Today I purchased an off-brand variable speed 7" polisher with a 5/8 TPI spindle and the "pads" that it came with will never go anywhere near my car. I would like to know which backing plates, polishing pads, polishes and etc. would be a good fit for me and my Z.

She's a 2004 PPW with 99k with most of the damage on the hood (rock chips) and front bumper (bug remnants and thin spider cracks), mainly from the previous owners. I also would like to touch-up my headlights as well since they have a little oxidation and minor scratches/imperfections on the lenses.

From the Detailed Image write-up on the NBP Acura, I have put together this list of what I think I need:

Chemical Guys Citrus Wash
Menzerna Power Finish
Menzerna Nano Polish
Lake Country Green Pad
Lake Country Orange Pad
Lake Country White Pad

Does this look like a good starting point for me?
Will my buffer accept these pads? (See attached pic)
Which backing pad do I need?

I have attached a pic of my buffer and would like to know if the Lake Country pads screw on directly to that bolt or do I need to purchase a backing pad and the Lake Country pads attach to that??

Thanks for any advice and I look forward to posting my Before & Afters here soon

-Chris

 

You will require a backing plate to screw onto the polisher. The pads have a velcro backing that sticks to the backing plate. This is the one you'll probably need:
http://www.detailedimage.com/Lake-Co...227/150-mm-S1/

Is that a Chicago Electric?

Pads:
Orange, White, and maybe Blue in 6.5"

The suds are good. No clay bar or lube?

Polish:
The Power Finish should be good for getting some imperfections out and the Nano will be good for finishing out the paint and jeweling.

Another polish to consider is Optimum Polish. It's a pretty friendly polish that, in my experience, gives great results.

No protection (read: wax)?

 

Yes, it's a Chicago Electric and that's pretty impressive from the small pic I posted! Is it a decent buffer? Will it get my job done or am I starting out behind the eight ball?

I was reading up and clay and will add it to my list alon with some lube.

Should I throw out the turtle wax I have? It's what I have been using but I don't know any better since I'm just getting my feet wet.

Thanks for the response

 

The Chicago Electric is ok. I've got one as a back up to my Porter Cable 7424 and for hitting the more tough spots. The problems I know about it from others are the motors crap out and the motors don't maintain speed under load well.

To start out with, I think it will do you fine - just be careful because you can damage your paint easier with a rotary polisher over a dual action polisher. Also, it should have come with a hook and loop backing plate...?

Turtle wax is alright. Just wanted to make sure you had something lined up for the paint after polishing it to protect it. Beauty waxes will give your Z some different looks as far as gloss and wow-factor.

Don't forget plenty of microfiber towels!

 

I'll look into the Beauty waxes... Here's some pics of what I'm most concerned about along with what came with the buffer...

Is this too big of a job for the Orange Pad/Power Finish?? Is there any stores that would carry the supplies locally (Orlando, FL)?? Would really love to start on this project today!

 

I would also suggest a good clay and lube combination as well like the DI Packages DI Clay Bar and Clay Lube Combo. It's a great value with quality products.

Most of these products are available through online stores or a real specialty store. A rotary backing plate will be needed for that buffer. For rotary buffers the smaller pads are easier to control and create less heat, where as the larger pads create more heat. For a newer user I would suggest the Lake Country Rotary Backing Plate for 4 Inch Pads because it's easier to operate safely and control. For the Power Finish I think i would suggest a green pad and with the Nano I would recommend a black pad. This green pad has less cutting power and will create less haze. You could use the white pad or a black pad for the Nano. Use the white pad if the surface is more hazy and the black pad if it comes out very optically clear with the Power Finish.

I would hand apply a coat of protection from a quality sealant like the Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger. It will add really durable protection, a deep shine and it's very easy to apply/remove.

Let me know if you have any additional questions I'd be happy to help!

Greg @ DI

 

Are those stress cracks in the paint?
If so, no polisher will get those out. If they're light scratches in the clear you might be able to minimize them but it may take a few tries to get it right.