Complete noob needs a kit.

M

mddittman

New member
OK, here's my situation... I have three cars, two that I care about and one "beater" car.



1. Black Chevy Avalanche

2. Mitsubishi Eclipse (This doesn't get driven over the winter, etc.)

3. Saturn SL1 (my commuter/"practice technique" car)



I also have a 19' boat, gelcoat fiberglass, that I will be polishing/waxing at least once a year.



I would like to learn to polish, paint correct (repair chips/small scratches with touchup paint) properly, etc my boat and cars. Although I don't want to ever go "professional" and do anything other than my own vehicles, I'm also willing to spend a little extra to be able to do a more efficient, quicker job on my vehicles.



I am trying to figure out what kit I could get that would include everything I'd need from start to finish... I was looking at the Flex kits, but realize that I would lose the advantage of having smaller backing plates available for smaller areas. Remember, I have NO equipment right now... It also seems like the G110V2 is highly rated as well.



So, for a weekend warrior that wants good results and is completely starting from scratch, what kit would you recommend to get me started?
 
I think for what you want to do, I would piece meal a kit together. I would definitely start with an orbital, such as porter cable, etc. I would not attempt a rotary, and you wuill get sufficient results with an orbital. I would get some good pads and good compound, sealant, and wax. Look around here with searches, and you will find some great products that will help you in what you want to accomplish.
 
I've gotten sidetracked with other projects but have been putting together a list of what I want. This is my shopping list so far:



Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital with 25' Cord

(3) Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate 5"

(6) Lake Country CCS 6.5 inch Orange Light Cutting Pad

(4) Lake Country CCS 6.5 inch White Polishing Pad

(2) Lake Country CCS 6.5 inch Gray Finishing Pad



Am I ok with the 6.5 inch pads, or should I go smaller for swirl removal? Does this look like a good, serviceable start?
 
mddittman said:
I've gotten sidetracked with other projects but have been putting together a list of what I want. This is my shopping list so far:



Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital with 25' Cord
Click to expand...



So far so good.

(3) Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate 5"
Click to expand...



You only need one backing plate in each size, so you won't need three of the 5" ones.



(6) Lake Country CCS 6.5 inch Orange Light Cutting Pad

(4) Lake Country CCS 6.5 inch White Polishing Pad

(2) Lake Country CCS 6.5 inch Gray Finishing Pad
Click to expand...



The quantities there look good, but even with the Griot's I'd want a smaller pad for serious correction. Maybe get the 5" plate and buy your orange pads in 5.5".



Am I ok with the 6.5 inch pads, or should I go smaller for swirl removal? Does this look like a good, serviceable start?
Click to expand...



I'd go smaller, but then I always seem to want/need aggressive cutting when I'm fixing anything significant. I just don't get the same results that others do with 6.5" pads unless I use the Flex 3401 or a rotary.
 
Thanks for your input... I just placed my order:



Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital with 25' Cord

Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate 5"

Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads: 6 Orange, 4 white, 2 gray

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #9 Swirl Remover 2.0

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 8 oz.

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 8 oz. New D.A. Version

Meguiars Ultimate Compound

Menzerna Super Finish (Nano) PO 106 FA 16 oz.

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845

Foam Pad Conditioning Brush

Detailer's Pro Series Universal Detailing Clay



Hopefully this will enough to get me started!
 
Accumulator said:
mddittman- That looks good, though I'm not sure what you'll do with the M09 :think:
Click to expand...



When I was reading about the #9, it said that it was more of a filler than an abrasive polish; I likely wouldn't use it all the time, but I thought it might come in handy in case I found some very light swirls later on. Or doesn't that make sense? I figured for about $10 it wouldn't be bad to have around...
 
mddittman said:
When I was reading about the #9, it said that it was more of a filler than an abrasive polish; I likely wouldn't use it all the time, but I thought it might come in handy in case I found some very light swirls later on. Or doesn't that make sense? I figured for about $10 it wouldn't be bad to have around...
Click to expand...



OK, as long as you're not expecting any correction :D I was just concerned that you were believing the ad-copy spiel that makes it sound like a swirl remover instead of a swirl concealer. I'm actually glad to hear you'll be willing to hide the minor stuff instead of taking off clear all the time :xyxthumbs
 
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