First time order, need suggestions

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section8

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I've been detailing my vehicles by hand for ages, and recently began looking into the Porter Cable and accesories and was blown away by the pads, polishes, etc. available. It would be so much easier with one option:) I have zero experience with polishers.
After lurking the forums, I'm looking for one complete set that won't cost me an arm and a leg and here's my list as of right now:

[Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher
Porter Cable 7424XP Wrench
Porter Cable 7424XP Counter Weight
Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0
Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Spritz Sealant
1 CCS 6.5 inch Orange Light Cutting Pad
1 CCS 6.5 inch White Polishing Pad
1 CCS 6.5 inch Blue Finessing Pad
2 Microfiber Towels
5" Flex Backing Plate
Wolfgang Instructional DVD] - kit

P21S wheel cleaner-gel, 500ml
DP Polishing pad rejuvenator
Pinnacle Microfiber detergent- 16oz.
Lake Country CCS, 6 pack (2 white, 2 gray, orange, green)

This kit is for a 2006 Evo-Graphite Gray, and 2008 Trailblazer SS-black. The Trailblazer has minor-medium swirls marks over the entire vehicle. The Evo there are a few light scratches on the hood area. Running my fingernail over, I can't feel it penetrate. Compounding would pretty much fix it, but might as well hook that car up as well.
I currently have the usual OTC microfiber towels, clay bar, wet sandpaper, compounds. I'm looking to purchase items that I can't purchase OTC that's the best bang for the buck. Any other suggestions before I make this purchase? I've been using NXT 2.0 which has done wonders to my car, but feel that the Porter Cable and these polishes can make it so much better. Thanks in advance.
 
I think it is a good setup. You are correct the PC will make your cars so much better. The only think I would consider adding is a heavier cut compound. I dont know how bad your vehicles are but look at this chart to help you out if your interrested in something with a little more bite to it....

Autogeek Swirl Removers & Compounds Comparison Chart

Best of luck to you with all your new products! Ask any questions you have about products or process.
P.S. Welcome to the forum

Peace,
Jon
 
Get smaller pads. Good to have a few 4 inch pads (need 3.5 inch backing plate) and then 5 inch pads. IMO the PC offers more with the smaller pads. I have 6.5 inch pads and really never use them. The other choices in your list look great.

If you're not ready to splurge on some good MF towels, I would at least look into the Cobra Guzzler WW towels for drying.

With the cars you have, it's worth stepping up your game and in you're in the right place! Welcome!
 
^ Ya he is correct. I would get the smaller pads instead of the 6.5. You will get more out of them in regards to correction and pad rotation. My roomate uses a 5in backingplate and the 5.5 in pads and they work great for him. I have to use 6.5 pads because I have a flex and I cant get anything else or I would downsize the pad also.
 
The Wolfgang polishes are indeed some of the best and designed with Menzerna. I to might suggest the smaller 5 inch backing plate and 5.5 inch pads as they seem to work just a little better.

NXT offers a spray wax too, which can be used as a booster between wax sessions to boost its look. Its super easy to use and I highly suggest it when using NXT.

As for the wheel cleaner, pad rejuvinator, and such you have some of the best products. I often check the pricing between the three MF detergents and grab the best value at that time. (ie. consider DP version and Microrestore too)
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. The only problem I'm finding is that with the kit I'm purchasing, they only come with 6.5" pads (unless I'm not seeing the option), and not seeing this kit offered with the 5.5". As for the 6 pack, I'll definately get the 5.5", looks as though this kit already comes with the 5" backing plate. As for the pad colors, are my choices the main ones I'll need or should I consider other colors in the 6 pack? As for the heavier compounds, to be honest from the descriptions, I'm a little nervous about bumping that up at this point. I'm hoping the TSR 3.0 will be enough kick to complete the task. If not, I'll purchase the heavier one.
 
section8 said:
Thanks for all the suggestions. The only problem I'm finding is that with the kit I'm purchasing, they only come with 6.5" pads (unless I'm not seeing the option), and not seeing this kit offered with the 5.5". As for the 6 pack, I'll definately get the 5.5", looks as though this kit already comes with the 5" backing plate. As for the pad colors, are my choices the main ones I'll need or should I consider other colors in the 6 pack? As for the heavier compounds, to be honest from the descriptions, I'm a little nervous about bumping that up at this point. I'm hoping the TSR 3.0 will be enough kick to complete the task. If not, I'll purchase the heavier one.
Click to expand...

If you call it in, they might be able to change the pads to the smaller ones. It might even be cheaper too! I would also order a clay bar kit, if you don't have one already. You might already know this, but claying is a necessity if it fails the sandwich baggie test. I've had very good results using the Mother's Clay Bar Kit. And what do you have for your wash media (this is very important to minimize future swirls)?
 
I am not sure why you have a Flex 5" backing plate in your list when you are getting the XP. That is not interchangeable.
 
Definitely get more microfiber towels. You will never have enough.
 
I already have clay bar kit, Mother's I believe. As for as car wash, I'm one of those that changes brands just about everytime. As of right now, I'm using Armor all Ultra shine which is ok. I did use some California C-numba wash which worked great and cheap, but haven't seen it around lately. I purchase the blue sponges at Advance Auto and about every 4 washes, I just throw them away. I have a few microfiber sponges, but they didn't seem to work very well. Drying, I use the Absorber.
The Flex 5" backing plate is part of the package I'm getting which is indicted by the [] brackets.
Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424 Swirl-Free Kit
 
I went to the kit, and I see the backing plate that you will be getting in the kit. I understood what you wrote as it being a FLEX backing plate for a Flex 3401 not a backing plate for the 7424XP. I am sorry about that. I just didn't want you to spend money on something that wouldn't work with the machine.
 
DonMTV said:
I went to the kit, and I see the backing plate that you will be getting in the kit. I understood what you wrote as it being a FLEX backing plate for a Flex 3401 not a backing plate for the 7424XP. I am sorry about that. I just didn't want you to spend money on something that wouldn't work with the machine.
Click to expand...

Np, actually you had me double checking as to why the Flex would be on the Porter:) That was a sigh of relief after I checked. Got nervous for a sec:)
 
I recently bought the P/C pad kit, it came with all the 6.5 pads you could need and a couple 5' red padswith a lambswool polisher and some bonnets. it also came with the wrench and counterweight. then I ordered my swirl removers and polishes from AGO
Just for the record these guys have a kit for just about whatever you are lookin to do, they Are truely AWESOME! I would go with a heavier swirl remover also I went with pinnacle XMT Light swirl remover initially, I just ordered Megs 105, and 205
Look over all the kits they have here I am very pleased with my purchases probably would have done smaller pads also, but I will say the bigger pads are good for the boats I detail, good luck happy shopping
 
DOlmsted said:
I recently bought the P/C pad kit, it came with all the 6.5 pads you could need and a couple 5' red padswith a lambswool polisher and some bonnets. it also came with the wrench and counterweight. then I ordered my swirl removers and polishes from AGO
Just for the record these guys have a kit for just about whatever you are lookin to do, they Are truely AWESOME! I would go with a heavier swirl remover also I went with pinnacle XMT Light swirl remover initially, I just ordered Megs 105, and 205
Look over all the kits they have here I am very pleased with my purchases probably would have done smaller pads also, but I will say the bigger pads are good for the boats I detail, good luck happy shopping
Click to expand...
Sorry for all these questions. Would it be better to just purchase the Porter Cable seperately and then purchase other heavier swirl compounds? I just want to buy items I'm goign to use. I'll check on the prices singly and see what it comes down too. So far it seems as though I don't need the 6.5" pads or the swirl removers listed
 
section8 said:
Sorry for all these questions. Would it be better to just purchase the Porter Cable seperately and then purchase other heavier swirl compounds? I just want to buy items I'm goign to use. I'll check on the prices singly and see what it comes down too. So far it seems as though I don't need the 6.5" pads or the swirl removers listed
Click to expand...

This is probably one of the best kits you can get for the money. This compound and polish will work on just about any kind of paint you may encounter. It's got enough pads so you don't have to order anymore if you don't really want to yet.

Meguiars Porter Cable Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polishing Kit, Meguiars polishes, Porter Cable 7424 Mirror Glaze
 
there is a pad kit with 5.5 pads,cleaner and towels.
Dual Action CCS 5.5 Inch Foam Pad KitItem #: BFPK-800-CCSOur Price: $59.99this is in the foam and wool pad section
 
kronos said:
This is probably one of the best kits you can get for the money. This compound and polish will work on just about any kind of paint you may encounter. It's got enough pads so you don't have to order anymore if you don't really want to yet.

Meguiars Porter Cable Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polishing Kit, Meguiars polishes, Porter Cable 7424 Mirror Glaze
Click to expand...
Sweet deal, I didn't even see that package!!! Even cheaper which is a plus. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm probably making the order Monday morning, so will continue to check others out before then, but this might be the best bet for the swirl removal I need.
 
Porter Cable 7424 & Foam Pad Kit - Car Buffer

Maybe this may help its the porter cable 7424 and choose your pads it comes with the wrench and 6.5" pads and the counterweight the 6.5s are nice for bigger vehicles with large areas to work if you do this you can purchase the polishes and swirl removers that you want I think the kits are definately a better value than buying everything separately plus AG usually has something they throw in as a bonus
~Dave
 
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Thanks everyone for their suggestions. I checked around and finally purchased everything I need, but did change the order up a little I ended up getting:
Meguiars Porter Cable Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polishing Kit, Meguiars polishes, Porter Cable 7424 Mirror Glaze
Porter Cable 7424XP Variable Speed Polisher
Porter Cable 7424XP Wrench
Porter Cable 7424XP Counter Weight
Dual Action Flexible 5 Inch Hook & Loop Backing Plate
32 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound
32 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish
3 CCS 5.5 Inch Orange Light Cutting Foam Pads
2 CCS 5.5 Inch Gray Finishing Foam Pads
2 Cobra Microfiber Detailing Cloths, 16 x 16 inches

Lake Country 5.5 CCS 6 pack- 2 whites, 2 grays, orange, green
DP Microfiber Cleaner (BOGO)
Cobra Towel Super 6 pack
P21S Wheel cleaner gel 500ml
DP Polishing pad rejuvenator

I'm excited about trying this out,hoping the weather here will cooperate and get warmer so I can play with my news toys. Thanks again everyone, you've helped me big time.
 
section8 said:
I already have clay bar kit, Mother's I believe. As for as car wash, I'm one of those that changes brands just about everytime. As of right now, I'm using Armor all Ultra shine which is ok. I did use some California C-numba wash which worked great and cheap, but haven't seen it around lately. I purchase the blue sponges at Advance Auto and about every 4 washes, I just throw them away. I have a few microfiber sponges, but they didn't seem to work very well. Drying, I use the Absorber.
The Flex 5" backing plate is part of the package I'm getting which is indicted by the [] brackets.
Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424 Swirl-Free Kit
Click to expand...

You have a great collection of car wash there buddy. By the way why are changing it from time to time? Are you not satisfied about the products? Or do you have some problem with your car wash products?
 
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