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I bought Auto Geeks detailing kit that came with all the trimmings like the one you're looking at from Chemical Guys. I found better results with the Hex Logix pads, Meguiar's 105 and 205 polishes, and The Rag Factory's borderless blue microfiber cloths. If I had to do it again, I'd have bought everything separate. The one thing I do use from Auto Geeks is the polishing pad cleaner. I imagine Chemical Guys stuff is pretty much a similar quality. You can get the Hex Logix pads from Amazon. You want the orange and the white, and I'd suggest getting at least three of each.
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Agree with above input. A few years ago I ordered Chem Guys sample kit with 4 different products and steps. It was just okay. Not impressed with overall result. When you detail your own car it requires alot of time and effort. OP If you find a local corvette club it might be a way to get some input on a good detailer.
I had a paint correction by auto geek Mike Phillips friend who usually helps mike out. It took almost 3 days. The car was unbelievable . I decided no ceramic for me as the car never sees rain. Two years later, it still looks great. Mike and Rob taught me how to care for it. The price was $700.
Mike is as good as it gets there is no one better in all phases of detail.
Appreciate the feedback. I do enjoy doing my own work, so I think I'll give this a shot.
You'll be fine Jabster, just watch a few of the many videos available and DO IT Maybe determine just exactly what you have, as is it swirls from other polishes, Car wash spider webbing, maybe swirling from just neglect, actual scratches which are harder to correct thou. And most of all that polishing is what gives the paint the clarity and shine, wax is the protective overlay, at least that's what I've been led to believe
NSF
You'll also need to get the 6" disc to replace the 5" the polisher comes with. When it's all said and done, you'll have spent about the same as you would to have someone else do it for you once, and you'll be set to keep your car looking great without having to pay anyone to do it again.
JABMAN - I'm in far north Dallas and also interested. I have the Porter Cable XP, 7 different pads, and two massive tubs of the Meguiars cutting compound and polish. Bought it all in order to due a correction myself, just haven't gotten around to it. Willing to give it a try if you are. I also have an Inferno Orange GS (best color, obv). Let me know if you ever want to do "Detail day".
Also- if you find a good guy to do paint correction professionally at a reasonable cost, let me know. Interested. I'm also overdue for a clay.
Also- very happy with the results with the Porter Cable XP. I used it once so far- did a wash, clay, and wax. Gave it a great glassy finish. Like you though- swirls (thanks, GM) at close look under direct light.
Question for those who have done their own polishing and sealing....I have the HF DA polisher, a clay bar and several Griots BOSS polishing products ranging from aggressive to fine, as well as a sealant. If I start with an aggressive compound, can I go straight from there to the sealant, or do I need to ‘taperdown’ to a finer compound before sealing? Trying to figure out if I’m looking at a 2step process or a 3 or 4 step journey?
Last edited by Racer1735; Jun 3, 2018 at 12:21 PM.
Question for those who have done their own polishing and sealing....I have the HF DA polisher, a clay bar and several Griots BOSS polishing products ranging from aggressive to fine, as well as a sealant. If I start with an aggressive compound, can I go straight from there to the sealant, or do I need to ‘taperdown’ to a finer compound before sealing? Trying to figure out if I’m looking at a 2step process or a 3 or 4 step journey?
You have to step down as you go. Aggressive polishes make swirls of their own so you have to step down in degrees of polish until you get to the finishing polish or you won't get the mirror finish.
You have to step down as you go. Aggressive polishes make swirls of their own so you have to step down in degrees of polish until you get to the finishing polish or you won't get the mirror finish.
As a rule of thumb, learned from Mike Phillips before he became the "famous Mike Phillips", always start with the least aggressive polish first. If that eliminates half of the swirls, stick with it until you have a "jeweled" surface. If it does not eliminate swirls, then step up to a more aggressive polish. If that polish works, remember to go back to the least aggressive again for a perfectly smooth surface.
When polishing with a random orbital, work a 2' x 2' area SLOWLY, but always keep the buffer moving. And never let the polish dry out while working with it. You will quickly develop a feel for when to stop, wipe off and inspect your work.
Evander - GM didn't instill swirls in your paint, washing & drying put those there.
Question for those who have done their own polishing and sealing....I have the HF DA polisher, a clay bar and several Griots BOSS polishing products ranging from aggressive to fine, as well as a sealant. If I start with an aggressive compound, can I go straight from there to the sealant, or do I need to ‘taperdown’ to a finer compound before sealing? Trying to figure out if I’m looking at a 2step process or a 3 or 4 step journey?
If you are going with an aggressive compound on the first step, you should also do at least one more step to polish before applying the sealant.
One of the most important things to consider when buffing out....OOPS....I mean doing "Paint Correction" (Sorry...LOL) on any vehicle is to remember to be very careful around the hard edges. This is where most mistakes are made regardless of what kind of buffer you are using. Yes a DA buffer will help to cut down on mistakes in these areas, but they are not mistake proof. You keep to much pressure for to long a time on a hard edge and you will find yourself looking at base coat/primer in no time. A good example of a hard edge on our C-6's is where the top of the rear bumper rolls over into the back vertical...... Good Luck.
Curious if anybody reading has bought/experienced the HARBOR FREIGHT version of the PORTER CABLE 7424XP Orbital??
I already have the PC and it has done well for me.There are occasions when it would be handy to have to not change pads
as often, so Im thinking to buy the HF version for $50.00 (with coupon)
I've bought my large collection of misc colored LAKE COUNTRY pads at www.detailedimage.com but Lake Country pads are
also sold elsewhere ???
I have purchased the HF version. There are several very informative videos regarding this item. First thing you need to do is disassemble it and remove and repack the gear grease. Then (and I can vouch for this) it runs much smoother and quieter. Also, they advise to purchase your buffer pads elsewhere and not use the supplied pads (I got mine from Griot's).
I plan to break mine in on my son's motorcycle gas tank this week, then progress to my Corvette.
