Confused? Need you Guru's to help me

maxepr1

maxepr1

New member
I have been reading this site for about the last month, just joined I think it's great I'm learning alot but I thought I kind of new what I going to buy but after reading site for the last month I'm now not sure? I guess I'll start with what I got . I would like to start with my rides 03 GMC Sierra 1500 White and 06 Honda Accord Metallic Gray which was totally repainted a year and half ago. Both have just minor RIDS the White truck is really clean I'm anal as my wife says it looks like an 08! The gray car (hers) has minor RIDS and lots chips on the hood and bumper and some very light scratch's I think just in the clear. My question is what buffer do I buy? I almost pulled the trigger on a PC but after finding the site it seems like I'm going to be diappointed and end up buying a Flex 3401 later? Also LSP of polyomers vrs wax's ? All the steps in between there are so many product out there I'm not sure where to go? Do I need 2 different types of products 1 for the white truck and another for the Dark gray Metallic? I'm confused? I've been told I am a perfectionist and I need help! So my theropist told me to hang around normal people, they'll rub off! So I found the best medicine THIS SITE! lol We all suffer from he same sickness PERFECTION and I'm not ashamed of it. Thanks for platform to babble hope you guys can steer me in the right direction!
 
maxepr1 said:
.. My question is what buffer do I buy? I almost pulled the trigger on a PC but after finding the site it seems like I'm going to be diappointed and end up buying a Flex 3401 later?
Click to expand...



I'd just get the Flex 3401 now. Doing the GMC via PC would be quite an undertaking.

Also LSP of polyomers vrs wax's ? All the steps in between there are so many product out there I'm not sure where to go?
Click to expand...



Some waxes (e.g., Collinite) are at least as durable/etc. as polymer sealants. You can keep this stuff very simple and still get great results: polish out the marring (RIDS/swirls/etc.) and then wax it.

Do I need 2 different types of products 1 for the white truck and another for the Dark gray Metallic? I'm confused?
Click to expand...



What each vehicle will need depends on how hard their paint is (the repainted Honda is a wildcard as you just never know with repaints). The GMC will need two polishes, an aggressive one and a milder follow-up.



I'd go with Meguiar's M105 followed by their M205. Then I'd apply some Collinite wax (or the infinitely less durable, but very user-friendly Meguiar's NXT v2.0).
 
Thanks Accumulator, can I buy smaller backing plate for say headlight polishing and tighter areas for the flex??
 
maxepr1 said:
Thanks Accumulator, can I buy smaller backing plate for say headlight polishing and tighter areas for the flex??
Click to expand...



Unfortunately, no. That's one of the (few) downsides to that machine.



But note that IME you seldom really *need* smaller pads in an absolute sense. You can use the outer portion/edge of a larger pad for some stuff and mask areas not-to-be-worked in other cases. No, it's not optimal, but overall I don't think it's enough of a downside to tilt the balance over in favor of a PC if you're only gonna buy one machine. But hey, that's just IMO and different people have different preferences.



The few times I've tried to correct GM clear via PC (on a rent-a-Suburban and my '04 DenaliXL), it was pretty frustrating to say the least. While it *will* do the job with 4" pads, I just don't consider the PC the best tool for the job in most cases even though the ability to use small pads *is* a nice, handy feature.



My only concerns with the Flex 3401 (and with recommending them) is that there seems to be a bit of a failure rate :think: I dunno if people are abusing them, or if they released a bad batch, or what, but they do seem to die more often than a lot of other machines. Still, I stand by my recommendation and just suggest that you buy one *new* from a reputable vendor (i.e., not buy one used off fleabay).
 
I'm with Accumulator
I'd go with Meguiar's M105 followed by their M205. Then I'd apply some Collinite wax (or the infinitely less durable, but very user-friendly Meguiar's NXT v2.0).
Click to expand...



You can't go wrong with the m105/205 combo.I previously was using M84, and I loved the look, but it was just way more work to finish down than the m105 imo. I just did my DD Metallic Gray Honda Civic that was marred and swirl ridden and the 105 alone made it look LSP ready, but I always still go to the m205 to polish down and bring out the luster.. I then top it off with Megs Yellow Brazilian Carnauba. I achieved this all via Dewalt rotary, but get great results with my Cyclo too. I want to look into Collinite because I hear you can get it at some local stores, but I forgot which ones. Good luck.
 
Accumulator has always given solid advice!



If you do get the M105/M205 get the sample sizes from ADS (autodetailingsolutions.net). cheaper to get samples incase you dont like the products.



Check into menzerna products also :) I just wish menzerna offered sample sizes....
 
Accumulator is definitely a Guru, pay close attention to what he says haha.



And with that regard, yes it's a lot more of an initial investment, but the Flex is so worth the extra cash over the PC. I'm one of those, got a PC, but wishes he splurged for the Flex guys haha.
 
bullitt21 said:
I'm with Accumulator



You can't go wrong with the m105/205 combo.I previously was using M84, and I loved the look, but it was just way more work to finish down than the m105 imo. I just did my DD Metallic Gray Honda Civic that was marred and swirl ridden and the 105 alone made it look LSP ready, but I always still go to the m205 to polish down and bring out the luster.. I then top it off with Megs Yellow Brazilian Carnauba. I achieved this all via Dewalt rotary, but get great results with my Cyclo too. I want to look into Collinite because I hear you can get it at some local stores, but I forgot which ones. Good luck.
Click to expand...



Bullitt, went to harbor freight today they have Collinite for $6 not sure how big a bottle, they were out? That's cheap to try it out. I think you have HF in Houston? If not let me know I can get?
 
Thanks for the info on the Collinite, we have a Harbor Freight a mile from where I live.Ill check it out tomorrow before I take care of a client. As for how I apply my LSP, I personally like applying it via Cyclo with white pads because I end up using less product, but I also hand wax,especially when a client demands it. I would write more on this subject, but typing on the blackberry is giving me headaches.
 
maxepr1 said:
Bullitt, went to harbor freight today they have Collinite for $6 not sure how big a bottle, they were out? That's cheap to try it out. I think you have HF in Houston? If not let me know I can get?
Click to expand...



Collinite is available from many of the big online vendors (e.g., Aloha & Welcome to Our Oasis for All Your Auto Detailing, Auto Detailing Supplies, Auto Detailing Equipment, Auto Detailing Products, & Auto Detailing Accessories for all your Automobile Detailing ) and directly from Collinite (Collinite Wax Products  :: Choice of the Pros :: Auto, Marine and Industrial ).



I'm guesing you're interested in the liquid 845 Insulator Wax, right?



Whatever size the bottle is (pretty sure it's 16 oz. but sorry, don't feel like running out to the shop through the snow to check it) it's worth whatever you pay for it. Unless you spill it or apply it goofy-thick it oughta last for years.



845 works fine by hand or machine and has never stained trim IME (I *use* it on black plastic trim quite often).
 
Went to Harbor Freight today and all I could find was Megs( Scratch X & OTC Cleaner). They did have alot of cheap brushes, MF pads, etc. , but that was it.

I'll just order my Collinite over the internet. Thanks Accumulator.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top