Newbie To Detailing - Need Products!

MemphisGrizz

MemphisGrizz

New member
Joined
May 16, 2014
Messages
72
Reaction score
0
History: I own a 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser and the color of the vehicle is "Brick". It's a maroonish color. I recently purchased a cheap Harbor Freight 7" polisher to to begin learning how to proper care for my vehicle: Here is the link to which polisher I purchase. 7 in. Variable Speed Polisher/Sander

I know there is a lot of information on this website with products and such but I want to make sure I am purchasing the products I am in need of.

Description of my vehicle and what I plan to accomplish:
- Color: Brick
- Remove mild/medium swirls (previous owner used drive-thru car washes)
- Give it a good polish as well as a good wax.

So my question is, what pads will I need for this 7" polisher and what ALL products should I look into. Keep in mind I am a newbie, and I am in the learning process. I don't want to be a cheap ass but I am trying to save a little bit of cash as well.

Sorry if I am missing more information you guys need. If I am missing information, please ask me and I will answer!

Here is a photograph of the color of my paint.
 
I am going to HIGHLY recommend the 6" DA instead of a rotary polisher.
6 in. Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher

You will have a much better time with it and if you are new to this whole thing, your paint will thank you too! I'm a bit unfamiliar with the DA, but have heard it's decent for the money. It does need an adapter plate for it i think....someone else here can get you in the right direction for that.

Good Luck, and Enjoy!
 
Yeah the harbor freight rotary polishers tend to bog down a lot which can mess up the fluid motion that is ideal when using a rotary. Like firehouse mike says, get the dual action model they have there. I own two. With a few tweaks, they are good units.. though they aren't as well constructed as the porter cable and griots DAs

With a dual action polisher, not much technique is required from the start to get a decent finish. A rotary is the opposite. You need a lot of practice before you can be satisfied with the results, and by then you're paint may be painted with holograms and buffer trails - especially with the underpowered HF rotary

My advice.. Return it and get the da (under $60 w/ 20% off coupon)
Buy a 5" backing plate ($15)
Buy meguiars microfiber cutting disks ($20)
Buy a few foam pads for wax (1x) and polishing (3x) ($25)
Buy meguiars ultimate compound, polish, and liquid wax ($50)
Buy a fine grade nanoskin speedy prep sponge ($15)
 
Omg! run don't walk to return that polisher. I'm no expert but actually have that same tool. I use it strictly for cleaning pads now. You could do some serious damage fooling around with a rotary for the 1st time. Especially with a coarse low quality unit like that. These guys have got u covered with their replies, take the good advise, and get a DA. Good luck.
 
Ahhh! Thanks fellas. You've been a lot of help and I will take your advice and return it. Or hell, I may just keep this and go buy the DA. I got this rotary for literally $20.00 from HB so I'm not worried about it.

Again, much appreciated!
 
If you don't mind putting a $150 deposit down I can loan you a brand new HD Griots 6" polisher for a week or so. Or you could get the Harbor Freight DA for around $50 with the coupon

I can throw in a few Meguiars Microfiber Pads, Meguiars 105 Compound and Meguiars 205 Polish to go along with it

What part of town are you in?
 
Flash Gordon said:
If you don't mind putting a $150 deposit down I can loan you a brand new HD Griots 6" polisher for a week or so. Or you could get the Harbor Freight DA for around $50 with the coupon



I can throw in a few Meguiars Microfiber Pads, Meguiars 105 Compound and Meguiars 205 Polish to go along with it



What part of town are you in?
Click to expand...


Hey man that would be awesome! I live in Cordova just a few miles from the Wolfchase Mall. Where are you located?
 
thebamboo23 said:
do you have a budget for the supplies needed?
Click to expand...


To be honest, I'm still learning the prices of products. Money is not an issue, but then again I want "quality" products that will teach me how to learn. What do you think is a good budget for all the products and pass I need?
 
MemphisGrizz said:
Hey man that would be awesome! I live in Cordova just a few miles from the Wolfchase Mall. Where are you located?
Click to expand...

I'm in Mid-Town. Drop me an address (PM) and I'll get it to you in a day or two.

What shop is that where the pic was taken. The paint on the wall looks familiar (lol)

MemphisGrizz said:
To be honest, I'm still learning the prices of products. Money is not an issue, but then again I want "quality" products that will teach me how to learn. What do you think is a good budget for all the products and pass I need?
Click to expand...

If $ is not an issue, then make that a $200 deposit and a $40 a day rental fee






j/k dude
 
^lmao

do you want equipment/products for exterior only? Or inter and exterior? etc..
 
Flash Gordon said:
I'm in Mid-Town. Drop me an address (PM) and I'll get it to you in a day or two.

What shop is that where the pic was taken. The paint on the wall looks familiar (lol)



If $ is not an issue, then make that a $200 deposit and a $40 a day rental fee






j/k dude
Click to expand...


Hahaha! I'm Cordova so it's not too far. I'll shoot you a message when I get home. That shop is in Bartlett at Goodyear
 
Oh and I need to order products first so maybe next week would be better! Unless I can find some products around here. Do you recommend a place for me to go buy pads and products to detail?
 
MemphisGrizz said:
Hahaha! I'm Cordova so it's not too far. I'll shoot you a message when I get home. That shop is in Bartlett at Goodyear
Click to expand...

Bartlett?!? Man, you live dangerous!

Leave your phone # and we'll figure something out

MemphisGrizz said:
Oh and I need to order products first so maybe next week would be better! Unless I can find some products around here. Do you recommend a place for me to go buy pads and products to detail?
Click to expand...

I have all the pads & polish you'll need. Only thing you will need is claybar & wax. You can get those @ Wal-Mart/Autozone unless you have a boutique brand you'd like to try. Either way is good with me
 
thebamboo23 said:
do you have a budget for the supplies needed?
Click to expand...

I honestly don't know what my budget is. But like I said I am trying to save a little cash (college student) but I don't want to buy cheap ass products either! What is a good budget?
 
Flash Gordon said:
Bartlett?!? Man, you live dangerous!

Leave your phone # and we'll figure something out



I have all the pads & polish you'll need. Only thing you will need is claybar & wax. You can get those @ Wal-Mart/Autozone unless you have a boutique brand you'd like to try. Either way is good with me
Click to expand...

Heck no! I don't live in Bartlett area, that town smells like complete POOP! I will PM you my number. Feel free to text me!
 
Is this the correct order?

- Wash vehicle
thoroughly

- Clay bar

- use DA with orange cutter pads to remove swirl.

Use DA with blue polishing pad to polish.

Use DA with black polishing pad to pm

- Us DA with black finishing pad.

*** what is the best tire and wheel cleaner? **
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top