Detailing / Buffer Questions

[hamann318is]

I'm looking into getting some serious detailing tools, and I was wondering where I should start. I understand the differences between a R/O buffer and a linear buffer, but what does everyone recommend for the newbie? I have some Meguiar's polishes (#2 and #9); are there any polishes people can recommend?

I'd like to learn the art of cutting and polishing the car my self and how to buffer the paint to a nice shine. The price of the tools isn't limited, but the cheapier is better!

[RCWells]

Have you looked into a Porter Cable orbital buffer?

[hamann318is]

Have you looked into a Porter Cable orbital buffer?

This is what I was looking at, but I want to hear opinions on having random orbit versus linear.

[Schniddy]

If you dont want to fuck your paint up get the orbital. I bought mine last summer and Loved it. bought a couple pads and saved alota time.

[RCWells]

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/pr7424.htm?L+coastest+bkxt0527ff666f66+1078968328

I have no experience with a "linear" buffer, but from what I understand, unless you have skills them, you can seriously damage your finish. I can say that the Porter Cables I have worked with have been easy to use and created great results without danger of damage to the finish.

P21S products are arguably the best available. Personal experience says so anyway. ;)

[hamann318is]

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...f66+1078968328

I have no experience with a "linear" buffer, but from what I understand, unless you have skills them, you can seriously damage your finish. I can say that the Porter Cables I have worked with have been easy to use and created great results without danger of damage to the finish.

P21S products are arguably the best available. Personal experience says so anyway. ;)

That is the buffer I was looking at. What are P21S products?

[Schniddy]

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-pc7424.html

You'll also need to get a velcro plate to fit the different pads

http://www.properautocare.com/velbacplatfo.html

[RCWells]

P21S can be had online many places. Search around for the best prices, but here's a link to one:

http://www.autogeek.net/p21s.html

You don't need the whole kit. The cleansing lotion(polish) and the concours wax are what you want to get.

You may also look at the S100 products there. I am told they are exactly the same as the P21S at a fraction of the cost. Maybe they figure motorcycles guys wouldn't spend the same amount of money to polish and wax their bikes as guys would spend on their cars.

I have not tried it, but may do so in the future.

[hamann318is]

Thanks for the great information! I'm pretty much decided on that PC 7424 buffer. Luckily, I have a friend with a battered to hell car that he'll let me practice on. I've got some Meguair's stuff that I'm going to finish off, but I'll look at the P21S stuff after that's all gone (and before I detail the E30 ;)).

[RCWells]

The PC is easy to use. Just keep it moving is all. No big deal really. Main thing is keeping it on the paint when you turn it on and off. If you don't, you will sling polish everywhere. Other than that, it's a breeze to use.

You will love the P21S/S100 products. They apply and remove so easily and the results are amazing. When used with the PC, you are gonna be blown away.

[hamann318is]

Can anyone reconmend some decent pads?

[RCWells]

Either of the sites mentioned above should carry pads for the job. Depending on what you want to accomplish as to which pad. There should be a description as to which pad is for which purpose.

BTW, I ordered some S100 products yesterday for mine. They should be here next week. I am gonna polish over at Alecs' house (he has the P21S products), so I will put the S100 side-by-side with the P21S and see if there is a difference.

[hamann318is]

Either of the sites mentioned above should carry pads for the job. Depending on what you want to accomplish as to which pad. There should be a description as to which pad is for which purpose.

BTW, I ordered some S100 products yesterday for mine. They should be here next week. I am gonna polish over at Alecs' house (he has the P21S products), so I will put the S100 side-by-side with the P21S and see if there is a difference.

Thanks, I'm going to use Meguire's on my sister's car (badly maintained) and see what results I can get.

[hamann318is]

Either of the sites mentioned above should carry pads for the job. Depending on what you want to accomplish as to which pad. There should be a description as to which pad is for which purpose.

BTW, I ordered some S100 products yesterday for mine. They should be here next week. I am gonna polish over at Alecs' house (he has the P21S products), so I will put the S100 side-by-side with the P21S and see if there is a difference.

The names for the S100 products are different. Which ones did you use on your recent polish (I was stunned on how awesome that car looks)?

[RCWells]

Shine enhancing cleanser and the paste wax. That is all I know to tell you. Go here:

http://www.autogeek.net/s1cycapr.html