Hello and an easy question for the professionals

[zband]

I have just bought a PC 7424 (buffer and polisher) because I heard is was a great unit for weekend waxers, like me, make it impossible to ruin a paint job. I did a search and also ordered a velcro kit (hook and something ) and would like to attempt to wax my jeep this week. However where I am miffed id what kind of pads would you recommend (something I could purchase in, say an auto parts store or Walmart). Again, I am not a professional, the reason I got this to be able to wax and buff the Jeep quickly. Any kinds or names of pads that you could offer to do this simple job would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[TheFiveO]

Re: Hello and an easy question for the professionals

Zband welcome to the world of PC ownership! Once you get it down pat, you will never go back. To answer some of your questions and statements....It is a misnomer to say that you cannot damage your paint with a PC. You can,but, if you practice and keep the PC at lower speeds until you get the hang of it, you'll do fine and should get great results.

You also mention that it's a great unit for weekend waxers, but let me assure you, pro's galore use it as well and get absolutely phenomenal results! I use it prob 90% of the details I do.

So far as pads go...generally Walmart won't carry pads. You will more than likely need to go to a NAPA auto parts store or a paint and body shop supply store to get pads. There are a number of companies online as well that sell pads. I really like Meg's pads (w8006,w9006) but I also like some of the competitors like Sonus,Lake country etc... You have to try different pads/brands etc and decide for yourself. One thing that I find helps give an AWESOME finish is using a MF bonnet fitted over a pad attached to the PC to remove the wax after it has "set". Hopefully this gives you some guidance.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Hello and an easy question for the professionals

I'm also a weekend warrior. I so far only use the megs pads. I use the w9006 to apply my wax. i use a w7006 with a microfiber bonnet to rmove my wax. If I am using #80, 83 I apply that with a w8006 pad. Have heard good thuings about other companies pads, however I have only used Megs pads. Hope this helps you out some.

[TrufflePig]

Re: Hello and an easy question for the professionals

1 - 7006 + BONNET.
3 - 8006
2 - 9006

you're set with those.

[zband]

Re: Hello and an easy question for the professionals

Unfortunately, I ended up with the PC 7336, but I hear it about the same as the 7424.

The hook and loop backing plate is also from PC but I dont think that its flexible (will this be a problem for an amateur?)

- I could not find pads fitting the description and all they had were w9000 pads. The guy said to apply wax to the jeep use the pad then wait for it to dry then use the same pad to remove. Is this correct? I inquired about a MF bonnet but he replied that nobody uses that because it build s up too much heat. will the w9000 pad work like he said? or should I wait and order different ones?

[Murr1525]

Re: Hello and an easy question for the professionals

the #000 pads are designed more for rotary use I believe, and are 8" diameter. You would want the #006 pads that are 6.6" for the PC.

So he was sort of telling you right, as far as rotary use with those pads goes, but may not have been familiar with the PC or the pads, etc for it.

You would want to apply your cleaner/polish with a 8006 pad, then remove with a cloth.
Apply your wax with a 9006 pad, and then either remove with a cloth or with a MF bonnet over a 7006 pad.

Since you sound kind of pressed for time, you might like cleaner/waxes. With those, you can kind of go either way. Apply with a 8006 pad for more cleaning ability, or a 9006 pad if your finish is in good shape already. Then remove as you would the wax above. You can even follow it up with a coat of regular wax if you like.

And he backing plates usualy are not flexible.

And you might want to consider ordering from, or at least browsing, autodetailingsolutions.com. Even with shipping, Rick has good savings, so you should break even at worst if you order a few things.

[TheFiveO]

Re: Hello and an easy question for the professionals

Zband in regards to the 7424/7336 issue, all I can say is I use two 7336's and am completly happy. Regarding the flexible plate issue, the Meg's backing plates are not flexible except at the very outer edge they have a slight degree of flex. Some of the backing plates made by other companies, generally yellow in color, do flex, but not as much as you might think.
I have backing plates from several other makers and yes they flex, but they are in no way "floppy" or "VERY flexible" if you can understand my point. Now on the large backing plates for the rotaries, you will see more flexion, but on the smaller PC backing plates, not nearly as much. If you are still having a hard time getting a MF bonnet, hit me up with a PM and I'll see what I can do to help you out.