[fyrffytr1]

I am going to buy a Random Orbital polisher in the very near future and was curious as to what machine Y'all use. I like the one that "The Chemical Guys" feature on their YouTube videos but am open to suggestions.
In addition to the 67 GTO I will be using it on 3 daily drivers. Maybe once a year per vehicle.
I am too old to be hand waxing my rides anymore!

https://www.chemicalguys.com/TORQ_TO...r_p/buf503.htm

[Sirrotica]

I have one of these, and for the money spent, I have no complaints. I bought mine roughly 3 years ago:

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-5...her-69924.html

Yes, you're too old to do it by hand, as am I.

[65blackplate]

They work great for back massage too...

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by 65blackplate

They work great for back massage too...

60 or 80 grit?

[SR-71]

Check AutoGeek.com and look at a Flex or Rupes. Awesome machines.

[MUSLCAH]

Griots Garage has them too

[1965gp]

I bought the meguires one and it burned up. Bought the Torqx from chemical guys and very happy with the performance.

I also suggest their combo pack of polishes/compounds and their jet wax.

Buffing pads work great but you do need to clean them after each use to keep them in good shape.

Again- well worth the $$ in my opinion.

[Jeff Hamlin]

Been using the PC for several trouble-free years now and love it.
Good little machine with good weight and easy to hold for long lengths of time.
Always have an array of pads on hand to tackle any polishing/cleaning task.
What used to be an afternoon affair is now about an hour which equates to more drive time

https://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html

[1965gp]

I think most of these buffers are based off of the porter cable polishers.

[MUSLCAH]

Don’t see anymore swirl marks on cars....since these buffers came out. And your untrained teenager can run this buffer without having to worry about burning through any edges....

[TAKerry]

I have a 5" from Griots garage. Its a good machine. I also have a r.o. 6" sander from Porter Cable that is 15+ years old. Its a really good quality woodworking machine that gets put through the ringer. Im sure the polishers are based on the same platform, and given the track record of the PC, it should be a good polisher as well.

[fyrffytr1]

I just ordered the Poter-Cable kit from Amazon. It will be here Saturday.

[MUSLCAH]

Originally Posted by fyrffytr1

I just ordered the Poter-Cable kit from Amazon. It will be here Saturday.

Use the Meguires micro fiber pads and Meguires compounds....I can get you product numbers later. Also use the Velcro disc

[Bentwheelbob]

Get the Flex 3401 HD which includes the 25’ cord. Watch Autogeek and you can get 10% to 20% off. I’ve used 3 different machines and the Flex is far and away the best. Text me at 304.859.7509 if you want to discuss. Good luck in your decision,. Choosing a RO/DA machine is the first step. Next you need to understand the different pads and polishes to complete the whole polishing system.

[TAKerry]

Great point about the polishes. Someone knowledgeable should make a post on the proper steps and material for the optimum finish.

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by MUSLCAH

Use the Meguires micro fiber pads and Meguires compounds....I can get you product numbers later. Also use the Velcro disc

I picked up a bottle of Meguiars Swirl remover and one of Show car glaze and I also got a bottle of carnuba wax. I got the first step done tonight, washed and clay bared the car using the Mothers clam shell clay bar. It was a breeze.
The buffer, pads and 4 bottles of different compounds from the Chemical Guys will be here tomorrow afternoon. I am not sure if I will use the Meguiars or the stuff coming tomorrow but I will have it on hand if I need it.

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by TAKerry

Great point about the polishes. Someone knowledgeable should make a post on the proper steps and material for the optimum finish.

I have been watching The Chemical Guys on You-Tube and they go into detail about what compound to use with which pad.
One piece of advice I got from them is to start with a milder compound and if it doesn't do the job you can go to a stronger one.

[theamcguy]

Search for Dallas Paint Correction on YouTube. He has some great videos on budget polishers that will help you decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvljpsp0tNc

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by theamcguy

Search for Dallas Paint Correction on YouTube. He has some great videos on budget polishers that will help you decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvljpsp0tNc

The guy actually says the HF that I recommended early on, is better than the Porter Cable and much less money. I've used the hell out of mine and it is perfect for someone that doesn't use it professionally every day of the week.

Makes no difference at this point, the OP already bought a polisher.

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

The guy actually says the HF that I recommended early on, is better than the Porter Cable and much less money. I've used the hell out of mine and it is perfect for someone that doesn't use it professionally every day of the week.

Makes no difference at this point, the OP already bought a polisher.

I considered the Harbor Freight polisher but after reading the reviews I decided to go with the Porter Cable. I don't have a Harbor Freight store close to me so I would have had to have it shipped and I am trying to get my GTO ready for our annual car show next Saturday.
The Porter Cable kit came today but I was already working on the brakes on my 50 Silver Streak and wanted too get that job as far as I could get it.
I will start on the GTO tomorrow or Monday.
I do appreciate all the advice and replies posted here. Hopefully I won't mess the car up too bad!