Just ordered my PC, now what type of kit to buy

[Chowdur]

I just ordered my Porter Cable Polisher and I’ve been looking around on Classic Motoring Accessories Superstore. What types of pads will I need to buy to get good results with this thing? I have a 2001 Black Jetta with a lot of swirls, chips and a large bird poo depression in the clear coat. Along with what types of pads I should buy I need to get some kind of car care kit. I saw on that webpage they have quite a few to choose from. What are your guy’s suggestions? I have almost no car care products to speak of so I’m going to need just about everything.



Thanks

[wizardofahs]

I like the 6 inch backing plate from CMA (the velcro one). I also got their pads and they were nice... but i like the Meguiars better. You can get the Meguiars 6.5 inch velcro pads and use them. Really all you need is a part number W7006 and W8006. the W7006 is the cutting pad (maroonish in color) and the W7006 is the polishing pad (yellow). The meguiars pads are a bit thicker, and don`t have that awkward dimple in the middle like the CMA pads do. I`ve just found that that makes it easier to not miss any spots. people have their own preferences though. I hear Griot`s pads are good too.

[Sharkie]

I got the CMA pad and backing plate kit. I really only use the white and yellow pad. The bonnets are useless, have yet to use the wool pad, and anything I’d use the gray pad for I do by hand. If I had a van or large SUV the gray might be handy. It’s only $12 more than the plate and 2 white pads and 1 yellow pad so not that big of a deal.



I just got an orange pad from Griot’s. The foam’s abrasiveness feels in between the CMA white and yellow pad. It’s very stiff and you feel a LOT more of the vibration from the PC. I’ll save this pad for big flat areas to use with stuff like Finnese-it2.



I’ll have to give the Meguiar’s pads a shot since you like them better than CMA’s Dr. Jones.





SJS

[imported_BretFraz]

I have the CMA kits, several Meguiar`s pads, and other pads I bought from various places.



But I find myself using the stock Porter Cable white pads most of the time. I bought a couple more when CMA was blowing them out. They seem to do most things well except for serious swirl mark removal, but using more aggressive products can compensate for that.

[2wheelsx2]

Is there any real advantage to having the velcro backing plate other than ease of change? The pad is only held on by one bolt, so it doesn`t look like that much trouble. You`re only changing pads at most twice right? (application of some sort of cleaner, then glaze maybe, the wax or sealant). Is it really worth the money? I say that as I cannot order the backing plate from CMA since I am in Canada, and will be getting a PC from Canadian Tire this month.

[Sharkie]

Even if you use one product and one pad at a time it’s worth it IMHO. Pads are best stored damp in a plastic bag. Take pad out slap it on, do what you gotta do, take pad off rinse in sink, store back in baggie. :up



SJS

[vettefan67]

Originally posted by SJ Sharkie

Even if you use one product and one pad at a time it’s worth it IMHO. Pads are best stored damp in a plastic bag. Take pad out slap it on, do what you gotta do, take pad off rinse in sink, store back in baggie. :up



SJS

Are you sure pads should be stored damp?? I would be concerned about mildew or other nasty things . . . I store mine completely dry in labeled ziplock bags, same as microfiber.

[Chowdur]

Thanks for all the info on the PC Pads. What about Car Care Kits? They have a large selection on the Classic Motoring Accessories Superstore. From the posts I`ve read on here it seems to be more of a personal preference when it comes to choosing products. Also I noticed that none of the kits come with swirl removers or bug and tar removers. I will need both of these items, what do you guys recommend?

[imported_BretFraz]

Swirl Mark Removers - Most of us like 3M and Meguiar`s. Both are excellent and are available everywhere. My local NAPA auto parts stocks both and so do auto body supply stores.



Tar Remover - I love 3M`s Wax, Grease, and Tar Remover. Comes in a little metal container. I found my latest stash at Walmart of all places.



Bug Remover - Different stuff than tar remover since bugs are not tar and vice versa. Looked a long time for a good product and found one at Top Of The Line. It`s made by Hi-Temp Products. As long as you get to the bugs ASAP this stuff works very well. But if you let the bug guts setup you`ll need a sandblaster to remove them.