Just bought a PC 7428, a couple quick questions

[turbovation]

Hello Autopia! I started a small headlight restoration business to make some extra money and I just purchased a PC 7428 rotary buffer. I got it brand new for $100 which, for a PC I think is a decent price. Anyways my questions are as follows:



1. Does anybody make a 4" backing plate for this unit?



2. Which pads should I use for rubbing compound followed by polishing compound?



Go easy on me, I'm still a novice. Furthermore I did a search before I posted this thread and came up empty handed so if there is vast information on here regarding this topic I apologize! Newby.



Thanks,



DK

 

[LS1-MEX]

i say yellow or orange lake country pad for compounding and a black pad for polishing.....look on autogeek.net for a backing plate

 

[turbovation]

Awesome. Thank you for the prompt response!

 

[Mike_Phillips]

1. Does anybody make a 4" backing plate for this unit?

I've just posted an article about 4" pads in the Autogeek Sponsored Forum with lots of pictures and a safety warning.



http://www.autopia.org/forum/autogeek-net/127512-using-4-spot-repair-kit-remove-paint-defects.html

 

[turbovation]

Thanks for the detailed information on your thread Mike. I will make sure I take it slowly and really learn the limits of the machine.



Now to figure out which rubbing and polishing compound to use! Off to the search function.

 

[craigdt]

Ive used 105/205 to great success on my headlights.



PlastX also works well. Dont forget to get some 2000, 2500 and 3000 grit sandpaper for those headlights that are really bad.

 

[turbovation]

Thank you for your help everyone.



I purchased two polishes, both Menzerna-- the PO 83 and the PO 106 -- Super intensive polish and the nano polish. I have four 4" pads on the way-- two low-profile orange and two finishing whites. I also have the ~3" flexible backing plate for the Rotary coming and 12 sheets of Unigrit: 4 x 1000, 4 x 1500 and 4 x 2500.



In an article I read, 60% minwax urethane mixed with 40% mineral spirits makes a great headlight sealant, so that will be my final purchase.



Because of the learning curve and trial & error, including all my wasted purchases: pads for my crappy makita random orbital buffer, nu shine wax, turtlewax rubbing and polishing compounds and a few different kinds of sand paper, most of which I won't end up using after I get my "official supplies", I have accumulated a total initial investment of about $330.



I will be satisfied if I make a return on my investment. If I do one car a month it won't take too long!



I guess once I get my formulas and technique down marketing will be my next hurdle. Maybe that business degree I spent so long earning will come in handy!