Porter-Cable 7424 Polisher

[PSP]

How much? Link?

[donv]

I got the tip on this offer from the recent "clay bar" thread elsewhere on this site. $126.50 delivered, UPS Ground.

[limoncello]

I ordered one same source same price from the clay link - should be in next week. Also looking for any added tips. Noted the comment on 2 handed operation.

[Lux]

Donv,

There are plenty to choose from and each has advantages/disadvantages. Some last longer, some are cheaper, etc. I think if you stick to the brands you mentioned you'll be ok.

Personally, I use Edge2000 pads. They eliminate the velcro backing plate altogether. One issue with the velcro backing plates is that you have to "center" the pad or it'll spin out-of-whack. It's a non-issue with the Edge system. Plus, you get to use both sides of the pad vs. just one side (as well as use the edge of the pad, for mirrors, etc). They cost a little more than the other pads, but since you can use both sides instead of just one, it's actually a little cheaper in usage. That, plus the centering quick-change system makes it a no-brainer to go with Edge. Not a lot use this pad on autopia, but that's because they've already invested in plenty of backing plates.

Swirl marks are hard to diagnose thru words. Take your digital camera and take a picture of the car in direct sunlight (with the sun directly reflecting back in the pic) and one in the garage using the flash (again, with the flash reflecting directly back). This will expose how bad the swirls really are. Post the pics so we get an idea what you're dealing with. This in turn will determine the polish and, more importantly, the type of pad that you're going to need.

One important thing to remember is how fast you move the PC. Around 3" per second is about as fast as you want to go. It'll seem really slow in usage. This isn't the type of polisher that you move quickly back and forth. Technique is everything with the PC.

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[donv]

Thanks for the info and the offer to customize the solution suggestions to my car. As soon as the d*#n pine pollen snowstorm ends I will take some pix to post. (Seriously, it looked like a bright yellow fog here the other day, the yellow powder is coating everything in my neighborhood!).

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by donv

Thanks for the info and the offer to customize the solution suggestions to my car. As soon as the d*#n pine pollen snowstorm ends I will take some pix to post. (Seriously, it looked like a bright yellow fog here the other day, the yellow powder is coating everything in my neighborhood!).

Ah, I remember that yellow crap well from my days as a citizen of Beantown.

Don't miss that aspect of NE at all.

[Perfectlap]

remember to moisten teh pad with quick detailer or water before applying wax or polish.
The 1Z paint polish is very popular with Porsche owners and on the Autopia site.
Use a Sonus white SFX3 pad to remove light swirls. There are more abravise cutting pads for really bad swirling but that doesn't seem like your situaiton.
The key is to move sloooowly at 4 or 5 on the speed dial, generating heat is important to allow the PC to buff out the product without having to remove residue by hand. Let the polisher sit on the paint surface under its own weight no need to push down.

[donv]

Originally Posted by Lux

Swirl marks are hard to diagnose thru words. Take your digital camera and take a picture of the car in direct sunlight (with the sun directly reflecting back in the pic) and one in the garage using the flash (again, with the flash reflecting directly back). This will expose how bad the swirls really are. Post the pics so we get an idea what you're dealing with. This in turn will determine the polish and, more importantly, the type of pad that you're going to need.

OK, had some time to clean and photograph the car today...

This was taken outdoors in sun - today was overcast.

[donv]

Another outdoor shot...

[donv]

Same hood, outdoors, close-up showing light scratch where AutoBahnd was replaced...

[slogans7]

Beautiful! I got a PC a couple of months ago and love it. I either use Klasse All-in-One followed by a couple coats of Klasse SG, or AIO followed by P21S.

So you've got two suns north of Boston? And they say there's nothing wrong with our environment!

[lexuspilot]

I'm not a professional paint man(but I did stay in a holiday inn express last night)

But, It looks like it needed a more aggressive cleaner before you polished it.

Hard to tell from the pictures.