New Here

[JBM]

Just wanted to say "Howdy".


Im the new guy, not a detailer or anything, but i have 2/ 2000 vehicles that i cant afford to trade in right now, so i am deciding to take up "detailing" weekend warrior style.

I am getting a PC for x-mas, so before i blurt out all kinds of noobish questions i will search the forums for some pads and cleaners, ect...

Ok, just one simple question. I like simple stuff, so is there a package of assorted pads i can buy, that wont fall apart?

Also, do i need a different backing plate besides the one that comes with the PC ?

Ok, thats it, ill do the rest of my homework

Thanks in advance- Jeff

[uflraptor]

Welcome,

One word of caution. Make sure you really want to do this because once you start there is no going back. Auto detailing can be TONS of fun and tend to be VERY addicting.

You will receive tons of advice and opinions here also. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and prepare yourself for hours of reading. There is a wealth of information stored on these boards.

To answer your questions: Yes, you will want to purchase a backing plate to attach your “Velcro” backed pads. There are packages of assorted pads. Be sure and check out what our great sponsors have to offer. We have some AWSOME sponsors here.

Best of luck and enjoy your new hobby.

Shawn

[JDookie]

You are always going to get multiple suggestions and mixed reviews when you ask for the *best*, so I guess I'll start it off by saying I have tried three different types of pads and one stands out from the rest, IMO. I have tried the standard 6" flat LC (Lake Country) pads, these were the first pads I tried since they came in the PC package that I bought from Autopia and they are the basic grey, white, and orange pads. Next, I tried some 7.5" variable contact pads from TOL which come in grey, white, and yellow. And last but not least, I tried the Sonus DAS pads, which is the only line so far that has two *polishing* pads, one green and one blue. The Sonus pads, IMO, are the best. The reason I say this is for multiple reasons actually. They have held up the best out of all three versions, they have the most effective foam design as to getting the most out of the pad without having to apply too much pressure, they are the lightest out of the bunch, and the biggest reason I like them the best is just because I get the best results with them. The addition of the second polishing pad really made the difference because I always found that there was always something missing in the 3 pad versions. It was always big steps when going from pad to pad, but the Sonus pads fill the gap with two polishing pads instead of one. I encourage you to try as many different types as you can, and decide on your own but, if you can't, I don't think you can go wrong with the Sonus ones. I, personally, wish I would have never bothered with the other pads.

[DavidB]

Welcome to town, Jeff!

[MongooseGA]

I reccomend the Sonus DAS pad system. Sold in Autopia, and they're excellent pads!

[pigeonbus]

I'd also have to say I'm impressed with the Sonus DAS Pads, which can be purchasedhere
I don't know if you've already/somebody else has already ordered a PC for you, but Autopia Store also offers that kit (linked above) with a PC for $199. Otherwise, Lowe's sells one online for $99, then you'd want to get the kit linked above. It includes a backing plate, an assortment of great Sonus Pads, and bonnets. The pads are durable and work very well. You won't be disappointed.

The search tool is also very powerful. If I have a thought during the day, I write it down and when I get home I go through my list and just search for it! Don't be afraid to ask, though. That's what the University is for! Good Luck with your new venture. It's addicting !!!

[JBM]

Thanks for the warm welcome

One more question, i noticed at the local auto store a meguires 3 step product line, a cleaner, polish, and wax.

Is that suffecient for a weekend warrior? Good with the PC ?

I will order a sealer and clay bar though, my paints have little bumps, like sand, all over it, but it isnt sand

[1 Clean WS6]

Meg's Deep Crystal 3-step is a cheap and easy way to get started.

and enjoy the addiction!!