcro backing # 333VS for sanding wood projects for years and polishing/waxing the wood using the 6” tool achieving luster’s that are beautiful to the eye. I have 2 – 6” PC’s, one for vehicles and the other I have in my shop clamped into my wood vise for polishing small items. I store everything in plastic tool boxes. Safety note of the day is I also wear vibration resistant half finger gloves so my hands and arms do not get nerve damage. These are the tingle’s you feel after using a PC most of the day – not good for your body. I bought mountain bike gloves and they are great for me.
Oh, I also used eBay for comparison pricing and packages available when I was looking. I use Google as my research tool. Keep us posted. Many people are making some wonderful suggestions which shows their concern to assist you the best we can. Have fun.

**JG_Detailing** · Mar 22, 2006, 01:40 PM

It's not that hard to use. Just make sure to use the proper setting for each product.

**Lydia** · Mar 22, 2006, 01:58 PM

Wow. Thanks so much for all the help y'all.

Thanks for the advice IBstoney1. That's a good point; I don't want to get something and then be unhappy with it later on because it's not high enough quality/doesn't meet my expectations. So I guess I will try to get a PC. It will probably be a little while though before I can get one. I will keep y'all posted though.

The project probably coming up once I get a PC is a 1997 Mazda 626 with oxidation, and some clear coat missing on the top. The former owner apparently washed it often with sandpaper (just kidding). At least that's how it looks...I don't think I have seen swirls that bad anywhere. Should be exciting (not kidding...I love challenges).

Mike: Lol. Sometimes the best way to get a point across is with sarcasm...

Thanks again for all the help and advice!

**gb387** · Mar 22, 2006, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by Lydia
OK thanks for the help y'all. Also, are they hard to learn to use? Is it possible to wear the clear coat off of a car with them? Or maybe I should say, is that a sensible worry? My sister wants me to work on her car but she is worried I will wear the clear coat off. And one more question: could I use consumer line products (scratchX etc.) with a PC or would products like #80 etc. work better? I have a lot to learn about this so please bear with me...I'm trying to read old threads to learn as much as I can but I still have questions... Thanks again!

Just adding a little more... PC is the way to go. I have a 7424 and I continue to think about selling it and getting the G100 for the warranty. I bought my PC prior to MOL and really didn't know the G100 was around.

If you are looking at removing swirls and scratches the PC is the way to go. You mentioned $50 range, the problem with something in that range it the lack of power and quality pads. They will help apply wax but they will not remove swirls.

Also the PC can be used as a sander, not sure if you do any wood work but its another use.

**kellyinkc** · Mar 22, 2006, 03:12 PM

I told my wife I could refinish the Duncan Phyfe dining table if I had the PC...

. It's easy to use. I still have horror's of marking my 85 Mustang with one of those add on buffing pads to an electric drill. I had some hesitation when I first turned on that PC.
After a few minutes you get the feel. Good luck.

**Detalnewb** · Mar 22, 2006, 03:19 PM

ah, nevermind.

**gb387** · Mar 22, 2006, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by Detalnewb
ah, nevermind.

Detalnewb...
OT... why is my eye ALWAYS drawn to you avatar? I still laugh at it!

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