Need advice.

zliegen said:
I have this one lake country 5 inch backing plate, 5 inch backin plate, 5 inch hook and loop backing plate It's worked well with my Griots. They also carry this backing plate Dual Action 5 Inch HD Backing Plate which would work with the griot's polisher, I'm not sure what the difference is between the two.
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$17 isn't bad. I thought they were around $30. So 5.5" are better for correction, and if you know the first one works, I will get it as long as it fits the Gen II Griot's DA.
 
IOMCAMARO said:
Do Lake Country 6.5" pads work any good with the Griot's DA because if I have to get 5.5" pads, I'll need a new backing plate.
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Don't worry, 6 1/2" pads will work but the 5 1/2 seem to be the pad of choice for this style of polisher. I have both but use only the 6 1/2 gray, blue, and red on my Porter Cable DA Polisher.

The motor of your polisher produces some amount of power. The larger the pad surface area the harder the motor must work. Now, most will say "it's only 1 extra inch", but when it comes to surface area and friction your really talking about an additional 10 square inches. Trust me, this is significant.

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 square inches

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 square inches

There is a direct relationship between the pad surface area and the polishers ability to transfer antiquate power to the pad.

When you see the difference in efficiency when using the 5 1/2 vs 6 1/2 wait until you try a 4" pad and appropriate backing plate! :props:

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

Porter Cable 7424 Backing Plates- Dual Action Hook & Loop backing plate for your porter cable 7424, The best backing plates for the Porter Cable 7424
 
What's the difference between regular and hydrotech pads?
 
IOMCAMARO said:
What's the difference between regular and hydrotech pads?
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Some here use the Hydrotech pads, I've had great success with the ones I've mentioned above.


You'll find a combination or combinations that work well for you. Occasionally you'll stick your toe in the water a little deeper and do some experimenting and may find you like it just as good or better.

Try not to over complicate things before you actually start.

KISS - Keep It Simple S.
 
The pads you recommended are way cheaper too :). I can't wait for Christmas lol. That's what I'm making a list for.
 
The keying is going to be the toughest to deal with, the one that is to the primer you can try to mask it with Dr. Colorchip paint, I did something similar to a nasty key mark. At least it blends in from a distance, and was better than a $500 re-spray. The lighter ones you could probably wet-sand with 3000 and get them to be flat, but read every article on wet-sanding before attempting.

For the scratches, it sounds like they are pretty bad (pictures would help). I would compound it with Menzerna SIP on a hydrotech cyan or a sure-buff, then finish up with Menzerna Nano-Polish on hydrotech tangerine. Seal it up with WGDGPS or Menzerna power lock for long lasting protection, and top it with something carnuba if you want some extra shine. I think Liquid Soveran would look good on the orange.
 
I'm getting a lot of Menzerna opinions. It's looking like thats the way for me to go for polishes. What about wheel cleaner/engine cleaner and brushes? I have a Griot's boars hair brush already.
 
LegacyGT said:
The keying is going to be the toughest to deal with, the one that is to the primer you can try to mask it with Dr. Colorchip paint, I did something similar to a nasty key mark. At least it blends in from a distance, and was better than a $500 re-spray. The lighter ones you could probably wet-sand with 3000 and get them to be flat, but read every article on wet-sanding before attempting.

For the scratches, it sounds like they are pretty bad (pictures would help). I would compound it with Menzerna SIP on a hydrotech cyan or a sure-buff, then finish up with Menzerna Nano-Polish on hydrotech tangerine. Seal it up with WGDGPS or Menzerna power lock for long lasting protection, and top it with something carnuba if you want some extra shine. I think Liquid Soveran would look good on the orange.
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I don't trust myself wet sanding. I think I'll just let those scratches stay there lol.
 
IOMCAMARO said:
I'm getting a lot of Menzerna opinions. It's looking like thats the way for me to go for polishes. What about wheel cleaner/engine cleaner and brushes? I have a Griot's boars hair brush already.
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I use APC+ 4:1 for the entire engine and a boars hair brush. A small daytona speed brush might help out, but probably not necessary. I then applied 303 Aerospace and here's how it looks: (5 year old car with 81K on the odo).
1001494361_zLPZU-L-5.jpg
 
IOMCAMARO said:
I'm getting a lot of Menzerna opinions. It's looking like thats the way for me to go for polishes. What about wheel cleaner/engine cleaner and brushes? I have a Griot's boars hair brush already.
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Menzerna makes some outstanding products and they're my go to lime for paint correction, polishing, sealants, and wax as well. This said, another superb choice is Wolfgang.

Wolfgang offers a nice little combo that performs very well for swirls, take a closer look and see what they have to offer.

Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo, Wolfgang polishes, total swirl remover, finishing glaze, machine glaze

I use Meguiar's Wheel Brightener. Another fine product I've had the opportunity to try, thank you Tad, is Amazing Roll-Off.

Meguiars Wheel Brightener is a professional grade wheel cleaner for factory coated wheels! Meguiars wheel cleaner and brightener makes coated wheels


Spray on Amazing Roll Off and watch the dirt roll off!
 
This is what I'm working against. There are some deeper ones, but I didn't get pics.
 
The pictures show what seems to be easily corrected using a DA polisher. DEverybody on this thread is talking about products when it looks like those defects can bee removed with Meguiar's #80 on a Meguiar's 6.5" (old) 9006 pad on a first generation PC.

I think the problem may be technique. Get this DVD from Meguiar's dealer Auto Detailing Solutions: How to Use The PC DVD
 
IOMCAMARO said:
This is what I'm working against. There are some deeper ones, but I didn't get pics.
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From what I can see, these defects seem well within the corrective limits of the DA polisher you mention.

By reading your first post it sounds like you have a machine and a few pads. This should be sufficient enough to perform a small test. Taking your time not only allows you to perform a thorough task it allows you to learn how it's done.

Wash a section of the hood or some other flat panel. I'm recommending a flat horizontal panel because it's easier to see your progress than with a vertical panel.

Clay this same surface to remove any embedded debris, wax, or contaminates from the surface. Once through, wipe the surface with a clean Microfiber towel allow it to dry and mask off a couple of 2' X 2' squares.

Polish one square. For this test you can purchase some over the counter products like Meguiars Swirl X Swirl Remover. This is an ideal product for anyone whose vehicle is suffering from micro-fine swirls. This is similar to Meguiar's M205 and can be used with a green or white polishing pad.

IPA Wipe the surface to ensure that any oils are removed and this step also allows you to inspect the surface condition. If you find that many of the defects remain then you'll be forced to use a compound like Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. This product cuts as fast as a harsh abrasive compound but without scratching… even on clear coat finishes. Use tis with an orange pad and always follow the manufactures instructions on the back. OH, if this should be the case then repeat the polishing step above.

A quick note. Before ordering a bunch of product you can purchase some over the counter products like Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and Meguiar's Swirl X Swirl Remover.

Sealants. I like to use a sealant as the next step. Today's sealants are synthetic waxes but last twice as long. Wolfgang, Menzerna, Poorboy's, and DP offer some great products.

Waxing is the final step. Choose a quality wax and Autogeek has plenty to choose from. Pinnacle, Collinite, DP, Dodo Juice to name a few will leave the surface looking wet and the orange flake should really stand out.
 
I already have ultimate compound and swirl-x in my arsenal. I have a whole bunch of different OTC stuff. I found alot of it on sale and I've been collecting for a year. My dad and girlfriend keep telling me i have too much stuff. I just say a man can never have enough car care supplies in is arsenal. :)
 
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