Red96TransAm
07-25-2004, 06:06 PM
Hi folks,
I just bought a black 2002 Trans Am, and I've got $200 to spend on hardware to clean up the paint. It appears whoever owned the car before me was a big fan of the quarter-plink carwash brush, because it has all of the tell-tale light scratching and swirling.
Here's the deal: I've got access to every liquid and paste compound under the sun, but I've got to get a good polisher (the $50 Waxmaster just won't cut it). I've decided on the PC 7424, but I need to know what types of bonnets, pads, etc., I should buy with the other $80. I'm building this detail kit from nothing, so I'm open to suggestions. This car is going to require WAY MORE work than my red 96 T/A to keep in tip-top visual shape, so I want to get the right stuff for the job. Thank you in advance for the help!
Chris
Cmr0z28
07-25-2004, 06:13 PM
Good...I'm glad you're looking in the right direction here.
Porter Cable 7424 from www.coastaltool.com - comes with 6" backing plate (required), 6" counterweight. Throw away the included pad. - $119.99
Pads - www.properautocare.com pad kit w/o backing plate - $39.99
Do not use the 2 terry bonnets or the wool pad that are included in the kit. You may also want to order an extra cutting pad and an extra polishing pad. The polishing pad is the one you will reach for the most. An extra finishing pad will help too...I prefer to apply sealants and waxes with the PC as opposed to doing it by hand because you can get thinner, more even layers.
May want to get the Microsuede bonnets from www.topoftheline.com if you really want to use bonnets..
Get microfiber towels from www.exceldetail.com - very good service and the best prices for quality microfibers. I would get one of the kits he has...the 16x24's are my favorite for buffing and quick-detailing. I use one blue and one gold waffle weave for drying.
Don't forget to clay the paint before you polish...
Also, get one or two lambswool mitts from exceldetail as well. They're cheap and high quality.
www.autopia-carcare.com has a good guide for using the PC 7424.
If I left anything out lemme know....
-Matt
www.autopia-carcare.com
Error
07-26-2004, 08:04 AM
Try some of the 3M machine polishes with your new PC, and top em off with Zaino.
www.zainostore.com
Cmr0z28
07-26-2004, 11:13 AM
Try some of the 3M machine polishes with your new PC, and top em off with Zaino.
www.zainostore.com
Sorry dude, but after doing some research, 3M SMR has a very low level of abrasives and is mostly oils/fillers....which means you need to remove the oils/fillers before applying Zaino, which reduces the swirl-hiding effect.
Black5.7TPI
07-27-2004, 07:47 AM
ATD Polisher-about $79.95
includes velcro backing for various foam pads and comes with a wool bonnet, it has variable speed from 1000 rpm-to 4000.
Ardex- $6-8.00 for foam pads apiece-they have different grades of pads for different situations and there is about 5-7 all together, just buy what you need.
Clay Magic bar-$10-$20 at any auto parts stores to pre clean the car.
3M or Ardex Polishes and Compounds $7.00-$20 per bottle-there are numerous products from these vendors and I recommend that you contact your local auto body supplier with your car so something can be recommended.
Meguires is too oily and Mothers is to chalky.
Polishing cloths: about $20 Kimberly Clark 600 Krew cloths the best I have ever tried on the market, they are pure cotton and are great when finishing off a car and wax
Nitrile hand gloves: $10-$20 a box, don't forget to protect your hands, some of these chemicals aren't the best thing to leave on your skin and it also will protect your finish from fingernail scratches.
Good Luck!!!!!