New kid looking to buy a Porter Cable 7424 package!

itzJoker

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Hey guy, I've been looking around recently and found out about the Porter Cable 7424 and thought it was perfect for me since I am a true noobie when it comes to detailing.

I've only detailed my own car once and it was by hand. I was using OTC Meguiar's products. Took quite a while...

Here's how it look after about 8 hours of work:

DSC04081.jpg

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Anyways back on topic lol.
I need a package that comes with everything I need, microfiber cloths, pads, etc, except the polish/wax. I have no clue where to start looking or whats needed. I want the best possible deal since I'm tight on money being that I'm in highschool. I dont wanna get ripped off.

I want to spend around $150ish.
I was looking at this package that came with a bunch of Lake County pads, I'm not sure if they're good or not. But most packages I find come with Lake County, if they aren't good should I just buy the Porter Cable and pads separately?

Also I'm looking for a good polish/wax for a black car. I'm not too concerned about durability or protection, I have lots of time to detail again. I want depth and shine, make it look like a black mirror haha. I was looking at Nattys Blue wax or something, anyone else know something better but not too expensive?
 
Lake Country pads are good. The Natty's Wax's have lots of great reviews, I've never tried them but I will suggest DP Max Wax for a good low cost option. xyxthumbs:
 
First - welcome to Autogeek.

I was in your same place a few months ago (except old enough to be your mom). Here are some of my suggestions. I went overboard, but you don't have to. These are the basics

Cobra Total Microfiber Tool Kit $50
Kit includes:
1 Cobra Supreme Guzzler
1 Cobra Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt
4 Cobra Microfiber Applicator Pads
3 Cobra Indigo Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths

Porter Cable & Foam Pad Kit $199
Kit includes:
Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher
Porter Cable 7424XP Wrench
Porter Cable 7424XP Counter Weight
5 Inch Backing Plate
2 Cobra White Microfiber Polishing Cloth (16 x 16 inches)
12 oz. Pinnacle XMT Polishing Foam Pad Cleaner
12 oz. Pinnacle XMT Polishing Foam Pad Conditioner
5 Lake Country CCS Pads of Your Choice
(Some prefer flat some prefer CCS but ask for 5.5 inch if possible)
(I prefer 2 whites, two oranges, and a grey or blue - others have more experience)

The Microfiber Towel Super Six Pack $29
2- Cobra Supreme 530 Microfiber Towels 16" x 16"
3- Cobra Microfiber Detailing Cloths 16" x 16"
1- Cobra Glass Waffle Weave Cloth 16" x 27"


This is a place to start and you will use everything here. As you do more you can get more stuff. Maybe you can get an extra job for the summer or offer to wash you family and friend's cars (double bucket method of course) to earn some extra money as well.

Unfortunately detailing is expensive initially, but then your costs just become the polishes, waxes, glazes, sealants, and the like. You WILL get addicted so budget and spend carefully. Also...don't buy bulk chemicals at first it is cheaper to figure out what you like first (samples are good for this also).

Anyway best of luck and have fun detailingl...it is quite rewarding to have the best looking car on the block!
 
Wow thanks alot for the suggestions guys/gals.

Jenn that's a little too much out of my range as I need $$ for maintenance on my car also. But I'll look into those!
 
I would stick with polishing by hand until you can save up the cash. You've done a great job and hopefully you won't have to polish again for a while. Most of the folks here say you only need to do a full polish once or twice a year so you are probably good for a while.

Waxing and maintaining isn't that expensive. Some wash and your wax of choice. I would, though, invest in good in good microfibers.

I am new as well and totally went overboard. Quality work can be done on a budget, just have to do more stuff by hand. Fortunately you are young...us old fogies need go with the buffer.
 
Hah thanks Jenn.

Yeah I think I might stick to polishing/waxing by hand. For now.

And the last time I polished my car was last summer. It's been throough some abuse since then. I think I'll go ahead and polish again soon.

I washed, clayed, swirl remover from Meg ( didnt do much ), polish, and wax last time.
Result were definitely noticeable but still were scratches everywhere.

Is it okay to use Meg Ultimate compound on the whole car?

Also this time, I'm gonna look for a higher end polish/wax then OTC Meguiar's.
 
While saving for what you really want is indeed good advice, I will tell you once you have machine polished versus hand polished you will wish you had and will continue to do so. Huge difference in most settings, other than perhaps a professional.
 
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