Porter Cable 7424XP + what accessories needed to fix terrible paint?

[SamS]

Hi,

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a PC 7424XP. The main reason is to fix my wife's daily driver, a '98 Honda CR-V. It has a beautiful dark green metallic paint, that is in really rough shape due to years of neglect before we got it.

There are several deep scratches and etchings, but I don't see any that go down to the primer. There are burned-in bird poops, water etchings, etc. Basically bad shape.

I will eventually consider using the 7424XP on my M3 (brand new) and my daily driver (doesn't need much), but I want to practice on this beater, first. What do I need in the way of backing plates, pads and compounds to start me out?

Thanks!

[nomoreZ06]

This online retailer has significant amount of detail on what is needed for each step. http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/

There are seveal other online retailers that offer video and similiar tutorials.

The 7424XP is an excellent investment.

Warning: going down this path becomes very addicitive.

[SamS]

Thanks. I did run across that website last night. I think it just may take some experimentation.

[nomoreZ06]

Here is another good thread from Europe with good detail. Should have included it with the first. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=63859

[Templar]

Where are you getting the PC from? I got mine from Chemical Guys and the kit came with the backing plate. I forget the size, but I know it fits the 5.5" pads with no issues.

You want an assortment of pads, since they all do different things. Just take a look at any of the good detailing product sites. They tell you exactly what they do (cut, finish, wax/seal etc). Get a bunch of different ones. I buy them in bulk because I'm not paying for the pad cleaner. That contraption looks good for pro detailers who detail many people's cars, but I can just buy new pads for me (they aren't that bad on the wallet). Plus, I don't actually use them THAT often, maybe twice a year.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by nomoreZ06

Here is another good thread from Europe with good detail. Should have included it with the first. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=63859

Woa! That is a rather overwhelming site. But good info there!

Originally Posted by Templar

Where are you getting the PC from? I got mine from Chemical Guys and the kit came with the backing plate. I forget the size, but I know it fits the 5.5" pads with no issues.

You want an assortment of pads, since they all do different things. Just take a look at any of the good detailing product sites. They tell you exactly what they do (cut, finish, wax/seal etc). Get a bunch of different ones. I buy them in bulk because I'm not paying for the pad cleaner. That contraption looks good for pro detailers who detail many people's cars, but I can just buy new pads for me (they aren't that bad on the wallet). Plus, I don't actually use them THAT often, maybe twice a year.

I was going to order from CG, but ended up with $200 in misc detailing supplies instead. I will still eventually get one, Amazon has them cheap too. I spent about an hour on Autotopia, there is a lot to read over there.

[Envious Eric]

PCXP
surbuf, orange, white, black, blue pads - get 4-5 of each, and just one blue (used for sealant application), and get all in 5.5" with a 5" backing plate
meguiars 105
menzerna SIP, Menzerna super finish
chemical guys ezcream glaze
menzerna powerlock or blackfire wet diamond
mild and aggressive clay bars
ONR for lots of variations on cleaning - interior, wheels, jambs, use as clay lube
chemical guys V7 for added protection after future washings

[SamS]

^^^ Thanks!

Doesn't the 5" backing plate come with it?

[DetailAddict]

unless u ordered a kit from somewhere, it doesn't come with a backing plate. it does come with a white pad that does not have an interchangeable backing plate.

Leo

Originally Posted by SamS

^^^ Thanks!

Doesn't the 5" backing plate come with it?

[Templar]

Originally Posted by DetailAddict

unless u ordered a kit from somewhere, it doesn't come with a backing plate. it does come with a white pad that does not have an interchangeable backing plate.

Leo

Yep! And that white foam pad sucks!

I got my kit from Chemical Guys, came with those hex pads (which are OK) and the backing plate. Also got my scratch and swirl be-gone and creme glaze from them. Was pretty much all I needed for my first shot at detailing!

[ec_E92]

FYI, coastal tool has the XP on sale for $105 with backing plate and counterweight thru the end of the month (after $20 website discount) and free shipping. Pretty sure I've dropped enough hints that my wife has ordered me one for Xmas!

[SamS]

Originally Posted by ec_E92

FYI, coastal tool has the XP on sale for $105 with backing plate and counterweight thru the end of the month (after $20 website discount) and free shipping. Pretty sure I've dropped enough hints that my wife has ordered me one for Xmas!

Nice!