Griots or pc7424xp
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Park hills MO
Griots or pc7424xp
I've been reading a lot and have narrowed my decision down to the griots or the pc. I have a black c6 that has some swirls from a previous autozone buffer and I have some small scratches from the hose hitting the front bumper while washing it. Which piece of equipment do you think will take care of my needs. Also am I correct to think I should get the m105/205 then some nice wax for after that? Please help guys. I'm a detailing noob and there are 0 professionals in my area.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 265
From: Louisville Ky NCM Lifetime Member 429 (Member Since 1993)
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '16
Zaino
I was once in your shoes (and for a long time my car detailing cabinet reflected it). I have used everything from Meguiers to a $300 can of Zymol (which by the way, is still sitting half full in my cabinet).
Although its more work, I would use the zaino system on your car. You will cuss and fuss the first time you use it, but over time you will be a happy you did. I don't recall the product they have for removing swirls (help me here guys), but I think its called fusion.
I have a couple of friends that have black c5's with some aged black paint, but it is clear beyond belief.
I wont say anything bad about one product or another, but I will say I have used griots, but not the pc.
Just my 2 cents, but I am as picky (neurotic) about my paint as one could be.
Good luck.
Although its more work, I would use the zaino system on your car. You will cuss and fuss the first time you use it, but over time you will be a happy you did. I don't recall the product they have for removing swirls (help me here guys), but I think its called fusion.
I have a couple of friends that have black c5's with some aged black paint, but it is clear beyond belief.
I wont say anything bad about one product or another, but I will say I have used griots, but not the pc.
Just my 2 cents, but I am as picky (neurotic) about my paint as one could be.
Good luck.
I've been reading a lot and have narrowed my decision down to the griots or the pc. I have a black c6 that has some swirls from a previous autozone buffer and I have some small scratches from the hose hitting the front bumper while washing it. Which piece of equipment do you think will take care of my needs. Also am I correct to think I should get the m105/205 then some nice wax for after that? Please help guys. I'm a detailing noob and there are 0 professionals in my area.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 17
From: Lee's Summit MO
I have both polishers you mentioned. The Griots is 10-times the machine that the 7424 is.
More power, better warranty. Even though it's not a "forced rotation" machine, it's almost impossible to stop pad rotation, even with extremely heavy pressure. This is a sign of a lot of power.
I never use the 7424 anymore, now that I have the Griots.
C6 paint is ROCK-HARD! You should go to Truth in Detailing and search for "Corvette". I have many threads over there on polishing with the Griots and the use of M105/M205 to achieve perfect results.
The above poster is correct. You'll be cussing that rock hard black paint. It will take a lot of time, a lot of pressure, and a lot of practice!!!
Zaino will not remove any scratchs, swirlmarks, etc. Neither will any other sealant. You must get the swirls out first by polishing, then apply your sealant. I would recommend either Zaino or Blackfire Wet Diamond. Both excellent products!
Where are you located?
More power, better warranty. Even though it's not a "forced rotation" machine, it's almost impossible to stop pad rotation, even with extremely heavy pressure. This is a sign of a lot of power.
I never use the 7424 anymore, now that I have the Griots.
C6 paint is ROCK-HARD! You should go to Truth in Detailing and search for "Corvette". I have many threads over there on polishing with the Griots and the use of M105/M205 to achieve perfect results.
The above poster is correct. You'll be cussing that rock hard black paint. It will take a lot of time, a lot of pressure, and a lot of practice!!!
Zaino will not remove any scratchs, swirlmarks, etc. Neither will any other sealant. You must get the swirls out first by polishing, then apply your sealant. I would recommend either Zaino or Blackfire Wet Diamond. Both excellent products!
Where are you located?
Last edited by Luster; Jul 25, 2011 at 09:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Park hills MO
I'm about 1.5 hours south of St louis! I'm sure I could drive to stl to a pro up there but the time to drive and the gas and the cost would be the same as getting my own tools and learn the technique.
I have both polishers you mentioned. The Griots is 10-times the machine that the 7424 is.
More power, better warranty. Even though it's not a "forced rotation" machine, it's almost impossible to stop pad rotation, even with extremely heavy pressure. This is a sign of a lot of power.
I never use the 7424 anymore, now that I have the Griots.
C6 paint is ROCK-HARD! You should go to Truth in Detailing and search for "Corvette". I have many threads over there on polishing with the Griots and the use of M105/M205 to achieve perfect results.
The above poster is correct. You'll be cussing that rock hard black paint. It will take a lot of time, a lot of pressure, and a lot of practice!!!
Zaino will not remove any scratchs, swirlmarks, etc. Neither will any other sealant. You must get the swirls out first by polishing, then apply your sealant. I would recommend either Zaino or Blackfire Wet Diamond. Both excellent products!
Where are you located?
More power, better warranty. Even though it's not a "forced rotation" machine, it's almost impossible to stop pad rotation, even with extremely heavy pressure. This is a sign of a lot of power.
I never use the 7424 anymore, now that I have the Griots.
C6 paint is ROCK-HARD! You should go to Truth in Detailing and search for "Corvette". I have many threads over there on polishing with the Griots and the use of M105/M205 to achieve perfect results.
The above poster is correct. You'll be cussing that rock hard black paint. It will take a lot of time, a lot of pressure, and a lot of practice!!!
Zaino will not remove any scratchs, swirlmarks, etc. Neither will any other sealant. You must get the swirls out first by polishing, then apply your sealant. I would recommend either Zaino or Blackfire Wet Diamond. Both excellent products!
Where are you located?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
The Griots is definitely a better DA than the 7424. Whatever you get, make sure you go with a 5" backing plate instead of the 6" that is standard in a lot of the kits. Not only is the 5" easier to maneuver around some of the tight curves/angles on the C6, it's also a lot easier for the DA to maintain rotation under load.
M105/M205 is a great combo (just did that this weekend on mine) but it took me a while to learn how to use M105 effectively (prime your pads, use very little product, and clean the pads frequently). Used incorrectly, M105 flashes to something that is really hard to wipe off. Be aware that you will get a good bit of dusting with M105. Not as bad as a lot of compounds, but bad enough you'll need a wash step in between unless you do a paint shop level tape off on the glass and trim.
You'll also need the right pads -- something relatively aggressive for the M105 and something quite a bit softer for M205. Have you looked at the Mequiars DA Microfiber Correction System? It's also a two stage (compound/polish) system, but uses MF pads instead of foam. I've heard really good things about it -- both in terms of ease of use and quality of results. If you're just getting started with DA paint correction, you may find this is a more user-friendly option.
M105/M205 is a great combo (just did that this weekend on mine) but it took me a while to learn how to use M105 effectively (prime your pads, use very little product, and clean the pads frequently). Used incorrectly, M105 flashes to something that is really hard to wipe off. Be aware that you will get a good bit of dusting with M105. Not as bad as a lot of compounds, but bad enough you'll need a wash step in between unless you do a paint shop level tape off on the glass and trim.
You'll also need the right pads -- something relatively aggressive for the M105 and something quite a bit softer for M205. Have you looked at the Mequiars DA Microfiber Correction System? It's also a two stage (compound/polish) system, but uses MF pads instead of foam. I've heard really good things about it -- both in terms of ease of use and quality of results. If you're just getting started with DA paint correction, you may find this is a more user-friendly option.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
The Griots polisher is a bit more powerful versus the original and newer PC-XP. Another consideration in the same price zone is Megs G110v.2 which is another fine random orbital buffer. The PC-XP is often suggested as the one that started it all and they last and last and last. So no real right choice, but several depending on your desire or brand.
No matter the choice do some study to purchase the best polishes, and pads to work within your buffer. Also consider the size of the backing plate and pads. Most will suggest 5.5 inch pads and a 5 inch backing plate with either of the three random orbitals. For normal polishing you will find flat pads and Hydro-tech pads offered most. For heavier polishing you might wanna invest in Surbuf or Megs DA system which use a microfiber type cutting pad. For polishes you will often hear Wolfgang, Megs, and Menzerna offered and all work well on our Vettes.
When your ready, look up your friendly forum supporter Autogeek. Let us earn your business before, during, and after the sale. We also offer a forum as needed to ask questions and get real time answers from individuals using the products and lines your considering. Not just professionals, but weekend hobbist. Car detailing can be fun !
www.autogeek.net
No matter the choice do some study to purchase the best polishes, and pads to work within your buffer. Also consider the size of the backing plate and pads. Most will suggest 5.5 inch pads and a 5 inch backing plate with either of the three random orbitals. For normal polishing you will find flat pads and Hydro-tech pads offered most. For heavier polishing you might wanna invest in Surbuf or Megs DA system which use a microfiber type cutting pad. For polishes you will often hear Wolfgang, Megs, and Menzerna offered and all work well on our Vettes.
When your ready, look up your friendly forum supporter Autogeek. Let us earn your business before, during, and after the sale. We also offer a forum as needed to ask questions and get real time answers from individuals using the products and lines your considering. Not just professionals, but weekend hobbist. Car detailing can be fun !
www.autogeek.net
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,045
Likes: 232
From: NOT ON THE ROAD ANYMORE
St. Jude Donor '12, '16
As for the polishers, I've used both mentioned and both are good but if you want a great one that will last I went for the Flex with no regrets.
I buy all my detail supplies from Auto Geek, great vendors as well as forum supporters.
I buy all my detail supplies from Auto Geek, great vendors as well as forum supporters.
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
I have both polishers you mentioned. The Griots is 10-times the machine that the 7424 is.
More power, better warranty. Even though it's not a "forced rotation" machine, it's almost impossible to stop pad rotation, even with extremely heavy pressure. This is a sign of a lot of power.
I never use the 7424 anymore, now that I have the Griots.
C6 paint is ROCK-HARD! You should go to Truth in Detailing and search for "Corvette". I have many threads over there on polishing with the Griots and the use of M105/M205 to achieve perfect results.
The above poster is correct. You'll be cussing that rock hard black paint. It will take a lot of time, a lot of pressure, and a lot of practice!!!
Zaino will not remove any scratchs, swirlmarks, etc. Neither will any other sealant. You must get the swirls out first by polishing, then apply your sealant. I would recommend either Zaino or Blackfire Wet Diamond. Both excellent products!
Where are you located?
More power, better warranty. Even though it's not a "forced rotation" machine, it's almost impossible to stop pad rotation, even with extremely heavy pressure. This is a sign of a lot of power.
I never use the 7424 anymore, now that I have the Griots.
C6 paint is ROCK-HARD! You should go to Truth in Detailing and search for "Corvette". I have many threads over there on polishing with the Griots and the use of M105/M205 to achieve perfect results.
The above poster is correct. You'll be cussing that rock hard black paint. It will take a lot of time, a lot of pressure, and a lot of practice!!!
Zaino will not remove any scratchs, swirlmarks, etc. Neither will any other sealant. You must get the swirls out first by polishing, then apply your sealant. I would recommend either Zaino or Blackfire Wet Diamond. Both excellent products!
Where are you located?
I agree, I have both and the Griots is simply the better machine by a long shot. Much more powerful and a much better warranty.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 8
From: Hanover Maryland
I have been buffing and doing paint correction for a few years. I use the porter cable and i have th yellow green and organge lake country pads.I love them on the vette. I only buffed the vette one time with the orange pads and all my swirls came out.I use wolfgangs swirl removal. i was told that the vette would be difficult.I was easy compared to most cars i have done.I am looking for a more powerfull buffer.I may try the griots machine or the flex. All my products come from autogeeks. They have a wealth of knowledge and i trust them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 3
From: Arlington VA
You might want to look into the new MF system by Meguiars. Apparently it has much more cut than traditional DA pads and polishes, and finishes down extremely well. Its not cheap, but its cheaper than getting a whole new machine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 17
From: Lee's Summit MO
If you're really looking to learn about paint correction, do a Google search for "the Kevin Brown Method".
Basically, it describes the best method for getting rotary-like results from a Random Orbital polisher.
It works.... I've been using the method for a couple years and the Vettes I polish look like brand new paint.
Basically, it describes the best method for getting rotary-like results from a Random Orbital polisher.
It works.... I've been using the method for a couple years and the Vettes I polish look like brand new paint.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I have the Griots, and really like it- except I don't use it for correction.
I use a rotary- 10x faster, and IMO leaves you with a much better surface to start the "finishing" or jeweling (as some refer to it) process.
In the hands of a noob- a rotary can be instant disaster. But if you can take the time to learn it, 300.00 invested in one is a better use of that money than 300.00 in a Griots- or any PC for that matter.
As far as the OP..the Vettes clear is hard as hell..I find that scratch removal is difficult (and time consuming) with a PC.
I use a rotary- 10x faster, and IMO leaves you with a much better surface to start the "finishing" or jeweling (as some refer to it) process.
In the hands of a noob- a rotary can be instant disaster. But if you can take the time to learn it, 300.00 invested in one is a better use of that money than 300.00 in a Griots- or any PC for that matter.
As far as the OP..the Vettes clear is hard as hell..I find that scratch removal is difficult (and time consuming) with a PC.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,106
Likes: 1,608
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I understand that the Groit's orbital has the most torque, which is a very good thing. Remember most of the polishing cut is from the pad. contact one of the Forum vendors like Autogeek and tell them what you are going to use your orbital for and they can recommend the correct pads and polishes for your project.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 8
From: Hanover Maryland
I will do that.Thanks always interested in detail stuff
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 982
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
Thanks…it’s been a few decades since I used to paint cars on a regular basis, so when I got the Vette in ’09 I was a bit hesitant to revive my rotary buffer finishing skills on it.
I opted for the Griot’s RO. The paint was a bit rough to my standards from the dealer prepping it with a steel wool pad or so it appeared. I gave it a once over with Griot’s Machine Polish #3 which removed all the clear coat scratches (admittedly it takes some work with a Random Obital, but much safer for the novice).
Now I just clay the car occasionally and apply 2 coats of Griot’s Best-of-Show wax with the RO and remove the wax with Griot’s SpeedShine. I’m very satisfied with their products…well, except for their “World’s Finest” spray bottles…had 3 of ‘em crap out on me now.
I opted for the Griot’s RO. The paint was a bit rough to my standards from the dealer prepping it with a steel wool pad or so it appeared. I gave it a once over with Griot’s Machine Polish #3 which removed all the clear coat scratches (admittedly it takes some work with a Random Obital, but much safer for the novice).
Now I just clay the car occasionally and apply 2 coats of Griot’s Best-of-Show wax with the RO and remove the wax with Griot’s SpeedShine. I’m very satisfied with their products…well, except for their “World’s Finest” spray bottles…had 3 of ‘em crap out on me now.