Help newb spend money (wisely)

Z

ZoranC

New member
Hi guys,



I'm about to purchase 7336SP or G100 sometimes in this week or so, and as you can guess I know next to nothing about wonderful world or detailing, whether with or without machine, especially not on your level. Also, as you can have already guessed, I will need to purchase some backing plates and pads.



I've searched forums and sheer amount of information is overwhelming for someone that is just looking to get a good start.



Therefore, could you please help me avoid costly (both money and time wise) initial learning curve by letting me know what are top 3 backing plates in your opinion (starting with best brand/model), top 3 pads in your opinion, and top 3 places to buy them (in your opinion).



Thank you in advance!



With regards,



Zoran
 
let me tell you that if you want to save money, buy the machine at Lowes if you have one. I think the savings when figuring shipping was like $15-20. But of course maybe it's worth the convenience to you...
 
mr.ikon said:
exceldetail.com offers great supplies such as backing plates and pads.
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Grimm said:
let me tell you that if you want to save money, buy the machine at Lowes if you have one.
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Thank you both on your input. Yes, I will be purchasing PC at Lowe's if I don't get G100 as an early birthday gift (wishfull thinking).



I'm aware of ExcelDetail.com (through this site). However, browsing through number of sites looking at dizzing array of products that all seem same yet different to me not knowing what to buy and what not gambling whether time and money will be wasted is exactly what I am trying to avoid by posting this question.



So, any input on what you would consider top 3 backing pad brands/models and top 3 pad brands/models, and in which order?
 
In terms of pads...I think everyone's moving towards the Edge2000 system. I've only heard good things about them, and you get two pads for the price of one, not to mention changing pads is much quicker.



If you get the PC at Lowes...try to find a 10% New Mover's coupon. It makes it even more affordable.
 
CDTGaticaW201 said:
In terms of pads...I think everyone's moving towards the Edge2000 system. I've only heard good things about them, and you get two pads for the price of one, not to mention changing pads is much quicker.
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Would that be because they are best or because they are best compromise?



CDTGaticaW201 said:
If you get the PC at Lowes...try to find a 10% New Mover's coupon. It makes it even more affordable.
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Thank you for the pointer. I already did it :)
 
Er sorry...I didn't mean two pads for the price of one. I should probably change that. But if you look at the system, it has an internal backing plate and doesn't rely on velcro, so you don't have to worry about the pad flying off and it makes it easier to get into areas where you wouldn't want to for risk of the backing plate making contact with the paint and doing some real damage.



Another neat thing I like about the Edge2k system is that you can get each pad customized to where one side is a grey finishing side, and another is a white pad, etc. I was originally going to pick up a few, but went with XMT's Swirl Removal kit since it was cheaper. I'll probably get the system though once I get more serious w/ the PC.
 
CDTGaticaW201 said:
Er sorry...I didn't mean two pads for the price of one...
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Thank you for the clarification. I see where such system would have advantage but at the same time reading Autopia posts on them leaves impression that they are not always considered the best. Any other pads one could consider as top of the class?
 
Yes the edge system would be a great way to start. Especially if youre a bit confused with what to get. Who knows, you might go with the conventional way and might end up trying the edge later on.

But if you want a set of pads and backing plate, I've got 7 pads and pc backing plate if youre interested.
 
From my reading, I don't think you can go wrong with any pad set. I think they all have their pros and cons. Price being the con for the Edge system since they are twice the cost.



I hear you on the dizzying array of products. One suggestion I would make is to search on everything here. If I found something that looked worth trying, whether on an online vendor, or in a store, I would go here and search to find out if it's worth buying. Something that might benefit you would be to search for posts relating to your car(s). Most cars seem to be different in regards to their paint, so some products will work well for your car, while others might not.



Along with Excel, there are other good sites like Autogeek.net, this store site, and Danase that also have good selections of products.
 
When I first discovered this forum, I was also confused as to where to order from since they all seemed so similar. In the end, I purchased the #2 package from ADS along with some extra pads and product. For me, I thought the lifetime warranty was worth the extra little cost. Plus, shipping gets expensive if you order a little here and a little there.
 
Grimm said:
I hear you on the dizzying array of products. One suggestion I would make is to search on everything here.
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I tried, but it wasn't productive. To search you need to know what you are searching for. Word 'pad' is (naturally) in almost every single post. And to search for opinions on pad brands I need to know names of brands and narrow that down to manageable number of names. I knew of Sonus. Now I know of Edge2000. But those are only names I know. I am sure there is more out there.



Grimm said:
Something that might benefit you would be to search for posts relating to your car(s). Most cars seem to be different in regards to their paint, so some products will work well for your car, while others might not.
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That crossed my mind. Then I realized car might not be having original paint on it (I am not the first owner).



Grimm said:
Along with Excel, there are other good sites like Autogeek.net, this store site, and Danase that also have good selections of products.
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I was aware of Autopia, Autogeek, and Top of the Line, I heard about Exel yesterday, and thank you for pointing me to Danase, I was not aware of them. Any other "top of the line" ones (pun intended)?



Thank you again!



Zoran
 
BlackElantraGT said:
In the end, I purchased the #2 package from ADS along with some extra pads and product. For me, I thought the lifetime warranty was worth the extra little cost.
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According to Meguiar's rep lifetime warranty on G100 is not honored by them for G100s that are not purchased directly from them.
 
artikxscout said:
try going to Click and brag to see what other poeple are using.
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Thank you! Didn't cross my mind to do that as I go there to drool over shiny results, but your suggestion makes so much sense. Thank you again!
 
ZoranC said:
According to Meguiar's rep lifetime warranty on G100 is not honored by them for G100s that are not purchased directly from them.
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That's gotta be bunk. If it's true that rachets Meguiars a couple of notches down in my book. If you don't honor your warranty based on the seller, do you really stand behind your product or is it just a marketing ploy?
 
yakky said:
That's gotta be bunk. If it's true that rachets Meguiars a couple of notches down in my book. If you don't honor your warranty based on the seller, do you really stand behind your product or is it just a marketing ploy?
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I don't know about this specific case, but what's mentioned here is definitely true for som things, for example home electronics (audio/video). In many cases, if you don't buy from an authorized retailer, you don't get a mfg. warranty. In some cases, the mfg. says you don't get a warranty, but they still honor warranty claims. I personally know people who've experienced both situations with stereo components.
 
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