Newbie buying a PC!!! Please help

[PKassin]

Hey guys,

First I have to say that i have been looking at this fourm for months now, just dreaming that my 2005 black Explorer could look as good as everyone elses car (s).

After much debate I have decided to buy the PC7424 6'' polisher, because it half the price of the G100 and I know a PC salesman (hook a brother up).

I want to know what beginner chemicals I should buy? the car is kept outside, but has been washed weekly and clayed on a monthly basis there are just webs and swirls in the paint (making me crazy because i can't get them out by hand). I under stand that i can't get mind blowing results with the Meguiars that i buy at autozone, but would it be a good idea to practice with the paint cleaner, polish, and wax first before i buy something that could hurt my paint if i mess up?

Second i wanted to know if i need to get a counter weight inside or is that included with the polisher? When i research the PC7424 online some sites make a big deal about including a counter weight.

And third, can i purchash PC polishing pads or can i use Meguiars pads on the PC? (dumb question i know, but????)

thanks for any advice that you can offer, it is much appreciated.

thanks again,

Patrick

[Murr1525]

I believe if you browse the Hot Topics, or FAQ Forum here, the counter weight issue is discussed.

As for products, you'll have to search around for the best price, or buying a bunch of stuff to save shipping costs, but here's the most basic products one would use with the PC.

1. Wash - Gold Class, Nxt, etc.
2. Quick Clay, as it sounds you have now.
3. ScratchX for the hard to reach spots, where the PC wont fit.
4. #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish.
5. #80 Speed Glaze
6. #21 Synthetic Sealant

A beginer could almost open a business with those products. You will want to get the hang of #80 first. It is quite mild, and also easy to use. #83 takes a minute to get the hang of, so learn it second.

As for equipment, obviously you need high quality sponges, applicators, towels ,etc. Plus spares of pads, etc. Also:

1. Wash with 2 bucket system, and get at least 1 Grit Guard.
2. #7006 Cutting pad (DO NOT USE THIS DIRECTLY ON YOUR PAINT)
3. Two #8006 Polishing Pads.
4. One #9006 Finishing Pad.
5. 3 MF Bonnets.

When removing products, if you choose to remove by machine, place a bonnet over the #7006 pad.

Use the #8006 pds for #80/83.

Use the #9006 pad with #21.

You can order Meguiars pads separetly for the PC. You will also probably need to order a backing plate from Meguiars.

You can order from Meguiars directly, or from Rick at Autodetailingsolutions.com, or ordered from your local PBE store.

[PKassin]

holy cow that was fast.

thanks so much for the great list. so i guess the saying practice makes perfect is very important with this.

One question. Is it necessary to follow the #21 up with a wax of some type. I see so many post about #21 glaze, just not how to finish it off.

thanks,

Patrick

[Tim Lingor]

Hi Patrick,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Here is a link to information regarding the products for the G100 DA Polisher:

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

I also moved your post to the G100 (PC) forum.

Tim

[Murr1525]

Hopefully I didnt miss anything in my list.. but you'll find out

Well, practice is of course important to get best results, but dont get nervous either. Unless you drop the thing on your car, you cant screw up.

But, just if you are a bit nervous, dont start in the middle of your hood. Start down low on a back fender.

As for #21, you dont need to top it with anything else, and not at first to keep things simple. You can always try experimenting later, maybe layering with #26 on top. But 2 thin coats of #21 will protect and look great.

(I am not quite sure what you meant by #21 Glaze..)

[PKassin]

thanks for moving the post, sorry if i messed anyone up.


About the #21 "Glaze"....Im newto all this, thats all. ( I should have said "sealant"

thanks again guys, sorry for not reading the recommended products page.

Patrick

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Patrick,

No apologies necessary! Meguiar's Online is here to help assist you in obtaining the best paint finish possible!

Tim

[Murr1525]

You are quite welcome.

Different companies use diffeent names for stuff, and some people like to make a big deal out of polishes/glazes, and wax/sealants.

In Meguiars terms, wax and sealant are pretty much interchangable, so no need to get hung up on that.

Just have to watch out with other companies, whose names might not mean the same thing as Meguiars.

[the other pc]

Re: Newbie buying a PC!!! Please help

Originally posted by PKassin
…Second i wanted to know if i need to get a counter weight inside or is that included with the polisher? When i research the PC7424 online some sites make a big deal about including a counter weight…

The PC always comes with a counterweight installed. There are two different weights, 5” and 6”. I never remember which you get with which version, G-100 or 7424 (it’s easy to remember that the 7335 comes with the 5” weight and the 7336 comes with the 6”). Many (most?) people who’ve tried polishing with both weights report that they can’t tell any difference.

Originally posted by PKassin
…And third, can i purchash PC polishing pads or can i use Meguiars pads on the PC? (dumb question i know, but????)…

Not a dumb question at all. Until you’ve actually held all these things in your hands and used them there’s no way of knowing without asking.

Don’t even try to use the pad that comes from Porter-Cable. It’s not there because it works, only because they would have a hard time calling it a polisher if they didn’t include “something”.

Anybody who’s serious about using the PC get pads from a real paint polishing supplier like Meguiar’s. You’ll also need a backing plate. The factory pad is permanently (sort of) glued to a backing plate that screws into the PC. All the good pads use Velcro to attach to a backing plate. The plates have the Velcro “hook” and the pads have “loop”.

Meguiars WDAV99 DA Velcro Buffing System is a great deal to start with. It comes with the plate and three pads. (Or, you could buy them separately.)


PC.

[PKassin]

Thanks for the input on the pads.

I have vistied the above website and decided to just order the G-100 (hook-up or not) with extra pads. Plus i can order the chemicals that i need.

thanks again for all the help, i can't wait to get my car looking good.

[gb387]

Originally posted by PKassin
Thanks for the input on the pads.

I have vistied the above website and decided to just order the G-100 (hook-up or not) with extra pads. Plus i can order the chemicals that i need.

thanks again for all the help, i can't wait to get my car looking good.

You won't be disapointed... let us know how it works for you!

[kellyinkc]

You will love it!! MOL is full of good people willing to help. There are no "dumb" questions.
Now my wife has given me the green light to get my G-100 in then spring!! . She said I could get it now but we need to take care of those nasty natural gas bills first. BTW I'm gonna order from ADS package #2. Enjoy and welcome!!

Kelly