PC advice.. please help
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
PC advice.. please help
OK I have decided to finally buy a PC for my black Vette but I need some advice. I have never used a machine to wax/polish ect.. and there is so much info out there my head is spinning.
I don't need major paint correction just some minor flaws including swirl marks from the dealership since new. I use a lambs wool mit to wash, 2 bucket method, with a grit guard. I also use a leaf blower to help dry and quality MF towels.
WITHOUT turning this into a brand war can someone please tell me what product is the easiest/best to use for a beginner to polish the paint ?
Also how do I know what kind of pads to use with the PC ? And do you use the same pad for the whole car or do you have to change it part way through the job ?
I would appreciate any advice and remember I have no experience at this. Thanks
I don't need major paint correction just some minor flaws including swirl marks from the dealership since new. I use a lambs wool mit to wash, 2 bucket method, with a grit guard. I also use a leaf blower to help dry and quality MF towels.
WITHOUT turning this into a brand war can someone please tell me what product is the easiest/best to use for a beginner to polish the paint ?
Also how do I know what kind of pads to use with the PC ? And do you use the same pad for the whole car or do you have to change it part way through the job ?
I would appreciate any advice and remember I have no experience at this. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,289
From: Central Ma
My standard advice is, first of all practice on something else first.
The PC is very user friendly and you will get the knack of it in no time, but a little practice will help.
Menzerna SIP/orange pad, ZPC/orange pad, ZPC/white pad, then Z sealants .
The PC is very user friendly and you will get the knack of it in no time, but a little practice will help.
Menzerna SIP/orange pad, ZPC/orange pad, ZPC/white pad, then Z sealants .
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
DP Universal Claybar/Lubricant Kit
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish(PO 83) w/5.5" orange pad
Menzerna Nano(PO 106 FA) w/5.5" white or green pad
Wolfgang Paint Sealant 3.0 w/5.5" grey pad
Apply SIP and Nano on speed setting 6
Apply Sealant on speed setting 3
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish(PO 83) w/5.5" orange pad
Menzerna Nano(PO 106 FA) w/5.5" white or green pad
Wolfgang Paint Sealant 3.0 w/5.5" grey pad
Apply SIP and Nano on speed setting 6
Apply Sealant on speed setting 3
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,289
From: Central Ma
A few things I meant to add to my above advice.
The only time I will clay, is if I am prepared to machine polish after.
All of your final results are in the prep.
I have used Z clay, and Pinnacle clay once. I will not use the Pinnacle again.
If I were buying today, I would buy the Flex polisher, and would advise you to consider that one.
Good luck.
The only time I will clay, is if I am prepared to machine polish after.
All of your final results are in the prep.
I have used Z clay, and Pinnacle clay once. I will not use the Pinnacle again.
If I were buying today, I would buy the Flex polisher, and would advise you to consider that one.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 1
From: Eastern PA:ECS Paxton Novi 1500(676rwhp,585tq on stock engine),LG headers, 410's, Corsa Sports, ECS Alky Kit
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I've had a PC for years, I thought it was a good machine until I recently bought the Flex unit. The Flex is worlds ahead of the PC, they aren't even in the same category. If you don't mind spending the extra money, get the Flex, it will save you a ton of time and you can do a much better job.
For polish, Menzerna SIP is great, followed up with whatever you like next (could be Menzerna, Zaino, whatever). I always use Zaino sealant, works great.
For polish, Menzerna SIP is great, followed up with whatever you like next (could be Menzerna, Zaino, whatever). I always use Zaino sealant, works great.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-fle...w-car-kit.html (Flex)
http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-menze...ramic-kit.html (PC)
http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-g110-ceramic-kit.html (G110)
we have them in kit form to make selection easy. These are the three best offerings for Vettes and most other cars too. PC is a proven winner and trustworthly but some patience and time is needed. G110 is a newcomer and a bit more powerful but designed on same basic design. Flex is the super power in orbitals and really a super machine but a cost of almost twice the initial outlay of the others. Top with your favorite wax or sealant and you will wish you bought them alot sooner.
http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-menze...ramic-kit.html (PC)
http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-g110-ceramic-kit.html (G110)
we have them in kit form to make selection easy. These are the three best offerings for Vettes and most other cars too. PC is a proven winner and trustworthly but some patience and time is needed. G110 is a newcomer and a bit more powerful but designed on same basic design. Flex is the super power in orbitals and really a super machine but a cost of almost twice the initial outlay of the others. Top with your favorite wax or sealant and you will wish you bought them alot sooner.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
You guys are great ! Thank you for the advice.
Killrwheels, I was just looking at those packages thank you. I'll be in touch soon. The wife said "Christmas present" but I think I can get it a little early.. hahaha
Killrwheels, I was just looking at those packages thank you. I'll be in touch soon. The wife said "Christmas present" but I think I can get it a little early.. hahaha
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
call us as wanted for help, its toll free. As for the wife usually a new set of shoes, a new purse, or something of an equivalent usually helps. Never ever, suggest it be a replacement for that one gift she gave that didnt bode well however, or you will never get your hands on a buffer. I do believe Colombus Day is coming ... (hehehe)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
MSC6,
In addition to the excellent advise given here already, I'll suggest reading over a thread I started back in July, when I was ready to jump into this whole machine-polishing business for the first time. I was very confused, and If you scroll down to the 5th reply, from TH0001, you'll see what ended up being the most helpful post in the history of CF for myself and several others! Since then, I've ordered my goodies and have spent 15-20 hours on the Vette's paint and feel very comfortable and actually think I know what I'm doing. Hope it helps!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2071277
In addition to the excellent advise given here already, I'll suggest reading over a thread I started back in July, when I was ready to jump into this whole machine-polishing business for the first time. I was very confused, and If you scroll down to the 5th reply, from TH0001, you'll see what ended up being the most helpful post in the history of CF for myself and several others! Since then, I've ordered my goodies and have spent 15-20 hours on the Vette's paint and feel very comfortable and actually think I know what I'm doing. Hope it helps!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2071277
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
MSC6,
In addition to the excellent advise given here already, I'll suggest reading over a thread I started back in July, when I was ready to jump into this whole machine-polishing business for the first time. I was very confused, and If you scroll down to the 5th reply, from TH0001, you'll see what ended up being the most helpful post in the history of CF for myself and several others! Since then, I've ordered my goodies and have spent 15-20 hours on the Vette's paint and feel very comfortable and actually think I know what I'm doing. Hope it helps!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2071277
In addition to the excellent advise given here already, I'll suggest reading over a thread I started back in July, when I was ready to jump into this whole machine-polishing business for the first time. I was very confused, and If you scroll down to the 5th reply, from TH0001, you'll see what ended up being the most helpful post in the history of CF for myself and several others! Since then, I've ordered my goodies and have spent 15-20 hours on the Vette's paint and feel very comfortable and actually think I know what I'm doing. Hope it helps!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2071277
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-fle...w-car-kit.html (Flex)
http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-menze...ramic-kit.html (PC)
http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-g110-ceramic-kit.html (G110)
we have them in kit form to make selection easy. These are the three best offerings for Vettes and most other cars too. PC is a proven winner and trustworthly but some patience and time is needed. G110 is a newcomer and a bit more powerful but designed on same basic design. Flex is the super power in orbitals and really a super machine but a cost of almost twice the initial outlay of the others. Top with your favorite wax or sealant and you will wish you bought them alot sooner.
http://www.autogeek.net/pc7424-menze...ramic-kit.html (PC)
http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-g110-ceramic-kit.html (G110)
we have them in kit form to make selection easy. These are the three best offerings for Vettes and most other cars too. PC is a proven winner and trustworthly but some patience and time is needed. G110 is a newcomer and a bit more powerful but designed on same basic design. Flex is the super power in orbitals and really a super machine but a cost of almost twice the initial outlay of the others. Top with your favorite wax or sealant and you will wish you bought them alot sooner.
Thanks again to everyone for the info. Placing my order now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I've had a PC for years, I thought it was a good machine until I recently bought the Flex unit. The Flex is worlds ahead of the PC, they aren't even in the same category. If you don't mind spending the extra money, get the Flex, it will save you a ton of time and you can do a much better job.
For polish, Menzerna SIP is great, followed up with whatever you like next (could be Menzerna, Zaino, whatever). I always use Zaino sealant, works great.
For polish, Menzerna SIP is great, followed up with whatever you like next (could be Menzerna, Zaino, whatever). I always use Zaino sealant, works great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 9
From: Upstate New York
MSC6,
In addition to the excellent advise given here already, I'll suggest reading over a thread I started back in July, when I was ready to jump into this whole machine-polishing business for the first time. I was very confused, and If you scroll down to the 5th reply, from TH0001, you'll see what ended up being the most helpful post in the history of CF for myself and several others! Since then, I've ordered my goodies and have spent 15-20 hours on the Vette's paint and feel very comfortable and actually think I know what I'm doing. Hope it helps!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2071277
In addition to the excellent advise given here already, I'll suggest reading over a thread I started back in July, when I was ready to jump into this whole machine-polishing business for the first time. I was very confused, and If you scroll down to the 5th reply, from TH0001, you'll see what ended up being the most helpful post in the history of CF for myself and several others! Since then, I've ordered my goodies and have spent 15-20 hours on the Vette's paint and feel very comfortable and actually think I know what I'm doing. Hope it helps!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2071277