Waiting for Spring

[PappyD]

New old guy here. Have three sons that want to begin detailing. The oldest (21) has some experience with his own car, but has just used off the shelf products that can be improved on. Also, they want to start using a buffer like the PC or Griot.

This is where I come in...looking at starter kits...let these guys practice on our family daily drivers, etc. Plus, I have an interest as well and have been lurking on the site.

Are the starter kits w buffer a good way to go? Stay away from harbor freight buffers good advice? Im stating the obvious but do like the info and friendliness of this site...budget is about $200 or so for the "next step" in detailing for me.

 

[Scott DeBrun]

It depends on whether you're looking for a rotary (high speed) buffer or a DA (dual action). The DA is the best way to start out because of the lower revolutions and it's almost impossible to burn paint with it. As far a pricing all I can say is shop around and price out each item individually and the price the package deals and see what works best for your budget. I would recommend the 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads because the smaller pads correct quicker and are easier to control.

 

[BobbyG]

Pappy, ...........:welcome: To Autogeek Online!

This is from another thread but everything applies here.

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips

Basic detailing steps are:

• Wash
• Clay
• Polish or Paint Correction
• Seal
• Wax

If you're serious about making your vehicles look pristine then I suggest you invest in a kit that contains a dual action polisher.

I would avoid Harbor Freight as they're not known to carry quality machines. If you wanted to try one as a backup or as a second machine then OK, but at least have one quality machine to rely on.

Kit Page

Car Care Kits, Car Care Cleaning Kits, Complete Detailing Kits

Decent kit

Pinnacle Twins & Meguiars G110v2 Dual Action Polisher Kit FREE BONUS

Much better kit

If I were in the market for a kit this would be the one I'd choose.

Menzerna Porter Cable XP Maximum Shine Kit FREE BONUS

One Step Product

Menzerna Sealing Wax

Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60, Menzerna apo 60, Menzerna wax

Sealants

Menzerna Power Lock Paint Sealant

Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant

Wax

Collinite 845

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax

 

[dad07]

First of all :welcomeappy!

Second,if you can up your budget a little more you can put together your own kit with pc,pads,and backing plates( thats 5 and 3 1/2) and megs 105/205 combo.I did for a little over $300.

I'm sure some of the other guys will chime in with some good info and good luck!

 

[Kristopher1129]

New old guy here. Have three sons that want to begin detailing. The oldest (21) has some experience with his own car, but has just used off the shelf products that can be improved on. Also, they want to start using a buffer like the PC or Griot.

This is where I come in...looking at starter kits...let these guys practice on our family daily drivers, etc. Plus, I have an interest as well and have been lurking on the site.

Are the starter kits w buffer a good way to go? Stay away from harbor freight buffers good advice? Im stating the obvious but do like the info and friendliness of this site...budget is about $200 or so for the "next step" in detailing for me.

I think you'd be safe with any of the Porter Cable kits. I actually recently bought the PC Meguiars kit. Even though I prefer the Makita rotary...I found uses for the PC as well. Plus, it comes with MG105 and 205. Great stuff.

And oh yeah, Welcome! lol :dblthumb2:

 

[PappyD]

Wow, thanks for all the info! One thing that keeps coming up is the size of the backing plate and pads. I keep seeing 5" plates with 5 1/2" pads, yet the kits all seem to have the larger pads included. Just a noob observation.

I'm seeing some $$ in the future. But I have learned to buy good equipment first for anything I do so I will stay away from the harbor freight stuff.

Looks like I have more reading to do. Just looked at the free shipping offer too!

Pappy

 

[Scott DeBrun]

Try contacting AG by phone they may be able to send you the 5.5" pads instead of the bigger ones in the kits.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

[Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:


There's a lot of exciting things coming up here at Autogeek...

DetailFest is coming up in March 26th and 27th, bigger than ever with more going on than ever.

Official Detail Fest 2010 Information Thread




What's in the Garage? starts airing April on Sunday, April 3rd at 11:30 am, and will repeat on Monday, April 4th at 4:30 pm nationwide on Fox Sports Network National (FSN)

WhatsInTheGarageTV.com



Detailing 101 and 102 Classes in April - Live Broadcast - Dates To Be Announced

Live Broadcast - Note the JimmyJib in the background be manned by Yancy

Do you want to attend a Detailing Class?

Do you want to learn the art of polishing paint to remove swirls, scratches, water spots and even orange peel?

Then send me an e-mail...

If you want to be notified when the next Detailing 101 and 102 classes are scheduled, then please send me an e-mail, (not a Private Message), with the subject

Class Request

to [email protected]

 

[PappyD]

With all this great advice....how can I resist! Order coming your way!

 

[VISITOR]

having at least one DA is a must IMO, and stay away from the kits if you do not plan on using everything in it. picking and choosing ALL the items you want and will use is the best way...