Getting ready for first full detail, am I missing anything?

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jeepnxj3

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I have already compiled a decent amount of detailing tools but this last order is strictly geared towards polishing. I have been going back and forth with polishes and I am still not 100% set. My car is a 2008 Acura TL with the notoriously soft black paint. It is in what I would call horrible condition with tons of swirls, RIDS, dealer rotary holograms, waterspots, etc. I have a lot of work on my hands but I am excited to start correcting the eye sores. Here's what I have in my shopping cart:

p21s Total Auto Wash

Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Clear 16 oz.

Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel 8 oz.

Griots Garage ROP

3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate

Lake Country Hyrdo-Tech 4x1.25 Inch Foam Pads 3 Pack
-Cyan
-Cyan
-Tangerine

Foamed Wool 6.5"x1 Thick Polishing/Buffing Pad

Foamed Wool 4x1 Inch Buffing & Polishing Pad

Free Sample (Detailer's Pro Series Xtreme Foam Formula)

Megs #105 32 oz.

Megs #205 32 oz.

Lake Country Flat 6.5" Foam Pads
-Orange (x4)
-White (x4)
-Blue (x2)

I already have all the necessary washing media and shampoos (2BM, grit guards, tons of quality microfibers, sheepskin mitt/lowes proline sponges, ONR, etc.). I have Klasse AIO and Collinite 845 for protection already.

I have switched back and forth between Megs and Menzerna by reading all the different how-tos and threads on anything I can find. Do I need more pads assuming I will do my best to clean on the fly? Better options for a first timer?
 
Sounds like you may be good on pads and compound/polish. You have any pictures of what your cars condition is in?
 
SkateForGirl said:
Sounds like you may be good on pads and compound/polish. You have any pictures of what your cars condition is in?
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I have been busy today so I couldn't get anything in direct sunlight. I just went out to attempt to get anything showing what I am up against but nothing is showing up. I'll try again ASAP to get a better understanding of what I have ahead of me.
 
Just in case you didn't see it the flat pads are on BOGO right now.
 
Just curious about the 6.5" foamed wool... all your other pads are small??
 
S2K said:
Just in case you didn't see it the flat pads are on BOGO right now.
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Yea that started just in time, I am definitely going to take advantage of that.


Bigpat said:
Just curious about the 6.5" foamed wool... all your other pads are small??
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At the bottom of the list you will see I have 8 6.5" LC flat pads as well. 4 orange and 4 white.
 
jeepnxj3 said:
Yea that started just in time, I am definitely going to take advantage of that.




At the bottom of the list you will see I have 8 6.5" LC flat pads as well. 4 orange and 4 white.
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Do you plan to use only your 3.5 in backing plate?
 
I might throw in some polishing pad cleaner if you do not already have some. I have been using the XMT and it is a very good product.
 
Detail_Dude said:
Do you plan to use only your 3.5 in backing plate?
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No. From what i understand, the Griot's machine comes with a 6" backing plate. So 6.5" pads for the most of it and then the 4" pads for the smaller areas.
 
jeepnxj3 said:
No. From what i understand, the Griot's machine comes with a 6" backing plate. So 6.5" pads for the most of it and then the 4" pads for the smaller areas.
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That's correct.
 
WRXINXS said:
I mean after you are done you will need to clean your pad to store for later use. I think you can use APC also, but I like a dedicated pad cleaner like the XMT. XMT also has a polishing pad conditioner that I like. I got the combo pack of the two.
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Oh ok, I gotcha. I was planning on using megs APC+ or dawn to help clean the pads. I'll take a look at the XMT pair though. I may just get them anyway.
 
Could I use the Collinite 845 or Klasse that I already have as a wheel wax/sealant? Will either of them last long enough to bother?
 
Before investing in allot of pads why not bite the bullet and get a 5" backing plate now--recommended by everyone for correction--less expensive pads now and in the future.
 
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