Useless PC

capt512 · 03-06-05, 01:39

Hey all,

I tried my PC on my 99 Crown Vic today which has horrible swirls and scratches, and I noticed no difference what-so-ever. Now i should mention that I used the white pad that came with it. But I would think that I would have noticed some improvement!
BTW, I used 3M Fine Cut Compound on 4-5 for about 2 minutes and noticed no improvement. So then I washed the pad and dried it, and tried Meguiars Medium Cut Compound on 3-4, and then 5, still no change what-so-ever. Is the white pad really that bad, will I notice much larger difference with other pads? Or what is the deal??
Thanks,
Mike

Setec Astronomy · 03-06-05, 01:44

Meg's Medium Cut is 7 on their abrasive scale, but it's a rotary-only compound...so if you used it on the PC....you should have seen some difference, although maybe not a good difference. Under these circumstances, I don't think the pad would have made a difference. It didn't haze or anything? If they are really deep scratches, that you can feel with your fingernail, you realize those won't come out.

MS22 · 03-06-05, 01:52

For the PC get a 6" backing plate, some Yellow or Orange Lake Country pads, 7.5" VC, and some Poorboys SSR3/2.5/1 for those horrible swirls; the SSR line is made for orbital use. The Megs Medium is designed for use with a rotary which produces alot more heat and breaks the polish down, which the PC can not do. Also, once equipped with the right products, crank the PC up to 6 and work the polishes until they are nearly dry. You may need to do another pass over the area but I have seen pics of some serious swirls corrected with the PC. Do a search and read the processes of how some people use their PC and look at their results.

Scottwax · 03-06-05, 01:57

The white pad that comes with the PC is garbage. I got a ton of marring just using #80 with it.

You do have to apply some pressure on the PC (just enough to bog the motor then let up slightly) and work slowly. If you just use the weight of the machine, low speed and move it real quicly across the surface, you are just wasting your time.

dpeezy415 · 03-06-05, 02:24

Yeah, I was a little hesitant when I used the PC for the first time on my hood. It had swirls induced by my painter who tried to level out the clearcoat.

It took two passes of DACP with a SONUS orange cut pad to get them out. That white pad won't come close to what DACP and the orange pad can do.

Invest in some pads and you'll see a world of difference...

But yes, the PC does have its limitations....

WD Pro · 03-07-05, 04:41

Sonus orange with #83 followed by Sonus green with #80 :

Be patient, use good products and all will be OK

WD

Lowejackson · 03-07-05, 05:22

Great picture

TOGWT · 03-07-05, 05:33

Foam Pad Starter Kit (1):
·1-Light Cutting Pad (Orange)
·1- Polish /light cutting (Green)
·2-Polish / Waxing Pad (Blue)
·2-Finishing Bonnets
·1-FlexPlate Urethane Backing Plate

1 Autopia uses the above colours for their Autopia Sonus Pads

Foam Pad Starter Kit (2):
·1-Polish / Cutting Pad (*Yellow)
·1-Polish / Light Cutting Pad (*Orange)
·2-Polish / Waxing Pad (*White)
·2-Finishing Pad (*Black)
·1-Flexible Urethane Backing Plate

2 The foam pad colour identifications and specifications are by Lake County Foam Pads
JonM

General Lee · 03-07-05, 09:12

Quote:

Originally posted by Lowejackson
Great picture

I agree,

Scottwax · 03-07-05, 09:27

Quote:

Originally posted by General Lee
I agree,

Same here! Probably the best side by side comparison I can remember seeing here.

koko_b_ware · 03-07-05, 10:43

Using the PC at a speed of 3-4 to remove swirls wont do $hit. You need to get very aggressive, and put some real pressure on the head of the machine to get the heavy defects out.

When I need to get out heavy swirls, or scratches, I crank it up to 6 and put on a lot of pressure. The paint will get fairy warm from doing this.

MorBid · 03-07-05, 11:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Lowejackson
Great picture

I've never seen such a gr8t shot. Well done indeed...