Harbor Freight DA on a 07 Chevy Tahoe

[biggROC85]

Hey guys, so after reading all the threads I broke down and got a DA from harbor freight I read some good reviews and for $55.00 I couldn't resist. I'm trying to get the truck all cleaned up this saturday so I need to know, which backing plate and pads to get, I'm thinking about using some Ultimate Polish, and then some Ultimate Liquid Wax. After a good washing with JOY soap and clay bar. What kind of pads, and how many with this setup. Thanks guys for the advice.

[BrandIdeator]

Re: Harbor Freight DA on a 07 Chevy Tahoe

Greetings biggROC85 & Welcome to MOL.

I, too, have the DA from HF and I am very pleased with it. However, there are a few things that I'd recommend doing to it if you plan on using it fairly regularly.
1. Re-Grease it! Instructions here I used High-Temp Gear grease from O'Reilly (like $4).
2. I found that the handle got in my way more than it helped. If you agree, you'll want to replace the nylon screw (#2 Screw) on the red top plate with a metal one. The screw size is M8 - 1.25 X 10mm.
3. If you don't have one already, invest in a 12 gauge extension cord to run the polisher. I mistakenly forgot mine and used a 16 gauge and it didn't run as well.
4. As for a backing plate: I use the W67DA with the 6.5" W7006/W8006/W9006 pads

Other than that, enjoy the polisher.

Also, I'd advise against JOY soap. Those "dish soaps" are degreasers and there are a few comments here that mention it removing the window track grease and causing friction when rolling up/down the window. Plus, since you're clay baring there's really no reason to degrease. It's best to use a quality wash (like Gold Class or Ultimate) and it'll remove the grime. Depending on the condition, you may also want to consider Ultimate Compound.

Good Luck!!

[STRIFE]

Re: Harbor Freight DA on a 07 Chevy Tahoe

I was just looking at this DA at HF, the one thing I noticed right away was it's freaking heavy compared to my Meguiars & Griot's DA.
I agree...$55 is a great price
I was also thinking getting slightly smaller pads like buff & shine 5.5" pads with a 5" BP....these are cheaper and since this is a budget DA....it may run better?

[biggROC85]

Re: Harbor Freight DA on a 07 Chevy Tahoe

Thanks for the responses, I am looking at the buff and shine 5.5 inch pads with a buff and shine 5 inch backing plate, But I don't know how many of which color pads I will need, any help there? The paint is in pretty good shape as I had it buff out by a pro about 6 months ago. But I have been using a long handled car brush and I have swirl marks again. I'm going to wash, clay, UC, UP and then ULW. Any help would be appreciated.

[The Guz]

Re: Harbor Freight DA on a 07 Chevy Tahoe

I use 5.5 inch lake country flat pads and 5 inch lake country backing plate on my porter cable. You can get a 6 pack of these for $35 over at autogeek. I use orange (compounding), white (polishing) and black (wax/selant). I have used UC, UP and UW with these pads before with good results.

http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html