Porter Cable Really Worth The Money??

71chevelle · 08-08-03, 08:34

Well I am considering buying a porter cable if I can find one for the right amount and all the stuff along with it wont be over 130. I would even buy one used, but thats beside the point. My question is, does a porter cable actually make a huge difference in the way your car looks? With the right products and pads taken into mind and with someone who knows a bit about how to use one with mild experience. Would it actually make that huge reflective, no swirls, awesome look that i have been looking for?? And is it worth the extra money?

blkZ28Conv · 08-08-03, 08:42

Yes if you are me and no if you are ScottWax.

Seriously, the PC is a wonderful detailing tool.

Accumulator · 08-08-03, 09:09

71chevelle - Basically, what blkZ28Conv said

I WILL, however throw out a few caveats. The PC is REALLY just a "fast hand" that doesn't get tired/careless/sloppy (but the PC's USER still can). It's NOT like a rotary, where you can actually DO things that you CAN'T really do by hand (rotary= heat + speed = different, and risky). And it's not QUITE as simple to get eye-popping results with as some might make it sound. It IS pretty foolproof, though; you won't hurt your car with it. The "problem" is usually that someone spends (what seems like) forever without getting the swirls/scratches out NEARLY as quickly/easily as they expected to.

I probably couldn't get by without my random orbitals, even use them to apply paste wax (!), but I want you to have realistic expectations. Yes, you'll probably see a marked improvement in your car, and I say get one. Lynn just used a PC to do her car for the first time and she LOVED it. Get plenty of different pads and put some real thought into the polishes/compounds you buy (some work a LOT better/easier than others).

71chevelle · 08-08-03, 09:17

Thanks for the reply I plan on trying to get some pictures up soon so you guys can see. Should have them up soon.

Spilchy · 08-08-03, 09:18

Don't listen to these guys. They're wimpy. It's not worth the money. It's way over rated. Just use your hands in a really fast orbital motion and you'll easily achieve the same results. Go spend your money on malts and baseball cards.

- honestly, it's a great investment. Easy to use and nice results. Just be careful if your paint is original. Start with a light abrasive polish and work your way up if you need to.

71chevelle · 08-08-03, 09:22

How do I post pictures that I have on my desktop??
*EDIT* Its non-original paint. If i could only figure out how to post pics that i have on my desktop...

russ968 · 08-08-03, 09:22

The PC was a great investment for me. I strongly recommend it.

You may want to have a realistic discussion with your Chevelle about the condition of her paint.

If it is original then that's 32+ years of use. If it has been resprayed then you'll need to evaluate the quality. I say this because you'll be able to improve the finish quite significantly, however, you might want to check your expectations a bit as unless you paint is in pretty fine condition it will be tough getting a finish that compares to some of the newer cars you see here.

Don't let me dissuade you as there are several older cars here that look amazing. I just wanted to make a point to be realistic about what you have, what its potential for improvement is and what your expectations are before you spend your hard earned money.

Good luck,

Russ

71chevelle · 08-08-03, 09:55

Hope this works, Sorry its so fuzzy...

71chevelle · 08-08-03, 10:08

Thats me in the background by the trunk.. Sorry for the fuzziness again...I try to keep it looking good.... These are after the megs step three and two coats of s100...tell me what u think... thanks

Avalanche · 08-08-03, 10:09

Its a 110% great investment. Well worth the money. It doesnt have the cutting action of a rotary but it can repair swirls and scratches that cant be removed by hand. Its fast enough and generates enough friction to use mild polishes and abrasives effectively.

71chevelle · 08-08-03, 11:18

Does it take a couple hours for the pictures to show up in the post??

russ968 · 08-08-03, 11:33

Nice, nice ride!

On the pics you'll want to:

1. Right click on the pic
2. Left click on properties
3. Copy address
4. Paste into the image script prompt

Looks like your paint is in good shape so I would say a PC would be a good investment and would help you improve your finish.

Good luck,

Russ