Another Newbie Question - Sorry

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Caddy1959

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Hello everyone,

Since I purchased my black 2016 Cadillac XTS last year (very low miles), I have noticed that since winter is over in the Midwest (fingers crossed), it is time to detail my car like you professionals!! So I started reading many, and I mean many forums and threads regarding machine or hand polish to so many variations of compounds, polishers and pads to do a professional job. What is the most recommended machine for a modest $200 budget and for a newbie? I know, many would say Flex or Meguiars, but after reading many reviews on both, they seem to have their pros and cons.

I have detailed my own cars by hand for many, many years, and I must say I do quite well, but seeing the newer polishers out there (yes, I know they have been out for many years, but mostly for pros), I want to try my luck at one of these machines and see if I can do the same as you professionals. So, what is a budget for newbies on all things needed to the job right? $400, $500 or??? i have noticed swirl marks on the trunk lid and I can't seem to remove them by hand, hence the reason for a polisher.

Thank you all for your feedback and suggestions. I know there is a lot for newbies to learn when it comes to machine or by hand.

Caddy1959
 
Well, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Griot's G9 polisher for $160, which i think is a great start if you're looking for a new machine.

I can certainly appreciate hand polishing, especially if you have the time. I used to do that when I was a teenager, but I also knew zero about what I was doing. Save the hand polishing for tricky angles and hard-to-reach places. A good DA polisher might change your life!
 
Get a Griots G9, it’s kind of become the standard and is great for a beginner. Or a professional. 180 bucks or so…

And don’t let the forums confuse you, just watch the detailing how to videos above. Wash the car , polish the car, seal the car ...that’s about it. You can get fancy with coatings and other products later.
 
Another vote for the Griot's G9. Even though I don't own one so my recommendation is purely from research, I think it's the best deal going right now.

I recommended the G9 to a friend of mine in Ohio and he loves it.

I do own two Griot's polishers, a GR3 and a G8, so I can vouch for Griot's quality in a general sense.

If I were in the market for a 5/6 inch random orbital, it would be the G9.
 
Thank you everyone for the fast and honest responses. I will look into Griots products; I have heard of them, but never used them, I have always been a Maquiars fan and one of my best favorite products was always Liquid Glass.
 
Welcome to the forum! You're in a good place for knowledgeable answers!

+1 for the G9, I'd also recommend the Griot's BOSS creams for correction. Make sure to have enough pads on hand.

Choosing a Last Step Product is the hardest part!

One other recommendation I would make is to take a solid couple of weeks reading/researching/asking questions on here before diving in and buying a bunch of products. It's easy to impulse buy a bunch of stuff only to find out you have very little actual use for it. (Not that I have any products on my shelf that I haven't even made it to using yet... oh wait... :laughing: )

Where in the Mid West are you?
 
I also have several GG polishers as well as the Flex and Rupes machines. Can't go wrong with the G9 as a starter polisher.
 
I'd go with a G9 also. try the boss creams also I'd look to see if they have a kit with G9, Boss creams, pads, cheaper than buying all separate. Second oneheadlight on enough pads.
 
Hello Mike,

I used to own a "barn find" 1959 Cadillac Flat Top, Beige. All it needed was TLC and a week later it looked almost showroom new. Looking for one now, but a big price difference from 30 years ago when I found mine.
 
Thank you again everyone. Looks like I am going with the G9 as recommended. I see Griots website has various kits available. I will start there and yes, pick up enough pads. So I want to start with orange pad for the deep swirl marks on the trunk lid? And, what is all the talk about making sure you buy a back plate and extra power cord?
 
A lot of people go with the vented 5" backing plate to use smaller pads which is helpful on cars with more curves. Smaller pads will be slightly cheaper. They sell a 25' power cord. I haven't bought that.

Griots matches the color of the pad to the compound/polish so orange pads with the correcting cream and white pads with the fast correcting cream, which would be more aggressive.
 
It's great to see all the G9 recommendations. I was going to go that route as well. I really want a kit except most of them include extra 6.5" pads and I want to swap down to the 5" setup.
 
Do you think in the future you will start doing this on the side for extra cash? If so keep in mind time equals money.

I started doing vehicles other than I own. Now I wish I would have went with gear driven. If you have the extra money to splurge upfront I would.
 
I was just watching Dallas Paint Correction video on YT explaining about 5" pads vs 6" pads. I am on major brain overload, Lol. Scott has a lot of videos and a lot of detail knowledge. So now if I buy the G9, I have to purchase a 5' backing plate, at least 10 orange pads, 10 white pads, 10 microfiber pads, etc........
 
opie said:
Do you think in the future you will start doing this on the side for extra cash? If so keep in mind time equals money.

I started doing vehicles other than I own. Now I wish I would have went with gear driven. If you have the extra money to splurge upfront I would.
Click to expand...

Well, now, that's an interesting question. I am feeling daunted maintaining my own four cars. While it might be nice to help out a family member of friend one day, I don't ever see doing this for cash. This is strictly a therapeutic exercise and is me compensating for the fact I can barely work on the cars, so to spend quality time with them cleaning is my bonding activity.
 
Caddy1959 said:
I was just watching Dallas Paint Correction video on YT explaining about 5" pads vs 6" pads. I am on major brain overload, Lol. Scott has a lot of videos and a lot of detail knowledge. So now if I buy the G9, I have to purchase a 5' backing plate, at least 10 orange pads, 10 white pads, 10 microfiber pads, etc........
Click to expand...

I am in the same boat as you! I introduced myself yesterday, have been studying and reading, and I am on major overload as well. Every time I feel like I am narrowing in on a course of action, some new piece of info comes my way (which is great in a way). So far I am appreciating this thread and will keep following it for sure.
 
Caddy1959 said:
So now if I buy the G9, I have to purchase a 5' backing plate, at least 10 orange pads, 10 white pads, 10 microfiber pads, etc........
Click to expand...

You can break up the car and do a bit at a time. Do correcting one night, wash your pads, continue in the morning, etc. And if you're buying a lot of pads, you could save some money going with something like this:
Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads

Stack that with an Autogeek sale and it'll be much cheaper than buying Griot's pads.
 
Caddy1959 said:
Hello Mike,

I used to own a "barn find" 1959 Cadillac Flat Top, Beige. All it needed was TLC and a week later it looked almost showroom new.
Click to expand...

I've owned 5 1959 Cadillacs, loved them all. One was a 53,000 mile pristine Flattop.

b51500ab97da360918f29e4bf0fc16a4.jpg


The 1956 Tbird next to the Caddy belongs to my friend Brian and he still has it.

3e17ce7c015ba8bca8ebccdb1c1ba34c.jpg




My first was also a 4-door Flattop, I cut the top off but did it in a way I could re-attach it for winter driving. Here it is ready to pull my boat.

1959_Caddy_4_door_001.jpg



I stuffed a 468 Big Block Chevy in this one,

43204a844b63f401facb6b4e45bc2245.jpg






Caddy1959 said:
Looking for one now, but a big price difference from 30 years ago when I found mine.
Click to expand...


I get you... prices are to the moon on just about anything old and cool. I monitor a number of websites for classic Caddys, Hemmings, Autotrader, eBay as well as these two sites,

Classic Cars for Sale - Streetside Classics - The Nation's #1 Consignment Dealer

Worldwide Vintage Autos




Check out this site,

Dream Cars 1959



:)
 
Olfac87, ok was just a thought. Maybe for you in the future your LSP shoukd be a coating...sounds like you coukd benifit from it in the long run....maintenence washes are so much easier
 
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