Rate my "keep it simple" beginner`s polishing kit! Budget $200

[the walrus]

Hey dudes-

I am on a budget, but want to get into polishing just for my own cars and the occasional relative`s car. So I have searched around a lot and put together my own version of a "keep it simple" beginner`s polishing kit. This is kind of a first draft. Feel free to add or take away.



1. UDM w/5" BP, 1 white 6.5" pad and 4 orange 5.5" pads $129 from Auto geek

2. 5.5" blue or grey CCS pad $8

3. 1st step Meg`s #83 Cleaner/Polish $19

2nd step/LSP Meg`s #80 Speed glaze $16

Wax Meg`s #26 $12

4. Stand w/ 2 500 watt Halogens $30



total: $214



Let me know what you think, good or bad.



Couple of q`s as well:

Do I need some type of pad cleaner?

Also do I need a different counterweight or is the UDM fine as it comes?

Do you usually apply wax by hand or use the UDM? (I am thinking by hand?)



Thanks,

Justin

[SuperBee364]

Hey Justin,



It looks like you`ve done your homework, but I would recommend replacing Meg`s 83 with Meg`s 105 *and* Meg`s 205. You`ll get *much* better results with those two polishes with a UDM.



I would also think about using a different wax. Any of the Collinites will give you great durability and looks. They`re also cheaper than Megs.



Edit: Collinite 476 Super Doublecoat can be found at Harbor Freight for 11 bucks a tin. I`d be willing to bet that you get such good results from using megs 105 and 205 that you could safely *not* buy the glaze. Dropping the glaze, switching waxes and switching polishes should keep you at just about the same total cost, while giving you far better poilshing results.

[NWS Alpine]

Hey Justin,



It looks like you`ve done your homework, but I would recommend replacing Meg`s 83 with Meg`s 105 *and* Meg`s 205. You`ll get *much* better results with those two polishes with a UDM.



I would also think about using a different wax. Any of the Collinites will give you great durability and looks. They`re also cheaper than Megs.

Also suggest the 105/205 combo and adding a White pad to use with that combo and you should be G2G.

[BigJimZ28]

Couple of q`s as well:

Do I need some type of pad cleaner?

Dawn Power Disolver

Also do I need a different counterweight or is the UDM fine as it comes?

it`s fine I don`t even think there is a different one for the UDM

Do you usually apply wax by hand or use the UDM? (I am thinking by hand?)

I wax by hand

but you can do it with the UDM if you have a soft enough pad

[the walrus]

Great info guys, thanks. I`ll look into the M105 & M205. If I get this do I still need the Meg`s #80? Or is the M205 sufficient for 2nd step/LSP?



Justin

[SuperBee364]

Great info guys, thanks. I`ll look into the M105 & M205. If I get this do I still need the Meg`s #80? Or is the M205 sufficient for 2nd step/LSP?



Justin

105 and 205 are both abrasive polishes. They aren`t "glazes" or as Meg`s likes to call them "pure polishes". But honestly, you should be able to get such an amazing gloss/finish by polishing with M205 that you won`t need a glaze/pure polish. After doing the M205 step, just apply the Collinite wax, and enjoy!

[RyanFlemington]

sounds good, I can only reiterate what`s been said. I use 83 for 1st, and op/83 for 2nd, and no complaints. I`ve tried 105, but didn`t find enough of a difference to warrant spending the extra cash. I use dawn for pads, too. Depending on where you`re ordering from, you could consider picking up a cheap glaze, too. I use an xmt nuba one, and I`m very happy with it