What Pads for these products?

H

hook

New member
Ok, I'm planning the PC purchase, and have scoped out the multitude of options. Pretty much have it narrowed down to either the Pinnacle package ($170 shipped after DC discount w/ backing plate, 2 orange, 3 white, 2 grey pads) or Coastal Tools ($109) + pads from somewhere. Or maybe the Pinnacle kit with just backing plate, 2 orange and 2 grey pads for $144...

Here's where I need help: what and how many pads do I reasonably need? I figured you guys can give me some ideas if I tell you what products and what I'll be using the PC for most of the time. So here's a list of products I like/use/have and think that could be enhanced with the use of a PC. What Pads would matchup well with these?

Scratch/imperfection/swirl removal:
- Perfect-It II Fine Cut rubbing Compound
- 3M SMR for dark cars (rarely use anymore)
- Pinnacle Swirl Mark Remover
- Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Mark Remover (don't use this now, doesn't work well without a PC)

Final polish/LSP
- Klasses AIO ((will probably continue using it by hand, but might experiment)
- 4Star UPP
- Pinnacle Souvereign Paste (will probably continue using it by hand)

So, how many/what type of pads? Will the Pinnacle package cover my needs? I should also say I like trying new products, the ones I've listed are just the ones that have stayed in my cabinet and are used regularly.

Also, any alternative purchase strategies are appreciated....

thanks!
Andrew
 
Hmmm...

Both are more than I want to spend (I'm kinda cheap) ;)

I did look at all the site sponsors first - really would prefer to order from Dwayne...but I don't want to buy new product right now, as what I have/use has been identified through experience and works well on my car. Once I've played with it and the PC, then I'll start to experiment again.

Also, Autogeek has the same package I'm looking at on Pinnacle's site, but not the free shipping, which saves me $20. Maybe I'll call and see if they'll waive the shipping and match the Pinnacle site price...

So...back to the question: which pads match up to those products, or should I get the package that has the orange, white, and grey in it and go from there?

thanks!
Andrew
 
What pad you use isn't really determined by product so much as by what you're trying to accomplish. My suggestion would be to just order LC pads from autogeek:

- 2 finishing pads for applying LSPs
- 2 polishing pads
- 1 orange cutting pad
- 1 yellow cutting pad (only if you really need it)
 
Hook - not trying to disuade you, just making sure you got as much info as possible...

Pinnacle has free shipping if you order from their site, and they have a number of attractive Pinnacle Kits.
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/

Edited: I see you already know this. :-/
 
The Pinnacle Kit looks good if you have those products already:
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/portercablekit.html

The ones heffergm mentioned can be bought in that kit with the PC for the $170 or whatever. This is what I'd recommend for you to do when you buy that kit:

Wash
Clay
Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Mark Remover -Light cut Orange (for swirled vehicles)
Pinnacle Swirl Mark Remover- Polishing Pad White
AIO- Polishing Pad (white) or Finishing pad (gray)
UPP- Finishing Pad Gray
Souveran by hand.

That should do it ... hopefully. You really can't have too many pads (as with MF towels) because the more you have, the less you have to wash them if you are doing a lot of vehicles.
 
budman3 said:
The Pinnacle Kit looks good if you have those products already:
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/portercablekit.html

The ones heffergm mentioned can be bought in that kit with the PC for the $170 or whatever. This is what I'd recommend for you to do when you buy that kit:

Wash
Clay
Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Mark Remover -Light cut Orange (for swirled vehicles)
Pinnacle Swirl Mark Remover- Polishing Pad White
AIO- Polishing Pad (white) or Finishing pad (gray)
UPP- Finishing Pad Gray
Souveran by hand.

That should do it ... hopefully. You really can't have too many pads (as with MF towels) because the more you have, the less you have to wash them if you are doing a lot of vehicles.
Click to expand...

I do have those products, plus several I didn't list since I don't use them much. I was pretty heavy into detailing my cars a couple years ago, and bought lots of stuff from Dwayne and, before he sold his site, Tim (since he lives here in town, it was just too tempting to visit and pick up new stuff).

The kit you linked is the one I'm looking at the closest...or maybe the cheaper one with just the 2 orange and 2 grey pads. But I think it's worth $20 more to get three more pads (white). The "can't have too many pads" makes sense. Here's what it's got for $170 (using DC coupon code), delivered:
Porter Cable 7424
5 Inch Backing Plate
1-6.5 Inch Orange Light Cutting Pad
1-5.5 Low Profile Orange Light Cutting Pad (bonus)
2-6.5 Inch White Polishing Pads
3-6.5 Inch Gray Finishing Pad
4 Cobra Microfiber Towels (2 in kit, 2 bonus)
1 packet of Snappy Clean

While I'd rather order from a sponsor like AG or DC, AG has the kit but not the free shipping or bonus towels, and I can't find any DAs on the DC site.

Looks like that might be the one....

And thanks for the process - both cars are celan and have been clayed...just decided that this year I was tired of removing the minor marring and spiderwebs by hand and want to finally get a PC to play with....

Keep the feedback coming, I won't order for a while (at least until after lunch - ha!)

A.
 
hook said:
While I'd rather order from a sponsor like AG or DC, AG has the kit but not the free shipping or bonus towels, and I can't find any DAs on the DC site.
Click to expand...

Pinnacle wax is part of Autogeek... so technically it is still a sponsor... BTW I think that kit will do you good.
 
Ordered! Now I'm wondering why I waited so long - it's going to be a nice weekend, and the cars are both prepped to the point of being ready to be polished. Oh well, maybe I'll focus on the interiors....

thanks for all the feedback, will try and take/post some before/after pics.

blue skies,
Andrew
 
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