Need some product advice

[iDetail]

I have been trolling this site for a while now and get so excited when i see some of your guy`s results. I mean, wow, it is truly beautiful to see the transformations you guys can deliver.



But I need supplies. Hell, I see that some of you use like 7-10 different products just on the exterior alone and a whole bunch of different combos with pads. A lot to take in. I have come to the realization that the only way i will truly understand what products work best is by trial and error.



Here is my question. If you had $250-$300 dollars to get started what would you buy? Would you buy one of those package deals from Autopia.org store? Or would you buy products separately? If so what would you buy?



When I first bought my WRX I bought different upgrades for it. I didnt have a plan. And now that I look back on it, I would have totally gone in a different direction. I kinda feel like the same thing is gonna happen with this. Im gonna buy all these products not having a plan. And 6 months from now Im gonna wish I asked for assistance.



So here I am, asking for pointers. What would you recommend I do?

[not7fifteen]

I`d personally go to Tropi-care.com and get a Portercable kit, they have it on special for $169.99 and it comes with a velcro backing plate, and a selection of foam pads (orange, blue, and white), plus 2 free microfiber polishing bonnets. That should get you started as far as a machine goes at least.

Then I`d jump on one of the detail kits to save some money.

The autopia.org store runs some nice specials on kits with everything you`d need. You could find one for around $100 that should come with some sort of Polish, a sealant, wax, detail/inspection spray, and some other bonus products usually.

Then get some nice microfiber towels and a couple brushes, a bucket, some wash soap and you`ll be set for a while.



Just my opinion. I`m sure some more will chime in on this. But with a portercable 7424 you really can`t go wrong. Plus if you get on LS1tech, tropi-care is a sponser, so register and you`ll find a code for a 10% off your order with tropi-care... After the discount my buffer with everything and shipping was under 170 which I thought was a pretty good deal after shopping around. Plus when you order it from them you get a sample kit with thier swirlcutter/polish, sealant, wash soap, and the detail spray which I`ve found all to work very nicely.

[imported_weekendwarrior]

iDetail - you are asking a wide open question in which you are going to get a TON of different responses.



I would go for a package - you get more for your money. Here`s what I would get (within your price range if I were starting out):



Click on the link, and scroll to package 3.



Meguiars G110 Polisher (http://www.autodetailingsolutions.com/meguiars-G110-polisher.htm)



But, I would buy another wax or sealant to use instead of the NXT 2.0 that comes with this kit. NXT 2.0 looks awesome, but I am not impressed with the durability.

[bwalker25]

Knowing what I know now this is what I WOULD`VE done



buy the following: (autogeek)

heavy polish M95 - Meguiars Mirror Glaze #95 Speed-Cut Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mirror-glaze-95-speed-cut-compound-.html)

^ just because of the cut and results obtainable, mention in order comments to price match Autodetailingsolutions @ $13.95 for 32oz (its $19.99 at the ag)



medium polish m83 - Meguiars #83 Dual Action Cleaner/Polish polishes away light to moderate swirls and scratches. Meguiars dual action cleaner/ car polish works well with (http://www.autogeek.net/megdualaccle.html)

^ good all around sorta "medium" polish (also mention price match ADS @ $16.99)



Light Polish m9 - Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover cleans and polishes auto paint to a smooth shine! Remove swirl marks and water spots with Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover Car (http://www.autogeek.net/meg9swirrem.html)

^ dont know about my choice here but oh well (price match ads @ $9.49)



3.5" PFW Pad - Foamed Wool 3.5 inch Buffing/Polishing Pad, spot polish with Lake Country Foamed Wool Pad, wool buffing pad, small wool pad (http://www.autogeek.net/3-5inch-foamed-wool-pad.html)



You will need the adapter - D.A Adapter 5/8" X 11 (http://www.autogeek.net/daadapter58x11.html)



and the 2.75" backing plate - 2-3/4 Hook & Loop Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/2vebapl.html)



4" Pads - Spot Buffing 4 inch pads - 30% thicker than the Low Profile Spot Buffs! (http://www.autogeek.net/4inch-spot-buffs.html)

these pads are sold in packs of 2 and are $9.99 a pack, I`d get 2 yellow/white

6 pack of orange 4" pads - $15.99



QTY ITEM Cost

1x M95 $13.95

1x M83 $16.99

1x M9 $9.49

1x 3.5" PFW $4.99

1x PFW ADAPT $4.99

1x 2.75" BACKING PLATE $7.99

2x packs yellow 4" pads $19.98

2x packs white 4" pads $19.98

1x pack orange 4" pads $15.99



total supply cost w/o polisher and w/o shipping - $114.35



IF you have $300 then minus supplies and you have $185.65

I`d get THIS polisher:



G110 - Meguiars Dual Action Polisher G110 with FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-action-polisher-g110.html)

autogeek doesn`t seem to carry the UDM anymore... :( or I`d recommend it instead, however the G110 will do.... ($149.99)



TOTAL COST w/o shipping- $264.34

if you want to go rotary right off the bat then I have another idea.....

[bwalker25]

wow I missed the sealant / wax part :( not good...hmmm to to think about this a little.....



on a budget with only $35 left i`d go with



wax IW845 - Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)

$14.99 - note THIS wax is available at harbor freight for the same price or cheaper....

OR

Sealant - Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer unlike anything you can imagine. (http://www.autogeek.net/wg5500.html)

^ good stuff here @ $34.99



TOTAL w/ Wax and W/O Shipping - $279.33

TOTAL w/ Sealant and W/O Shipping - $299.33 - under budget :woohoo::woot2:

[SuperBee364]

I agree just about 100% with you Bedo, that is a *great* list. I would change out some of the Megs polishes for Menzerna, but typically new guys have a harder time using my favorite Menz polishes anyway; SIP and even 106 can be a bit finicky. Alll the stuff you have recommended have proven track records of being good stuff and easy to use. Not to mention cost effective.



If I were a new guy, I`d jump right in and buy everything on Bedos list. Although I might spring the extra cash for a flex. :)

[bwalker25]

I was thinking menz polishes, but thought well cost effectiveness might be what we need here. Menz is great and all there stuff is A+ :) if you want to go menz polishes then SIP / IP / 106 might be the trick



Regarding the flex, the only issue i`d have with that is you have to use larger pads, will you get the same correction as you would with 3.5/4" pads? If you do then spring for the flex, but since I have no clue when it comes to the flex, hopefully supe can chime in here :)



again just glad I could help :woohoo: