Newbie from S. Michigan

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Petee

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Hi all, glad to have found this site as I now realize how much help I am in need of. I have always loved cars and cared for them myself but realize now that I have never really done it right.

I am not a professional but just enjoy the results of a well keep car. I am now more motivated than ever since I have bought a new toy, so now I need the right tools and technique to do it right, and am hoping I can find what is needed here.

I just wanted to introduce myself here but I believe I need to start a new post elsewhere for help?

Can't wait for this snow to melt!
 
Welcome to the forum from a fellow newbie from Michigan. We'll both learn a lot from everyone. Where in Michigan are you from? I'm from Southgate.
 
Thanks Dhat and Cabrio!

Dhat, I am from Commerce Township.
 
Welcome to AGO! What's the new toy? We like pictures!
 
Not sure if this should be posted here or in the 101 forum but as I search around I see I need to ask questions either way so here I go.

I have a 2016 Camaro 2SS that went from the plant to the dealer show room to my heated garage. The paint appears to be in very good shape other that a few dealer installed marks from them cleaning. The color is Nightfall Gray Metallic with gloss Black Rally Stripes and blacked out wheels. I would really like to start off on the right foot and could almost use a "starter package" so to speak as I want to start off on the right foot with this vehicle. I also have a Chevy Silverado in silver that is my everyday driver that will need some TLC at some point too. There are others in the family too and I would love to get my son into detailing as well so it can be something we can do together. I am not on a tight budget but certainly would like to avoid spending foolishly if possible. Look forward to any and all help!
 
Others may chime in but here are some of the items I just got

Porter Cable 7424xp with Dual Action 5 Inch Flexible Backing Plate with $30.00 of Microfiber towels I got in a kit
Foam Pad Conditioning Brush
6 / 5.5 Inch Lake Country CCS Pads 3 orange 3 white
1 Orange Light Cutting Flat 5.5 inch Foam Pad
1 White Polishing Flat 5.5 inch Foam Pad
1 Blue Finessing Flat 5.5 inch Foam Pad
2 Microfiber Detailing Towels, 16 x 16 inches
BLACKFIRE Poly Clay & Lubricant Combo
2 / 5 gallon wash buckets with Grit Guards
Chemical Guys CWS10116 Maxi-Suds II Super Suds Car Wash Shampoo
Gilmour 95QGFMR Foamaster II Cleaning Sprayer
Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer
16 oz. Wolfgang Pad Werks Polishing Pad Cleaner
10 / 16" x 16" Eagle Edgeless Orange Professional Korean 70/30 Super Plush 480gsm Microfiber Detailing Towels

Also before I started using AutoGeek I searched on Utube for Junkman 2000. He has some good tips on detailing.

Now if it will just quit snowing
 
Thanks for the info, I will research these items, I assume they can all be purchased on AG?

I hear ya on the snow, hasn't been a bad winter all in all but I am ready for it to end.
 
Awesome idea to get your son into detailing and it would be a great father-son bonding experience and yes, all these products are available on AG. My daughter has zero interest in detailing but occasionally tells me that I need to spend more TLC on our DD.

Dhat's set up is definitely a good one and as you start your research, perhaps start with the polisher. End of the day you can't go wrong with any of them. For me, I'm not a professional so I don't work the DA polisher every day. So, for example, when I used to break out my flex and finish a two step polish on my large SUV...I stood back, admired the glean but my arms were beat. With polishes/compounds - for years I didn't mind the dusting that some of the products produce, now...I prefer low dusting products with diminishing abrasives.

A buddy of mine has a 2010 2SS/RS and he uses a PC. I recently gave him my Flex 3401 to add to his options.
 
Is the clay treatment needed on such a new car? Thanks for the suggestions on the polishers as well. I like the price of th PC but wondered if I should just invest once and get the Flex or something along those lines, the AG site really seems to have a preference for the flex?
 
I think the answer is - it depends. Do the baggie test and you will know if you need it.

The Flex is a beast that gets the job done...there are a lot of great features to this machine. Over time, for me, I grew tired of "fighting it". It has a tendency of wanting to run on you. I heard one forum member say to another, if you are used to a rotary, then you will be comfortable with the Flex. I've never used a rotary so I can't comment on that.
 
Thanks Cabrio, I will do the Baggie test, also for the input on the flex.
 
Welcome.

Once you start going thru AG site, you will find it is hazardous to your wallet.
Buy quality not quantity. The reviews will help.
 
Thanks Mike, that is my fear and I do appreciate quality as I'm getting to the age where I may only do this one time and find it frustrating to have faulty equipment.
 
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, you guys really make a person feel at home here!
 
Welcome Pete.

If your new to polishing get the porter cable, or griots garage 6 inch.

The griots garage 6 inch does have more power tho. But both machines are excellent to learn on.
 
Thanks NextLevelDtail, would you use 5" pads then on both of those units, as it seems most are when I am reading?
 
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