Hello all, new member with some questions:)

G

Griffin

New member
Good morning everyone :D My name is Griffin, I own a 03' Cobra, and I am currently researching all the information I can about detailing for a new business I am opening up for a friend. He would like to offer detailing to go along with his high performance shop and I am trying to find out all information possible to make the best business case for him.



I have been detailing my own cars for years, and thought I was doing a good job until I came to this site. My head is starting to spin with all the information and will be researching as much as possible.



To run a good business you should know your business up and down, knowing each aspect of each job. I am very versed in HP applications, but not using a buffer on cars. I am currently in the market for a new buffer and I am looking to you for help in making my decision.



I am a novice at using a buffer and my choices are as follows:



Dewalt 849 Professional

Makita 9227

PC 7428



I am also getting ready to purchase "Adam's Premium Car Care Products". He has ready made kits available, and from I have seen, work very well.



Any help you could provide me with would be greatly appreciated. I understand these questions have been asked 1000 times, and yes, I have used the search button, but feel I need more information before making my ultimate decision.



Thanks for your help,



Griffin :xyxthumbs
 
Since you're a novice at machine buffing, why not start with a random orbital? The rave is the PC 7424/7336.



Regarding the Adams products, I have never used them. Read some more and you will see the preferred products. I rarely see Adams mentioned either.



P.S. - Another thing is patience is a virtue. IMHO, 3 hours and expect a response is way to short.
 
P.S. - Another thing is patience is a virtue. IMHO, 3 hours and expect a response is way to short.
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I didn't realize this board was slower than the car forums I am on. Sorry about that. Thanks for the info.
 
This board isn't slow at all. The fact that your first post was posted at 4:17AM might explain why the board was a little slow. ;)



I would recommend getting a PC 7424/7336 first. Once you are confident with that machine, then look into getting a rotary buffer such as those listed above.



I haven't tried any of the Adams products either, though I have seen them mentioned a few times.
 
Griffin- Welcome to Autopia!



I agree with White95Max and NYC2SoCal, get a random orbital PC or a Cyclo to get acquainted with machine polishing and *then* get a rotary if you find you need/want one. Starting out with a rotary (which I did back in the '70s ) is *NOT* a good idea- there's not enough margin for error and many rotary users still use a random orbital for the final steps anyhow.





Can't help you with the Adam's Polishes, don't use them myself. His website's video on how to wash a car gave me such a :( :sosad that I've sorta decided I don't have any interest in his stuff.
 
If you're looking for a product line for a pro shop, try www.thechemicalguys.com or Hi-Temp from www.topoftheline.com. Either of those products are comprable to Adam's, at a fraction of the cost. A big part of owning a shop is keeping overhead down, and buying from these guys will.



Also, learn with the 7424 first. Over time you'll want to learn to use a rotary, but you gotta crawl before you can walk (or else replace a few trim pieces/paintjobs, don't ask me how I know :o)
 
THe more I research, the more it is apparent I am going to get the PC 7424. My head is hurting from all of the information and knowledge you must attain to do a really good job. I truly appreciate all of the help.



One last question~ Do you guys have a step by step list you follow posted somewhere? After reading about this pad with this polish and that pad with that polish my head is ready to explode. I figure if I can actually look at a step by step list it will all make a little more sense.



Thanks again :bigups
 
I just learn as I read the forums and participate in discussion. There is no *perfect* way to detail a car...everyone has their own preferred methods and products.
 
First off, :welcome to Autopia Griffin!



I think a truly full service high-performance service shop is a great idea. I'm sure many customers would love to be able to take their car to one place and have confidence that all the work will get done right.



I'll throw in another vote for starting out with a PC 7424/7336/G-100 before moving up to the rotary. When you do make that step any of the three you listed would be excellent, as would a Dynabrade, Fein or Metabo but you've got plenty of time to weigh that decision.



Meguiar's has an excellent system of products for the professional. Depending on where you're located they may also have a local sales rep who can be far more valuable a resource than merely a place to buy bottles of chemicals.





PC.
 
Thanks to all of you for your help. All of the information/links provided have been really helpful in making my decision.



Great group of people you have here :2thumbs:
 
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