i know alot of people have asked this but what online site has the best pc kit? i would like everything in it to remove scratches and swirls with pads under $200. can anyone send me a link or something to order what you suggest?

 

If price is a concern then a kit that includes the PC is not the way to go. I've calculated it every which way and it's cheaper to buy the PC at Lowe's and then buy your pads and polishes on-line.

 

2nd to that...
lowes is a good place to get the pc and i would not go for a pad kit- for swirls & light scratches you only need a coupla pads.
best way to learn is to watch someone else do it, then try it yourself. next best is to have a coach help you do it and the third best is to just do it (as many of us did!).
after you learn the process, you understand the pads...

 

price isn't that much of a concern i was dont want it to be like $500 dollars or anything
what pads
what polishes
do you suggest

 

Complete kit...

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1..._1004&SKU=11119

notice the difference in the PC. It has a fan mounted over the backing plate to further ensure minimize heat build up. The handle is removeable and a full ranged rheostat allows greater speed control.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1..._1004&SKU=11119

 

[QUOTE=kctheflish,Nov 13 2006, 09:05 AM] Complete kit...

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1..._1004&SKU=11119

notice the difference in the PC.

 

I happen to have both in my shop. My old PC is a ten year old version that's been around fro awhile. It's now used for the wood shop. Griot

 

it is all opinion...
i would go with the pc from lowes and pads either as mikeyc indicates:

http://www.autogeek.net/theedgebuffing.html

or

i like lake country:

http://properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html

you prob need a pad with light cutting action for the polish and if you want to do your wax/synthetic with the machine you also need a pad with no cutting action. i also like to use a microfiber bonnet over lambswool for product removal... lots of guys just use microfiber towels for this.

since you have a dark car, i like the 3m swirl remover/glaze:

http://properautocare.com/3mperswirmar.html
(promise that i dont make any money on this... but it is my car in their ad!)

in the pic above, i used zaino after the swirl removal and then p21s over that... you could go with just the p21s if you dont want to spend the time with the zaino- a swirl removal, zaino and p21s is easily an entire day for your first time. leave out the zaino and you can skip a coupla hours or more- if you skip the zaino, put on two coats of the p21s- let the first cure at least a few hours (or use a diff synthetic- my fav would be finish first with the p21s over it). i usually do the interior or engine bay while the car is curing.

 

[QUOTE=kctheflish,Nov 13 2006, 11:33 AM] I happen to have both in my shop. My old PC is a ten year old version that's been around fro awhile. It's now used for the wood shop. Griot

 

True, if I need to use different sized pads then I have to use my wood shop version for sure. I've never found a need to use different size pads so it never really mattered to me. The fan is a nice addition but I'm not sure if any of us use that much applied pressure when polishing to generate much heat. I use about 10-12 pounds of pressure when polishing and the pads stays nice and cool.

I'll check to see if there a placard on the Griot's version that indicates who makes it. If it's a knock-off it a damn good cause I can't tell the difference by looking.

I think the kit price is pretty good, I only wish they would let you choose from either best of show or there carnauba paste. For me the paste seems to be superior in terms of durability. Shine wise, they both look to be about the same.

Here's a wax question for you though...don't know if you've ever tried this.

Griot's details a process that, they say provides and incredible layer of clarity and durablity by laying down a very thin layer of wax (with PC) and letting it setup for 2 hours then coming back and laying down another layer (with PC) of wax without removing the first layer. Let that haze over and remove. I've done this many times with there waxes but never with anything else.