K1500 Cheyenne
New member
I made a thread a few days ago but for some reason it never posted. That being said, I'll just cut right to the chase with this one. I'm a COMPLETE newb to detailing and just got a 7424XP with a 5" counterweight and LC backing plate from AutoGeek last week. Now I'm trying to figure out which pads I should go with (it sounds like the 5.5" LC flat foam pads are my best bet). Would an orange, two whites, and a black be a good selection? I think I'll buy up to six. What about polishes? It appears that M205 or maybe UC are good to start with (let me know if you have a better suggestion), but what about for final polishing with lighter pads?
Just so you guys get an idea of what I'm working with, I've got a '98 Chevrolet K1500 pickup (hence my username
) with Light Pewter Metallic paint. It's got some mild scratching from going off-road. I made the mistake of using polishing compound by hand a few months back and there are marks all over the paint where I worked on the scratches. :dig
I also just got some used polished aluminum wheels I'd like to get into shape (I don't believe they have a clear coat; they're Alcoas). I bought some Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish, would it be safe to use with a 7424XP (instead of by hand)? If so, which pad(s) should I use for this?
Oh, and what clay bar and lube would be the best for my money, or does it really matter?
Sorry for all of the questions and the long post, I've just found this all quite overwhelming and need some help coming to my final choices. I'm not looking to make my truck show-stopping, just make the paint look a lot better. Thanks a lot! :clap:
EDIT: I forgot to mention I read through this thread in its entirety. I think it gave me a good idea of what I should get, but I thought I'd make sure I was on the right track, first. Thanks again!
Just so you guys get an idea of what I'm working with, I've got a '98 Chevrolet K1500 pickup (hence my username

I also just got some used polished aluminum wheels I'd like to get into shape (I don't believe they have a clear coat; they're Alcoas). I bought some Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish, would it be safe to use with a 7424XP (instead of by hand)? If so, which pad(s) should I use for this?
Oh, and what clay bar and lube would be the best for my money, or does it really matter?
Sorry for all of the questions and the long post, I've just found this all quite overwhelming and need some help coming to my final choices. I'm not looking to make my truck show-stopping, just make the paint look a lot better. Thanks a lot! :clap:
EDIT: I forgot to mention I read through this thread in its entirety. I think it gave me a good idea of what I should get, but I thought I'd make sure I was on the right track, first. Thanks again!