Upgrading PC 7424

[gr8almty1]

I’m a home weekend retailer strictly for myself. I invested in the OG PC 7424xp solely for the purpose multiple claims that any beginner can use it without burning the clear. With that statement in mind, what is the next level up I can trust that will get the job done quicker? I don’t get to detail nearly as much as I’d like and time is so precious for me. Thanks!


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[Rsurfer]

I’m a home weekend retailer strictly for myself. I invested in the OG PC 7424xp solely for the purpose multiple claims that any beginner can use it without burning the clear. With that statement in mind, what is the next level up I can trust that will get the job done quicker? I don’t get to detail nearly as much as I’d like and time is so precious for me. Thanks!


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Griot's GG6 with a lifetime warranty.

 

[MarkD51]

I wouldn't say the next level up is the GG6. I'd say it's a sideways move is all. It's basically the same machine, same size, same basic correction capabilities.

The difference between the two machines isn't going to shave any considerable time. Your going to find the need to do the same necessary section passes, applying polishes, cleaning pads, changing pads, etc etc.

And the basic processes aren't really any different if you go to a Rupes, or even the Flex 3401. Same processes throughout. There's no way around those processes.

Now the Flex 3401 might shave some better time off a correction, as you're getting much more positive results, not fighting-struggling with a free wheeling machine that is prone to rotation stalling.

But then like the Junkman once said, "This bad boy (the Flex 3401) can and will burn through your paint clearcoat if you're not paying attention and are careful.".

There's nothing wrong with the PC7424XP, it does a fine job, is a well built machine. I might even go as far to say that it's an overall better built machine than the GG6. It just doesn't have the lifetime warrantee that the GG6 has.

A good selection of a variety of a few different size Backing Plates, and the accompanying Pads will help versatility, and make the PC better able to work certain areas. (same with the GG6)

Best way to shave considerable time, is the use of good durable protectants, and good washing habits. This can lessen the need of ever needing to pick up a polishing machine for correction purposes for much longer periods of time.

I first bought the PC7424XP, graduating from a monstrous and boat anchor heavy Milwaukee Rotary Polisher. My next machine I didn't wish to go bigger, but in fact the other way, smaller, to be able to better deal with smaller areas, A and B Pillars, Bumpers, License Plate Coves, Mirrors, you get the picture. So, I bought the little baby Griots 3" DA Polisher.

I wasn't so much concerned with time, but felt I'd rather more have on hand the right tools for the right job.

As I said earlier, an assortment of plates-pads for the PC would be more cost friendly, by not spending hundreds more for another DA Machine, such money could be spent on needed chemical products, and other detailing goods.

 

[rangerbay]

I think if you want to move up from a PC you need to get a 15mm or 21mm DA. Lots of folks love their fixed rotation DA's, but I don't have any, as I use a standard rotary and a Flex 3" bad ass little rotary. The little dudes a worker!

My 21 shortens my cutting time, but is limited in usable areas of the project. If you do a project with lots of angles, there is a learning cycle to be able to make long throws work your way, or get out your PC to handle the angles. I use my Griots 6 for that, or my baby GG3, or even the little bad ass 3" Flex.

You do need to pay attention to heat with a long throw. Not so much for damaging paint, but damaging pads. Until I got used to using it, I did hollow out a few pads.

This "thing of ours" is a hoot. You get to buy all the new toys, all the new chemicals, and then try to find a way to justifying their need. Your wife does not need to know. Don't blow our cover story of NEEDING this.

 

[dlc95]

I have a good amount of the newer, "better" toys, and consistently return to my 1st gen 7424.

What size plate are you using? What pads, and polishes?

 

[dlc95]

I wouldn't say the next level up is the GG6. I'd say it's a sideways move is all. It's basically the same machine, same size, same basic correction capabilities.

The difference between the two machines isn't going to shave any considerable time. Your going to find the need to do the same necessary section passes, applying polishes, cleaning pads, changing pads, etc etc.

And the basic processes aren't really any different if you go to a Rupes, or even the Flex 3401. Same processes throughout. There's no way around those processes.

Now the Flex 3401 might shave some better time off a correction, as you're getting much more positive results, not fighting-struggling with a free wheeling machine that is prone to rotation stalling.

But then like the Junkman once said, "This bad boy (the Flex 3401) can and will burn through your paint clearcoat if you're not paying attention and are careful.".

There's nothing wrong with the PC7424XP, it does a fine job, is a well built machine. I might even go as far to say that it's an overall better built machine than the GG6. It just doesn't have the lifetime warrantee that the GG6 has.

A good selection of a variety of a few different size Backing Plates, and the accompanying Pads will help versatility, and make the PC better able to work certain areas. (same with the GG6)

Best way to shave considerable time, is the use of good durable protectants, and good washing habits. This can lessen the need of ever needing to pick up a polishing machine for correction purposes for much longer periods of time.

I first bought the PC7424XP, graduating from a monstrous and boat anchor heavy Milwaukee Rotary Polisher. My next machine I didn't wish to go bigger, but in fact the other way, smaller, to be able to better deal with smaller areas, A and B Pillars, Bumpers, License Plate Coves, Mirrors, you get the picture. So, I bought the little baby Griots 3" DA Polisher.

I wasn't so much concerned with time, but felt I'd rather more have on hand the right tools for the right job.

As I said earlier, an assortment of plates-pads for the PC would be more cost friendly, by not spending hundreds more for another DA Machine, such money could be spent on needed chemical products, and other detailing goods.

Also this.

 

[rlmccarty2000]

I would consider a Rupes 15 a major upgrade. The 15 has more power and will get the job done faster. That said, the PC is a good machine that will make any vehicle shine. If you want more cut try some microfiber pads with Menzerma FG400 on that PC.

 

[MarkD51]

I never have used a Griots GG6 machine, so some of my earlier comments might not appear valid in other's eyes who own this machine.

The Griots is commonly known to have a bit more power than the PC, and the lifetime warrantee does offer good peace of mind. Many here have more than one machine, and if one can afford it, then no problem.

I myself didn't mention it earlier, but I also have a Griots Boss 15.

 

[gr8almty1]

I wouldn't say the next level up is the GG6. I'd say it's a sideways move is all. It's basically the same machine, same size, same basic correction capabilities.

The difference between the two machines isn't going to shave any considerable time. Your going to find the need to do the same necessary section passes, applying polishes, cleaning pads, changing pads, etc etc.

And the basic processes aren't really any different if you go to a Rupes, or even the Flex 3401. Same processes throughout. There's no way around those processes.

Now the Flex 3401 might shave some better time off a correction, as you're getting much more positive results, not fighting-struggling with a free wheeling machine that is prone to rotation stalling.

But then like the Junkman once said, "This bad boy (the Flex 3401) can and will burn through your paint clearcoat if you're not paying attention and are careful.".

There's nothing wrong with the PC7424XP, it does a fine job, is a well built machine. I might even go as far to say that it's an overall better built machine than the GG6. It just doesn't have the lifetime warrantee that the GG6 has.

A good selection of a variety of a few different size Backing Plates, and the accompanying Pads will help versatility, and make the PC better able to work certain areas. (same with the GG6)

Best way to shave considerable time, is the use of good durable protectants, and good washing habits. This can lessen the need of ever needing to pick up a polishing machine for correction purposes for much longer periods of time.

I first bought the PC7424XP, graduating from a monstrous and boat anchor heavy Milwaukee Rotary Polisher. My next machine I didn't wish to go bigger, but in fact the other way, smaller, to be able to better deal with smaller areas, A and B Pillars, Bumpers, License Plate Coves, Mirrors, you get the picture. So, I bought the little baby Griots 3" DA Polisher.

I wasn't so much concerned with time, but felt I'd rather more have on hand the right tools for the right job.

As I said earlier, an assortment of plates-pads for the PC would be more cost friendly, by not spending hundreds more for another DA Machine, such money could be spent on needed chemical products, and other detailing goods.

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Much appreciated.


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[gr8almty1]

I have a good amount of the newer, "better" toys, and consistently return to my 1st gen 7424.

What size plate are you using? What pads, and polishes?

I got all colors of LC foam 5” CCS pads.

I bought Menzerna line up. 1000(never used), 2500, 3000 top finish glaze, power lock sealant. I guess I’m not impressed or not using it right.

I actually used Poor Boy’s line up and liked it more.

It doesn’t help that I have a crew cab truck with a full size bed. A lottttt if paint




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[JTS]

Next step up is a rotary. Educate yourself on the use of a rotary, use common sense, you won't go wrong.

 

[dlc95]

I got all colors of LC foam 5” CCS pads.

I bought Menzerna line up. 1000(never used), 2500, 3000 top finish glaze, power lock sealant. I guess I’m not impressed or not using it right.

I actually used Poor Boy’s line up and liked it more.

It doesn’t help that I have a crew cab truck with a full size bed. A lottttt if paint




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Well, the 5" plate is the right plate for that tool. The 6" on any of the standard 8mm tools "drive" weird. They tend to vibrate a lot.

Yeah, a big truck. I might consider a Flex 3401 for the sole reason that it comfortably spins any type of 6.5" pad to cover more surface area. And that's only if I were going to detail a lot of trucks for money. For my own purposes I'd keep the PC, and maybe some different pads. I do like the CCS, but not a lot of the foams. They recently overhauled the line, and I really like the green and blue foams.

As far as the Menzerna..

From what I understand, the 1000, and 3000 are sort of "old tech". I've never used them though, that's just what I understand. I do really like the 2500, and use it a lot.

No rule that says you can't go back to poorboys. Nothing wrong with that at all. Gotta use what ya like.

 

[Bruno Soares]

I was in that same situation and chose a Boss G15 and put a 3" backing plate on my 7424XP. Those 2 in combination work really well and I avoid the hassle of switching backing plates to detail smaller areas. I didn't feel like a I needed forced rotation since I only do my own cars and they're well taken care of so big correction is not necessary.

 

[Dr Oldz]

Personally I would get a Flex 3401. While the GG6 is definitely more powerful than the PC it is just an upgrade on the same style machine. The 3401 you can work FAST and SAFELY around the vehicle. But keep in mind that polishing is an art form and not a grinding process. So no matter what machine you use, you are going to need to take you time and work properly.

 

[KirkH]

The PC can get about any job done, it's more about technique. However, the PC will beat you to death with vibration and it gets hot and melts pads.

The Flex 3401 and the Makita PO5000C are the two best tools I own.

 

[PaulMys]

The PC can get about any job done, it's more about technique. However, the PC will beat you to death with vibration and it gets hot and melts pads.

The Flex 3401 and the Makita PO5000C are the two best tools I own.

You find the PC to vibrate that bad and overheat?

I've used mine for 7-8 hours straight and have never experienced anything close to this.

 

[spazzz]

It doesn’t help that I have a crew cab truck with a full size bed. A lottttt if paint

I went straight to the Flex 3401 from the 7424.
I wanted the direct drive no stalling machine. It didn't take long to get the hang of it.

I use power tools all day long so I wanted a tool that I didn't have to baby.

LC Force pads and Menzerna 400,3500 and 3800 are my go to products right now.

 

[SWETM]

If you like the free spinning DA and you are haveing a great technique to get the pad spinning. Then I would go with either the Rupes 21mm mkII longthrow polisher or Griots Garage BOSS 21mm longthrow polisher.

If you haveing problems with getting the pad spinning or don't want to hassle with that. A direct driven orbital polisher would be an option to upgrade to. Rupes Mille or Makita po5000c or Flex 3401vrg polishers is what to chose from. And then you have the rotary polisher also. Which now days when you slow down the rotary speed is quite safe to polish with.

If you like the smaller body style like your PC polisher. And feel like you want more power from the polisher. The GG6 is a great choice to go with. But you also have the Rupes Duetto polisher. Which has the same body style and a throw of 12mm.

So think about what you think will suit you. And what you want from the polisher. Then see which polisher you are going to invest in. Or if you are fine with what you have already.

/Tony