7424 on the Way - Questions

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cincyjack

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Well I got the bug after detailing my new car (clayed, opti-sealed, collinite 845'ed). So I ordered a PC 7424, some pads and Meguiars 205.

My first project is my wife's jag. I think it's a 2004 and has never been detailed. Lives outside some time. So I'm thinking clay, then the 205 with LC white pads, then the 845 with LC blue pads. Not gonna seal it, as she is going to sell it. I ordered some black pads, too.
First question: Sound reasonable? I want to be neither too aggressive (first project) nor too conservative (paint is prob pretty dirty).

Second question: For my 2011, assuming I give it a polishing twice a year, is the Meg's 205 "safe?" Again I'd reckon white or black pads for polishing. I guess I'm wondering what the effect of polishing is on the life of the clear coat. I assume that something like 205 and a white pad has a negligible effect.

Thanks.
 
The 205 and white is a great combo but it really depends on what kind of finish you are after. Totally swirl free? Test spot, test spot, test spot. You really won't know how the combo will perform until you test different product/pad combos. An LC orange may be called for, etc. Clay for sure.

As for polishing more than once a year...alot of variables. If you really take care to wash the car properly, minimizing micro marring, you may be able to get by with a less aggressive product and get the job done. It all comes down to the maintenance care during the year. Have you invested in an electric leaf blower yet?
 
I'm a big fan of the 5" backing plate and 5.5" LC flat pads with a PC7434xp.
Try the M205 via KBM (least aggressive method first). If you find it doesn't correct...

This is what I found works for me...do this in areas no larger than 24"x24"...

Megs2.jpg


To remove swirls and fine scratches (Paint correction)
M105 / 5.5" Orange LC flat pad / Speed 5-6 / 15 lbs pressure / 1 sec per inch arm speed

To add gloss (very minimal paint correction)
M205 / 5.5" White LC flat pad / Speed 4-5 / 10-12 lbs pressure / 2 sec per inch arm speed

To add more gloss (kicks the gloss level up a notch)
Menz PO85 / 5.5" black LC flat pad / Speed 3-4 / 10-12 lbs pressure / 2 sec per inch arm speed

OR

Megs3.jpg


To remove swirls and fine scratches (Paint correction)
Megs 5.5" DA MF cutting disk / D300

To add gloss (very minimal paint correction)
Megs Ultimate Polish 5.5" black LC flat pad / Speed 3-4 / 10-12 lbs pressure / 2 sec per inch arm speed

To add more gloss (kicks the gloss level up a notch)
Menz PO85 / 5.5" black LC flat pad / Speed 3-4 / 10-12 lbs pressure / 2 sec per inch arm speed

I've obtained excellent results with my PC...it's a workhorse. :pc7424:
50-50Hood.jpg


TruckHood11.jpg
 
cincyjack said:
Well I got the bug after detailing my new car (clayed, opti-sealed, collinite 845'ed). So I ordered a PC 7424, some pads and Meguiars 205.
Click to expand...

You always get better results faster when working by machine on clear coats...

And it's not that hard... it helps to have someone with experience show you a few basics to get you going but there's videos and articles on this forum plus a brand new how-to book too...


First Timers!
In the pictures below, this was the first time Tommy and Nicole had ever machine polished...


1970 1/2 Camaro - Show Car Finish by Pinnacle - Modeled by Amy


1970Camaro004.jpg



Now it's time for some hands-on training for Nicole who picked up machine polishing like she'd been doing it all her life...

1970Camaro005.jpg



Polishing like a Pro!
1970Camaro006.jpg



1970Camaro007.jpg



Father and daughter tackling the roof...
1970Camaro008.jpg



cincyjack said:
Second question: For my 2011, assuming I give it a polishing twice a year, is the Meg's 205 "safe?"
Click to expand...

Yes.


cincyjack said:
Again I'd reckon white or black pads for polishing. I guess I'm wondering what the effect of polishing is on the life of the clear coat. I assume that something like 205 and a white pad has a negligible effect.
Click to expand...

When it comes to your concerns about removing too much paint...

It would be the least of my worries...


Most important, after you get the finish to where you want it...

How to maintain a freshly waxed car




:)
 
Hey cincyjack, do you live in Cincinnati? If so PM me! I live in NKY
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
...

And it's not that hard... it helps to have someone with experience show you a few basics to get you going but there's videos and articles on this forum plus a brand new how-to book too...


:)
Click to expand...

Thanks, Mike. I watched most of the videos, so I'm feeling pretty comfortable. Fantastic resource. As someone in the training business, I appreciate the time and thought you have put into it.

Given your comments, 205 and white pads may be too conservative for the jag but I'll give it a shot. I have not yet examined the paint in detail. If it's really grody, maybe I'll get more aggro with it.
 
It's always best to hook up with someone that has experience with a PC to show you how it works and feels.

Remember:
Wash, Clay, Wash before polishing.
If this is an initial job then something like Dawn (original blue) will strip off the existing wax and/or "most" sealants.

BTW - Don't do any follow up vehicle washing with Dawn. Only the initial wax/sealant stripping to start your process.
 
Did the jag. The 7424 was easy to use.

The car definitely required 205 and prob an orange pad; paint correction was the order of the day but I wasn't going there. Spent 4.5 hrs. as it was.

I thoroughly washed the car and could only then see the true extent of the damage. Next I clayed. Toasted that clay fer sure. There was so much crud I figured if I went straight to polishing, the pads would be filthy in short order, so I rubbed/buffed out some Meg's paint cleaner. Then I wiped down with detailer and fired up the 7424 with the 105, wiped again and used the blue pad for the Collinite.

It was a good first time. I know now firsthand what "paint correction" entails and white pads with 105 does not cut it.:laughing: Man, that car was a mess. Still is but less so. Cruddy paint that's real shiny. Lot's of imperfections did come out but the etching and cracking needs mo' abrasion.

Her next car will not suffer from "paint abandonment" like this one. We're recently married, so this vehicle went about 7 years with no meaningful protection. :cry:
 
I removed the handle and replaced it with a screw from Ace Hardware. You MUST use a screw!
Now I can cup my hand over the black top cover. This gives better control and pressure feel.
pc-buffer-screw.jpg

Make a line on your backing plate with a magic marker. (see above)
With "heavy pressure" this line should make 1-2 rotations per second.
With "medium pressure" this line should rotate 2-4 times per second.
I've had excellent results with the PC using the Kevin Brown Method.
 
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cincyjack said:
The car definitely required 205 and prob an orange pad; paint correction was the order of the day but I wasn't going there. Spent 4.5 hrs. as it was.
Click to expand...

Lpc7424.gif
4.5 hours...that's all! (GRIN)
pc7424.gif


I can easily spend 15-20 hours on ONE car.
But hey, that's a great start!
Keep up the good work.
We need pics
photo.gif


Are you enjoying the "results" you are obtaining with the PC?
 
Aquestion or two about DAs and pads..... The 7424 has a 5" backing plate-----when would you use 5.5" pads and when would you use 6.5" pads?
There are different Porter Cable packages on autogeek.net---one includes 5.5 pads and one includes 6.5 pads. Which one and why?
 
littleblackcar said:
Aquestion or two about DAs and pads..... The 7424 has a 5" backing plate-----when would you use 5.5" pads and when would you use 6.5" pads?
There are different Porter Cable packages on autogeek.net---one includes 5.5 pads and one includes 6.5 pads. Which one and why?
Click to expand...

There is really no good time to use a 6.5" pad on the Porter Cable. It just can't handle it. I do not even know why everyone sells kits with the PCXP and 6.5" pads. Get a nice 5.5" kit and you will be happy.
 
I have tried quite a few different size pads and backing plates with the PC. I prefer the 5" backing plate with the 5.5" LC flat pads.

Why? Better control of the machine, easier to keep the pad flat on the paint surface and the combo works very well with the KBM.
 
This is the kind of information I need! Thanks!

Now----must-have pads for light duty?
 
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