I have always had a passion for cleaning, whether it was a home or an auto and have always taken pride in doing so.

With that said I have finally bought a car that I am able to detail. The paint isn't oxidized and I figured now is a great time to purchase some beginner level detail products. I have been browsing a website and have printed out pages of info. Now, I would like to get some input/feedback from you guys.

I have found this PC 7424 - http://autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424-kit.html

Being a beginner I hear these are perfect. My car has light swirl marks and I would like to know if this "kit" would possibly being a good foundation to start with?

I was also hoping that I could get a recommendation on a vacuum that works well for auto detailing as well? I have seen some "detailing" vacuums that range around $200, but are they really needed or will a home or shop vac do just fine with added accessories?

Any insight is welcome. Thanks in advance.

Justin

 

i just use a shop vac. Look into m105/m205 combo from meguiars. also you will want an orange or the purple foam wool pad to get rid of your swirls, the white is more of a second step pad

 

I will look into that, thanks. I figured I would need more pads definitely.

The shop vac with attachments seemed like the most reasonable choice for the price. I mean, they all suck

 

ditto on the shop vac...itll last you forever

i am a sucker for menzerna polishes, but have nothing bad to say about megs 105/205 combo, i personally like the way menzerna nano finishes rather than megs 205, but thats me.

as for the porter cable, might as well get the xp or whatever the newer version is.

lake country ccs pads are great as well. with 105, ive been able to tackle everything that i have come across with just a white foam pad, never have had to use a wool foam pad, but they are good to have for deep deep swirls/hard water spots

 

What I found most helpful when I began detailing was the easy to use polishes. Check out the Poorboys SSR line, the only downside is they dust like a mother.

Like a lot of people said the Porter Cable is virtually idiot proof and a fantastic product for learning how to polish. The Lake Country pads have always worked well for me. And you can never go wrong with Meguiars pads. Burgandy and Yellow are pretty much all you need.

Like others said a good shop-vac is all you need. I have the Rigid 5hp and home depot has a whole bunch of different attachments.

Also something that hasn't been said is a set of high power halogen work lights. These are quite helpful for showing the finish of the paint and will bring out the correctable imperfections that are viewable in sunlight but not necessarily under typical garage lighting.

Good luck

 

First of all, thank you all very much for your input. I will definitely write all of this info down in my notes and take it ALL into consideration when I purchase my PC 7424XP towards the end of the week. I think I am going to pay the extra $30 or so and get the HD model, which I believe gives you an extra 10ft or so of cord.

So my purchase list is...

PC 7424XP (HD model)
Rigid Shop Vac w/ every attachment needed for auto-detail
Pads - Still reading
Product - Still reading

I guess my last question would be for the interior portion of the detail. For the carpet and seats, can you guys recommend any products? I have leather seats to take in consideration and I also had a Bissell Little Green Machine. I wish I have the $670 for a 200 degree pro-extractor, but I’m just not there yet lol.

 

You don't need an extractor. All you really need is a bucket, some oxy-clean, stiff bristle brushes and a bit of elbow grease. Use the oxy-clean or whatever carpet treatment you want by cupping your hand and pouring it onto the fabric. Brush it with the bristle brush in all directions then use the shop vac to extract as much of the liquid as possible.
Kind of a do-it-yourself budget extractor.

If you haven't come across it yet, try taking a look at autopia.org which is the honda-tech of detailing.

 

Looks like a trip to Home Depot is in order for a Rigid with some extra attachments.

Thanks for all of your help guys. I'm going to register on Autopia and see what items I will need to do a full detail and start practicing.

Thanks again,

Justin

 

wow, glad you made this thread. This is a huge help, as i've been wanting to take detailing to another level, as opposed to doing it all by hand.

 

Not only am I glad I made this thread I am also glad that helpful people with positive information came in to lend their support. Too many threads get flamed when people have legit questions.

The step that is left is to make a laundry list of items and product to buy and swipe my card lol

 

Another suggestion is to purchase your pads/chemicals in the smallest amount or quantity possible until you find what works good for you. Everyone has different preferences.

 

I was actually going to do that lol. I wanted to buy a different chemicals from a few manufacturers that were all comparable to see which yielded the best end product and which of them I liked the best. It may cost a little bit more, but at least I will have a chance to see what works well and which I prefer.

Thanks for the advice

 

sears has shop vacs on the cheap too there good thats what i use when i take my husky for a ride in the hatch

 

Yeah, I just need to see what is priced right and who has the most accessories and best warranty. I imagine dog hair is PITA

 

i recently bought a used si, it took me forever to clean out most of the dog hair in it. And it's everywhere, even in the trunk.

 

Boost, I just remembered you and I were in the 92-00 Civic forum a couple years back lol

 

hahah yes sir, occasionally i'll see your screen name and it jogs my memory. Probably like 2-3 years ago.

 

omg u have no idea if your vacs good its not the worst but if its shitty your in for some work that lil shop vac works good for it so idk iv had it for at least 3 years stilll banging

 

ps the ol lady works there so 10% off

 

Here's my beginner list for you~
-2 buckets with grit gaurds, and any soap that you like to use
-Wash mitt and various brushes
-PC7424XP
-Pads (get 3 of each) orange, white, black, blue and red
-Clay bar
-Some quick detailer or ONR
-isopropyl alcohol in a squirt bottle
-m105/m205
-Any type of sealant (bfwd is what I recommend, easy to use, great outcomes)
-Carpet cleaner spray, brush attachments for PC
-Microfibers
-Interior cleaner
-Glass cleaner w/ glass wand!
-1Z gummi for seals and black trim

 

Thank you very much. The only thing I didn't have on my list was the 1Z Gummi and the type of pads to get. I really appreciate the feedback guys. I'll finish up my list and maybe you guys can help eliminate what works best for the $$$$

 

I forgot to ask a couple of things...

1. What is the Iso alcohol used for?
2. Does it matter if I get 5.5 or 6.5 pads?
3. Do I need a counterweight?
4. Who has the best prices online? Detailedimage.com, Autogeek.net or?

Thanks!!

 

iso alcohol used for wipe downs between polishing/buffing steps to remove any fillers/residue left behind

with a portercable, get the 5.5 pads

the counterweight is included with the portercable

autogeek usually has the best prices and sign up for the email notifications and you will be spending money every friday when you recieve their emails about their awesome sales

 

Awesome! Thanks! I'll be sure to sign up and Start pricing my list of stuff to buy. I have a feeling it's going to be around $500+ lol

 

Look at autogeek and detailed image.. autogeek has more selection, but I found detailedimage has the stuff I'm looking for. sign up for both.. and they both gice u discounts!!