$100 Paint Correction Kit

Dan

Dan

Well-known member
Back in 2006, I "scored" a Porter Cable DA for $98 on ebay. Boy did I think that was a deal. The price of food, gas, and just about everything else has gone up, way up. But swirl haters can enjoy a swirl killing kit for under $100 now! I threw together a few links to piece together a great kit to get newbies started.



-The HF DA is the value king right now. Is it good for a pro? Probably not, but you can get an extended no questions asked warranty for just a bit more.

-Megs 6.5 in pads are a fantastic value, they will work with the included backing plate and are very durable compared to their competitors. The 6.5 size will assure you don't hit your paint with too much force.

-Megs UC and UP are fantastic all around polishes that are newbie friendly and work very well.



Meguiar's 6.5-Inch Soft Buff Foam Finishing Pad by Meguiar's $10.48

Meguiar's 6.5-Inch Soft Buff Foam Finishing Pad : Amazon.com : Automotive



Meguiar's 6.5-Inch Soft Buff Foam Polishing Pad

Meguiar's 6.5-Inch Soft Buff Foam Polishing Pad : Amazon.com : Automotive $10.59



Meguiar's 6.5-Inch Soft Buff Foam Cutting Pad $10.42

Meguiar's 6.5-Inch Soft Buff Foam Cutting Pad : Amazon.com : Automotive



Meguiar's Ultimate Compound $8.97

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound : Amazon.com : Automotive



Meguiar's Ultimate Polish $6.97

Meguiar's Ultimate Polish - 16 oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive $47.43



Chicago Electric Platinum 6" Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher $59.99-20% (coupons found online), also some 25% off in store coupons floating around.

6" Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher



Grand total $95.43 amazon super saver shipping is free, HF is probably best to pick up in store



Sure you could use more pads but this is enough for a basic correction job. You'll have to spend time cleaning your pads between panels, but that's ok. There are better backing plates, true but they kill the deal.



With this setup you'll have enough to start squashing swirls for the price of a nice dinner for four.



*tax and shipping not included, also note amazon prices vary, use camelcamelcamel.com to check their lowest prices.
 
What a great idea Dan!!! However, when I looked at the HF DA the only thing that looked questionable to me was the backing plate as it wobbled just when spinning it by hand. And, since then any negative posts I've seen on detailing websites regarding the HF DA were usually caused by the backing plate. And I think you'll agree 5.5" pads would be a better solution anyway, so here goes:



HF DA $47.99 (with the readily available 20% off coupon)---picked up locally at your friendly HF store



Buff & Shine 5" Backing Plate Buff and Shine 5" Flexible D.A. Backing Plate - Buff and Shine $14.99



Buff & Shine 5.5" Yellow Cutting Pad (or orange) Buff and Shine 5.5" Yellow Heavy Cutting Pad - Buff and Shine $6.99



Buff & Shine 5.5" Green Polishing Pad (or white) Buff and Shine 5.5" Green Polishing Pad - Buff and Shine $6.99



Buff & Shine 5.5" Black Finishing Pad (or blue) Buff and Shine 5.5" Black Finishing Pad - Buff and Shine $6.99



NOTE: Above B&S products from Autoality.com--no shipping charge--orders over $25 and under 5 lbs ship free. They also have 5 packs of 5.5" pads for $29.96--still under 5 lbs.



Ultimate Compound from Walmart $8.97 (order online pick up in store no shipping)



Ultimate Polish from Walmart $6.97 (order online pick up in store no shipping)



Total=$99.89



You could substitute a bottle of UNO for the UC and UP and still be under $100, but the shipping would put you over.



What do you thinK?
 
I just picked up a HF DA and it's not bad at all. Has more power than a PC and with a decent backing plate has no wobble and less vibration than a PC. Definitely a good unit for the price!
 
Just saw the new HF flyer and they raised the price of the DA to $64.99 so the budget is bumped up a bit, although I've seen a 25% off coupon good until early June.
 
I have both, a Porter Cable I have had for a few years and the HF, which is the same as the 3D unit.

The deal 3D is running or was, is a great deal.

I perfer my HF/3D to my Porter Cable. More power, no concerns with "wobble", etc.

Don't know is the 3D deal is still on, but with all that comes with it, would be hard to pass up.
 
Ron--forgot about that deal for $99 and it includes 2 MF and a case. Shipping does put it over the intended budget, but still a great deal.
 
pwaug said:
What a great idea Dan!!! However, when I looked at the HF DA the only thing that looked questionable to me was the backing plate as it wobbled just when spinning it by hand. And, since then any negative posts I've seen on detailing websites regarding the HF DA were usually caused by the backing plate. And I think you'll agree 5.5" pads would be a better solution anyway, so here goes:



HF DA $47.99 (with the readily available 20% off coupon)---picked up locally at your friendly HF store



Buff & Shine 5" Backing Plate Buff and Shine 5" Flexible D.A. Backing Plate - Buff and Shine $14.99



Buff & Shine 5.5" Yellow Cutting Pad (or orange) Buff and Shine 5.5" Yellow Heavy Cutting Pad - Buff and Shine $6.99



Buff & Shine 5.5" Green Polishing Pad (or white) Buff and Shine 5.5" Green Polishing Pad - Buff and Shine $6.99



Buff & Shine 5.5" Black Finishing Pad (or blue) Buff and Shine 5.5" Black Finishing Pad - Buff and Shine $6.99



NOTE: Above B&S products from Autoality.com--no shipping charge--orders over $25 and under 5 lbs ship free. They also have 5 packs of 5.5" pads for $29.96--still under 5 lbs.



Ultimate Compound from Walmart $8.97 (order online pick up in store no shipping)



Ultimate Polish from Walmart $6.97 (order online pick up in store no shipping)



Total=$99.89



You could substitute a bottle of UNO for the UC and UP and still be under $100, but the shipping would put you over.



What do you thinK?
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Great list. I debated using a 5.5 system but ultimately thought the Megs 6.5 pads were more goof proof as they seem to have a wide edge past the plate. There is no doubt the 5.5's will correct faster but Megs pads are much more durable. Also wanted to stay with two vendors.



Your kit is no doubt better for faster correction, maybe mine is better for additional safety?
 
pwaug said:
Just saw the new HF flyer and they raised the price of the DA to $64.99 so the budget is bumped up a bit, although I've seen a 25% off coupon good until early June.
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Still $59 on the link above, print and have the store match!
 
Everyone has their "opinions", some based on actual use, others on what their peer's say is best.

Got my first Porter Cable back in 1990, wore it out and replaced it with another in 97. Back then, that was about it.

Have had a chance to use the Griot's, doesn't impress me, especially for the money.

Got the HF a few months ago, use Buff and Shine pads, has about 30 hours on it so far, strong unit, and if it takes a crap, big deal, can get another one for little money.

Just my "opinion".
 
peacemaker said:
What is the general consensus on this machine? Who is it for? Is it as effective as the griots or a PC?
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There is an extensive thread regarding this DA in this section -- take a look.
 
Now add Meguiars Ultimate Paste Wax or S100 wax and your good to go within a reasonable buget. Now if you have some extra cash HD Poxy Sealant or Chemical Guys 50/50 wax would look lovely. Either way you will have a head turner shine.
 
For the record, I dig these threads. It really appeals to the casual detailer who is afraid to invest big money into a new hobby.
 
How would you guys rate the different DA's in terms of NVH. I'd think the Rupes and Flex would be at or near the top, but what about the rest? TIA
 
Are there any products that can both compound and finish down nicely? Thinking about detailing my mother's car and would ideally not like to spend all day on it. I would do an AIO, but they definitely need a more durable protection. I was planning on doing Collinite 845 for extra durability.



I have read about m105 compounding and finishing down nicely. I know FG400 does also, but not very economical. I'm sure you folks have go to products and combinations.
 
What if your budget were $200? Which products would you use instead? I just got a car that needs paint correction very badly, and I'd rather spend more money up front for higher quality products than save $100 and not be as happy with it. I am completely new to detailing, though, so products that are more forgiving or easier to use would be nice.
 
lunakki said:
What if your budget were $200? Which products would you use instead? I just got a car that needs paint correction very badly, and I'd rather spend more money up front for higher quality products than save $100 and not be as happy with it. I am completely new to detailing, though, so products that are more forgiving or easier to use would be nice.
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Griot's Garage Dual Action Polisher with 5" backing plate, has more power than any of the other standard DAs and a lifetime warranty--Buff&Shine pads --four for each step--HD Cut, HD UNO, HD Polish, HD Speed--all are very user/beginner friendly and forgiving--long working time, no dust, easy to remove, no heavy oils left behind. HD Speed is a great product to use for your first machine polishing as it isn't too aggresive but can offer excellent results.
 
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