new toy for the car

[dt07Si]

Originally Posted by SiliconX

Very very nice. Not many people have it as it's extremely new. Supposedly the replacement for the venerable Porter Cable 7424.

What pads did you get for it?

Hmm, never seen this, I'm buying a porter cable 7424 for my dad for Christmas.

How is this any better?

Originally Posted by jeremy0203

well from what i have read its not very hard to use an orbital buffer and you gotta be a retard to mess your car up with one. rotary on the other hand is said to be more difficult in using and if not experienced its really easy to mess up the paint, so since ive never used a buffer before i went with an orbital type

I have pretty experienced the same. Although to some extent0 you do still have to be careful on edges with an orbital.

Originally Posted by si_civic

I'm curious on the polisher itself: Is it multi-speed? or 2-3 speed? I hate the pre-set speeds on those.

Anyone?

EDIT: n/m. It's an orbital. I was hoping for a rotary with speeds up to 2000rpm.

I'm hoping your experienced with a rotary buffer...

Originally Posted by glustic

Oooo! Can I touch? Haha! I spent like 25 dollars at Albertsons on detailing stuff, Wal Mart is way to far away. Haha.

C'mon man your Civic deserves much better!

Originally Posted by kplax35

Who carries the porter cable 7424? Any department stores or just online ones?

Porter Cable 7424 @ AutoGeek.net (along with multiple pad/ package options)

[Zapachi]

Well, I've used the Porter 7424 (haven't use the Ultimate yet but should be similar) for last 3 years and have detailed about 30 cars so far and the buffer has never let me down. I like the fact that I can switch from one pad to another by peeling it off the velco. Here are some tips I've found that I hope you'll find useful:

1) I usually tape up all the plastic trim pieces with painters tape - good to stock up on tape of various width). Before using the pads every time, I spray the pads with Z8 (don't need a lot, just a couple squeeze). This will moisten the pads and let the wax spread easier

2) When applying liquid wax (e.g., Zaino Z2/Z5) to the pad, I usually do four corners of the pad plus center. Then I dab a few areas that I'm working on to spread the wax. Usually a square of 2ft by 2ft

3) On slow setting "1-2" I start to spread the wax evenly and thinnly across the area. Don't apply too much downward pressure and let the weight of the machine do it's work. BTW, I don't like mounting the side handle as I find it too restrictive and can hit side mirrors and panels. Repeat for the rest of the car.

4) Once finished, I immediately wash the pads to get rid of residual wax (work the cleaner into the pads and squeeze). I found an easy way to dry the pad is to reattach the pads onto the buffer and crank up the speed to max and let it spin dry. Remember to do this AWAY from the car and wear eye protection!!

That's for applying wax...

For polishing, you pretty much do the same thing except you should be working in smaller area 1ft x 1ft at one time and start with slow speed to spread the polishing compound and turn up the speed to actually perform the polishing. And make sure you use the right pad...when polishing, always start will least abrasive compound and work your way up if you still see the scratches (never take any short cuts!!)

I find polishing compound is great for removing scuff marks from side mirrors/bumpers,etc. as they usually on top of the clear coat and easy to take out.

Good luck!

[kplax35]

alright thanks!

[dt07Si]

Zapachi: Thanks for the info man!

I myself happen to use some of the Zaino Products, along with a few others from Zymol, and The Chemical Guys.

I think the Porter Cable will be a great help/addition for my detailing!

[Zapachi]

No problem dt07si! Since you're a Zaino user, I recommend topping off with a coat of
P21S for more shine. They're very easy to apply - wipe on and off (don't need to wait for wax to haze over) - take me about 15 mins to do the entire car. Because it's not liquid wax, I apply it by hand (rather than using my PC). It gives the car more punch and shine. Only downside is they don't last very long so I usually top it up once every 3 months.

BTW, i have a GG Si Coupe as well. I find GG actually looks clean after driving in the rain...the wax helps too :-)