Just ordered a PC, few questions

I

Infiniti9169

New member
Hi,



I'm sorta new around here and trying to learn. I just order a PC from Porter Cable 7424 Car Buffer / Polisher at Tools Plus



It is just the basic model and doesnt come with much. My question is, what do i need to hold the pads to it? Is it called a "backing plate" and if so, where can I find one. I heard about a velcro type and is that the best to get? If so, can anyone give me a link to buy one for my model PC?



A fellow member here suggested I get the LC CCS pads from danase.com. It has a 5 inch counterweight, so what is the best pad size? I only want to remove swirling from my freshly painted 2002 maxima, and make it shine. what would anyone suggestion in pad colors/cut etc?



I tried to search for these, but came up with nothing. Thanks for any feedback ya'll can give



-Ryan
 
Maxima9169 said:
Hi,



I'm sorta new around here and trying to learn. I just order a PC from Porter Cable 7424 Car Buffer / Polisher at Tools Plus



It is just the basic model and doesnt come with much. My question is, what do i need to hold the pads to it? Is it called a "backing plate" and if so, where can I find one. I heard about a velcro type and is that the best to get? If so, can anyone give me a link to buy one for my model PC?



A fellow member here suggested I get the LC CCS pads from danase.com. It has a 5 inch counterweight, so what is the best pad size? I only want to remove swirling from my freshly painted 2002 maxima, and make it shine. what would anyone suggestion in pad colors/cut etc?



I tried to search for these, but came up with nothing. Thanks for any feedback ya'll can give



-Ryan
Click to expand...

You can find a Backing plate at almost any detailing site. The largest, and most common, pad size you want to use on the 7424 is 6 1/2". Anything bigger will give more vibration.

LC CCS pads are very good. Rule of thumb when buffing is to use the least aggressive approach, then move up as needed. Use a least aggressive polish, then move to a more aggressive polish. If that doesn't work, move up in pads. Yellow (cutting pad), orange (light cutting), green (heavy polishing), white (polishing), and black (finishing) are the pads you will probably use.
 
I guess my question then is, if I go with the 6.5 pads, what size backing plate do I get and how do these pads "stick" to it? is there a velcro strip? do they screw on? sorry I am just trying to order one and I have no idea what size or type to get, any suggestions or maybe an internet link to the one i need for the 6.5 pads?



would the 6inch here on this link be ideal? Porter Cable 7424 Backing Plates- Dual Action Hook & Loop backing plate for your porter cable 7424, The best backing plates for the Porter Cable 7424



thanks!
 
The PC should come with a wrench to remove the backing plate. Get a 5 inch backing plate which should work fine with the 6.5" pads as well as the smaller 5.5" pads should you want to try those.
 
I wouldn't go bigger than 5" pads.



From all the research I have done 5" and 4" pads are the way to go.. with a 3.5" backing plate you will have gap between the plate/pad so you don't hurt your paint job with the Backing plate.



Add to that, 6.5" pads dont do the amount of correction as easily as the smaller pads.. smaller pads get warmer (less space for heat distribution).



Keep in mind, my words are based on research not application as my pads are still on the way.



Glad you picked up the PC I gave you the link to…



BTW heres my Danase pad order I places yesterday as I suggested



3.5" Hook and Loop Backing Plate (Dual Action Polisher)



Make Your Own 5" CCS Foam Kit



Pad Choice 1: = Yellow (Cutting)

Pad Choice 2: = Orange (Light Cutting)

Pad Choice 3: = White (Polishing)

Pad Choice 4: = White (Polishing)

Pad Choice 5: = Green (Heavy Polishing)

Pad Choice 6: = Black (Finessing)
 
okay, I ordered some SSr1, the 6 pads that you recommended, and the 3.5 backing plate. My last question is, is it easy to install the pad to the backing plate, is there instructions? how does it work, thanks!
 
I'm not trying to hijack this thread but the question seems relevant. I have a 6" backing plate and use 6.5" pads so I use the counterweight for a 6" backing plate. I'm thinking out getting the 3.5" plate with 4" pads to try out. Should I put in the 5" counterweight when I switch or does it really matter?
 
Is the original pad that comes with the PC any good?



Today, I used the PC with the original pad that it came with, I used it with Scratch X, and after I completed a panel, there were some "streaks" left.



I think maybe because I'm moving to fast :hairpull
 
pigbat said:
I'm not trying to hijack this thread but the question seems relevant. I have a 6" backing plate and use 6.5" pads so I use the counterweight for a 6" backing plate. I'm thinking out getting the 3.5" plate with 4" pads to try out. Should I put in the 5" counterweight when I switch or does it really matter?
Click to expand...

Yea I have been wondering this too... Is there a different counter weight we should be using with the 3.5" backing plate and a 4" pad?
 
ben_r_ said:
Yea I have been wondering this too... Is there a different counter weight we should be using with the 3.5" backing plate and a 4" pad?
Click to expand...



Two folks have asked this question, and I followed along hoping for an answer too...anybody?

\

Ok, some more reading and I've answered my own question: there's only two counter weights, a 5" and a 6". Terrific. :up
 
OK folks, I've done multiple searches and read multiple threads, and I still can't find an answer. I just got my new PC and the starter kit included both the 5" and 6" counterweights. Acting on the advice from this board, I also picked up the Edge quick connect system and a handful of the double-sided 4" Cyclo pads. Using the 4" Cyclo pads, do I use the 5" or 6" counterweight, or should I just remove the counterweight altogether?
 
tonysoprano said:
OK folks, I've done multiple searches and read multiple threads, and I still can't find an answer. I just got my new PC and the starter kit included both the 5" and 6" counterweights. Acting on the advice from this board, I also picked up the Edge quick connect system and a handful of the double-sided 4" Cyclo pads. Using the 4" Cyclo pads, do I use the 5" or 6" counterweight, or should I just remove the counterweight altogether?
Click to expand...
You can't remove the counterweight and operate the PC because the counterweight is what holds the spindle/bearing unit in place.



Some like using a 5" weight, some swear by the 6" weight, and some (like myself) don't really notice a difference. If you feel the PC has excessive vibration with the weight you're using then swap it out and see if it makes a difference:



The Dual Action Counterweight 'Controversy' - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online
 
SSR1 has almost zero bite. Also, I PERSONALLY would get only 4" pads. The 5.5" and up work, but not nearly as well, and the 4" pads don't slow down the process. I've done entire cars with 4" pads.
 
Eliot Ness said:
You can't remove the counterweight and operate the PC because the counterweight is what holds the spindle/bearing unit in place.
Click to expand...



Are you saying its not possible, or is it just a bad idea? I think I've run a PC w/ 4" pads and without a counterweight, seemed to reduce vibration by quite a bit.
 
drew.haynes said:
SSR1 has almost zero bite. Also, I PERSONALLY would get only 4" pads. The 5.5" and up work, but not nearly as well, and the 4" pads don't slow down the process. I've done entire cars with 4" pads.
Click to expand...



Can u elaborate on this? I have read that using a smaller diameter pad with a PC gives the PC more power.



Thanks

Frank
 
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