So many choices... which CMA pad kit should I get with my new PC 7424??

E

ExplorerXLT95

New member
Well, ladies and gents, I am set on ordering my PC from CMA. I will be getting the "Ultimate Detailing Machine" package, one that I am sure most of you are familiar with.



Now of course, I am gonna need extra pads, etc. The question is, seeing as CMA lists at least three different packages, which is the one that I should get?



Package #1



Package #2



Package #3



Package #4(at the bottom)



I have no idea where to begin on comparisons of these different packages and deciding which is right...



Help?? :confused: :)
 
First of all, get your PC from Coastal Tool. It comes with the Velcro backing plate and 6" counterweight, which you will want, for only $119 + shipping.



http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/...24.htm?L+coastest+srst3096ff8c2c8c+1054955030



The pads are really up to you. I would get at least 2 ea. standard yellow and white pads. I have not used the finger pads yet. I have not heard of many people using bonnets. Maybe someone else will comment on their value. You definitely want a bunch of microfiber towels to use in detailing. I just got 10 from Pakshak and they are great.



http://www.pakshak.com
 
Buy yer PC from Lowes .. its only $109.





As for pads ..... I would go with two cutting, a polishing and a finishing.



I dont use the finishing much at all to be honest, but some folks do.



The PC is pretty mild as regards compounding so to actually do any good you tend to have to get pretty medieval.



Usually a cutting pad and DACP or Diamond Cut on anything more than 2 years old.

The newer vehicles get a polishing pad and AIO.
 
Smoker said:
Buy yer PC from Lowes .. its only $109.





As for pads ..... I would go with two cutting, a polishing and a finishing.



I dont use the finishing much at all to be honest, but some folks do.



The PC is pretty mild as regards compounding so to actually do any good you tend to have to get pretty medieval.



Usually a cutting pad and DACP or Diamond Cut on anything more than 2 years old.

The newer vehicles get a polishing pad and AIO.
Click to expand...



Do they have the 6" velco contour pad adapter and counter weight at Lowes as well?

If so, ill pick it up this weekend! :xyxthumbs
 
It comes with a counterwieght and one buffing foam but you'll have to buy a different backing pad if your going to use the more popular velcro buffing pads .... it also comes with the backing pad for the sanding discs too - dont get confused.



The one white foam pad you get is the screw-on type.

I use it with metal polish for doing chrome.
 
If I buy it from Lowes, will they have the PC 7424? I always see the 7428, but usually never see the 7424 (this was at Home Depot, however). Also, is there anything that WILL NOT come with the PC because I bought it at Lowes, as compared to CMA or Coastal Tools?? (Basically, am I going to be missing anything when buying from Lowes or Coastal Tools, as compared to CMA??)



I figure a good list of items that I will need is as follows:



(2) Polishing pads

(2) Yellow pads

(2) White pads

(2) Cutting pads

(1) 6" Counterweight (anybody wanna tell me why it needs a counterweight?)



Please feel free to add to the list, this is unchartered territory for me...



Anybody??
 
Here's what I did.



Bought the PC from Loewes (model 7336).

Bought a hook and loop adapter kit (~$5.00).- See the ultimate PC thread for a description.

Bought 6 7.5" pads from Top of the Line (6/$45). 2 yellow, 2 white, 2 grey



Still haven't had the time to use it. Maybe next weekend.



Dom
 
Lowe's sells the 7336sp. Basically, the 7424 but with the 6" cw instead. IMHO, the 6" cw is used to reduce vibration when using the larger velcro pads. I bought my 7336sp from Lowes and it had the 6" cw, white screw on pad, wrench, handle, couple sheets of sandpaper and the sandpaper backing plate.



Ensure you buy a backing plate with your kit not just pads. CMA kits are good, I bought mine from them.
 
O.K. You can go online at Lowes.com and apply for a 10% discount-"New Mover" and print out the coupon when they email it to you. That's the best price I know of. As far as pads and backplates, most people like the CMA pads made from Lake Country. Good luck!
 
The Top of the Line pads are the 7.5" Lake Country pads. Same as the advanced pads from CMA. I think 6/$45 is a great deal.
 
Just call the folks at CMA and follow their advice. Their advice is good and cheap, but their packages are not cheap. I am just starting to use a PC after over 40 years of doing my own detailing. In the last month, I have spent almost $400 at CMA (including the cost of the Ultimate Polisher). I don't regret it. I really appreciate the time that they took in helping me to make choices on their products. That is worth something.



Tom :cool:
 
ExplorerXLT95 - Definitely read the thread that Lynn mentions. Also keep in mind that pad color is in no way is consistant from company to company. Check the descriptiopn for it's function, i.e. cutting, polish, finish, and so on.



I purchased my PC 7336SP from Lowe's for $109 a year ago. I then purchased the pad kit from CMA which included the backing plate. So far, the CMA pads have held up, but it's always nice to find a local source for when you need a replacement fast. Meguiar's and 3M have some good pads.



For some links, take a look at my revised Klasse instructions. If CMA hasn't changed the pages, the links should still be valid. See: Jimwh's Klasse Instructions



[EDIT] By the way I noticed one of the posts above commented on the value of using a bonnet. I personally really enjoy the mf bonnets from CMA. I think that it brings a really deep shine/luster to the end result. It also saves a lot of elbow grease removing residue. Much better to have those elbows limber for lifting a beer while you enjoy looking at your ride!!! :xyxthumbs



jim
 
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