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You won't be disappointed. Like I said, just get yourself some quality pads and chemicals and you'll be ok. Harbor Freight actually carries some high cutting Meguires products that I've used.
Even if you get the Harbor Freight pads you'll be ok. But just be weary that they don't take speed very well.
For reference, here was some of my work on my girlfriend's piece of **** Kia. I did my Silverado and Vette as well, but yellow doesn't show pictures very good. Her black Kia was straight ratty. So I did most of it to see how well the Harbor freight DA and pads would work.
A friend just recently received a Flex dual action orbital buffer, loves it. He had a PC 7424 and after 15 years it needed to be replaced. I asked if it was worth the $400.'s which is more than double the PC, he said it doesn't do twice the job in half the time and if it wasn't an anniversary gift he doesn't think he'd spend that kind of money. He said the PC was best bang for the money.
I bought myself a 8" Craftsman buffer about 30 years ago when I got my first car. Works great for waxing but does not "cut" very well (polishing). About 5 years ago I bought a porter cable DA polisher. It works great for cutting, polishing, and waxing.(just use the different pads). I would buy another one because it work so well. The only thing I don't like about it is the speed control dial is located on the back near where the cord is. This location of the speed control makes it difficult to adjust the speed on the fly. If you could find a DA that has a variable speed control built into the trigger I think you would like it.
I started with a Porter Cable 7424 when I bought my C5 16 years ago. It is one of the safest options and for the average car owner it will probably be sufficient, but it takes a long time to do the whole car with one.
After several years, I finally upgraded to the Flex XC3401. It cut the time down considerably and I got notably better results. Then after about 3 years it crapped out and it took several months and $250 to repair it. While I was ranting about the repair taking so long, I started looking for other options....
Great timing... Griots had just introduced the new BOSS (Best Of Show System) long-throw orbital. VERY PRICY, but I took the plunge. USA made components. By far the best of the three I have owned and they have a very easy to follow system that goes along with it (but I still use some Menzerna polishes as well). https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...fType=&from=fn
I am sold on the BOSS and may even sell my FLEX (now that I paid to have all the components replaced with new German parts!).
I bought mine from Harbor Freight and when I first turned it on it was so violent I couldn't use it for long and then I noticed the speed dial and turned it down a little. I is now a great machine. I definitely recommend it, I think I paid $79 for mine. It was the most expensive they had so make sure and get the adjustable speed.
I started with a Porter Cable 7424 when I bought my C5 16 years ago. It is one of the safest options and for the average car owner it will probably be sufficient, but it takes a long time to do the whole car with one.
After several years, I finally upgraded to the Flex XC3401. It cut the time down considerably and I got notably better results. Then after about 3 years it crapped out and it took several months and $250 to repair it. While I was ranting about the repair taking so long, I started looking for other options....
Great timing... Griots had just introduced the new BOSS (Best Of Show System) long-throw orbital. VERY PRICY, but I took the plunge. USA made components. By far the best of the three I have owned and they have a very easy to follow system that goes along with it (but I still use some Menzerna polishes as well). https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...fType=&from=fn
I am sold on the BOSS and may even sell my FLEX (now that I paid to have all the components replaced with new German parts!).
I've got the Porter Cable but have only used it twice - I'm convinced that Chadwick's is the way to go - don't see a need for the correction at this time with my C5. On a previous black C5 used the Mag 105/205 on a black Vette and it worked great.
Paul - sorry about the C7 post - not trying to open your checkbook.
Last edited by frsr06; Nov 4, 2016 at 09:49 PM.
Reason: corrected
^^^^ Trust me there is no C 7 in my checkbook ?? BTY what is a checkbook ?? Debit Card ??
My last wife - as long as there was a check in the book there was a way to write it - regardless to the balance in the account. The popular phrase was "write a check".
My last wife - as long as there was a check in the book there was a way to write it - regardless to the balance in the account. The popular phrase was "write a check".
My last wife - as long as there was a check in the book there was a way to write it - regardless to the balance in the account. The popular phrase was "write a check".
I have an old fashioned commercial very heavy, loud buffer that you have to wear ear plugs with and actually has torque steer. You have to be extremely careful not to cause damage. After doing a car a few years ago, I was sore the next day. Bought a Porter Cable and just polished a 24ft enclosed trailer to remove grime and protect the finish--it felt like a quarter acre of area! The quality Porter Cable is light, quick, and easy. My last visit to Harbor Freight the counter girl said you can only bring stuff back for 90 days, after that you need to buy the warranty! That's insulting and insuring every purchase is a good way to get poor. I've bought enough of their crap that now only buy things that generally don't have moving parts, like torque sticks.
I have the flex and an old sears one. I want the mini griot one. (3" RO)
I have a 3" Griots too. It is great at getting into some tight areas on the C5 like the taillights, the side coves if you have BSMs installed, door jambs, etc. where my 4", 5" and 6" pads won't reach.
FYI - If you get one, be very careful with the pads at Speed 6 - I had a wet pad explode when it came off the surface for a split second - just missed my face!
I have a Flex 3401 that I got this summer mainly to do my motorhome. I also have a Makita old school buffer but it was a bear trying to buff the moho. The flex is a great machine but for just the corvette the PC 7424 would be a great choice. I'd get a 3" pad for the small areas.
You can see the blue area where the oxidation has been removed.
From: Blessed are the cracked. For they are the ones who let in the light.
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
Originally Posted by Choreo
I have a 3" Griots too. It is great at getting into some tight areas on the C5 like the taillights, the side coves if you have BSMs installed, door jambs, etc. where my 4", 5" and 6" pads won't reach.
FYI - If you get one, be very careful with the pads at Speed 6 - I had a wet pad explode when it came off the surface for a split second - just missed my face!
I question that myself daily. 
