What to get along with my 7424XP?

C

CocheseUGA

New member
I'll be getting one pretty soon to eliminate the swirls and paint chips on my NBP Acura TL.



But I'm not sure what pads to get. I know I want to stick with pads made by the same company so I don't get totally confused. And I think I want flat.



Thoughts? Also, any other combo I should get than M105/205?
 
....do a search on pad choices and you will typically find recommendations that you should stick with =<5.5" dia. Personally, I like the Lake Country pads. ....CCS or flat is a personal choice. Some believe the CCS is just a gimmick. I'm currently using them myself but you can't go wrong with their generic flat pads. As for polish choices, I think you've got it. While I still haven't tried them myself (still using Optimum currently), many agree that they are good, versatile products. I would just make sure to read up on the application of these two so you can pick up on some tips/tricks that will help make your experience a successful one.
 
How do you like the Optimum products? I was rethinking my choice of 105, as it seems a bit severe for my needs.



Thanks.
 
CocheseUGA said:
How do you like the Optimum products? I was rethinking my choice of 105, as it seems a bit severe for my needs.
Click to expand...
CocheseUGA said:
Thanks.
Click to expand...
....I have used the original Opt Polish and recently the newer Opt Polish 2 (OP2) and I really like it. I also purchased Opt Finish but didn't get a chance to try it out. OP2 has the right amount of abrasiveness for my needs and finishes well by itself. I especially like the fact that it doesn't dust like many other polishes, has a long working time and is easy to use. However, I wouldn't compare it to something like M105 (OP2 is more similar to M205). The closest offering from Optimum to M105 I believe would be their Compound 2 or harsher yet, their Hyper Compound. While both are not as aggressive as M105 (as I understand), they still share the same traits as the Polish 2 and Finish (low dust, long working time).



I'm a DIY'er myself so my experience with polishes is limited. ....after initial correction, I simply don’t have to deal with heavy blemishes. With simple changes in pad choice, my Opt Polish 2 provides enough corrective ability to take care of my own vehicles as well as the occasional side job for family/friends (who usually maintain their cars fairly well). .....if I ever find myself in need of a harsher alternative (for problem spots/jobs), I will usually just grab one of my bottles of 3M products from my cabinet (i.e. Perfect-It II Compound, etc.).
 
I've found that a range of 5.5" pads and 4" pads work great to cover 95% of my needs (I prefer flat pads over CCS, but use both).



As for which polishes, "search" is your best friend on that one.



Additonal "good to know" note:

Grab an extension cord that is at least the same gauge as the power cable from the PC. If you use an extension cord of a lesser gauge you'll prematurely wear out the PC motor, not overnight, but in time.
 
Revisiting this, because I jumped on the UDM deal here at Autopia.



I think I've settled on a 5.5" LC CCS assortment, but I'm still taking recommendations on which pads. I had thought about getting two orange, two white, one black and one red, or thereabouts. As a beginner, I don't need a wool pad, do I?



And I'm still looking at polishes. I just don't want to get something and feel like I wasted money. Buying the sample sizes of 105/205 don't seem very cost effective to me, expecially looking at $10 to ship 24oz.



I was looking at a chart listed by craigdt (Abrasives Chart), and right now I have DG105 and PoliSeal. Could I get some Hyper Compound or Compound II and finish with PS? Step up to something like 105 if I find it's not correcting enough?



If someone could answer that question, I think I can finally place an order and go to town next weekend.
 
Try Meguiars Ultimate Compound with the 7424XP on an Orange pad... should do wonders!



This is what I'm going to use!
 
Well, I bit on some Compound II to try out at first. Figure I can always step up to something more aggressive if it's dictated.



So I've now got:

7424XP

2 Orange, 2 white, 1 grey, 1 red LC CCS 5.5" pads

OPT Compound II and Poliseal



I'm going to try that combo first, and see where it gets me. My in-laws might let me test on their vehicle first, although I do have some scratches that I could try on the CR-V.
 
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