Just bought a Porter Cable Polisher

[fileechino]

Hey guys,

After reading about the virtues of owning a PC polisher/buffer, I decided to buy one! I've heard that it's practically fool-proof, but at the same time, when used correctly it does wonders.

Do any of you have experience with a PC, good or bad? I planned to give my baby a one-over in the coming weeks. I'm a detailed-oriented freak, so I want my rig to look like it just rolled out of the showroom. Btw, I'm hoping to rid the truck of swirl marks, scratches, and a dull spot. What kind of products should I purchase? I've read about the different pads needed for various jobs..could someone clarify? Thanks for the help!

 

[momo.75]

You are going to love it. I have had mine for 4 years now and love it. All the products I use are from Griot's Garage, www.griotsgarage.com. They have three different polishes, Machine Polish 1, 2 & 3. Depending on how bad the swirl marks are, one of those polishes will, without a doubt, take them out. If you really want to put an incredible shine on it, start off with Griot's clay bar, http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=11145
After you use the clay, polish with one of their Polishes, then finish up with the Best Of Show.... :artist: You will not believe how well it turns out. They also have all the pads and bonetts. Good luck..

Here is a Griots' treament.

 

[98 Joes]

Well, this is my first post here. I guess it goes with my first 4Runner also. I just bought a 94 for $5K. Took it to the local dealer for an inspection and all they could find was a 'possible' valve cover leak. I think I did OK. But. . .

I also use Griot's products and have never found any better. Fortunately, I live 3 miles from them. I went to a tech session they had a month age and this was one of the tips Richard Griot gave us when using the Best of Show wax.

Put on a real heavy coat of the wax with the polisher. Just move it around enough for even coating. Don't remove the wax. Let it bake in the sun for an hour or two. Then come back with fresh Best of Show and polish it to a fine haze and then buff it off. The carnuba in the wax will bond together with some warmth and when you finish it will leave a rock hard shell of carnuba behind, not to mention it will look awesome. I've done it to my BMW and it gets comments everywhere I go.

Anyway, I'm glad to have found this board and look forward to coming back often.

 

[momo.75]

Well, this is my first post here. I guess it goes with my first 4Runner also. I just bought a 94 for $5K. Took it to the local dealer for an inspection and all they could find was a 'possible' valve cover leak. I think I did OK. But. . .

I also use Griot's products and have never found any better. Fortunately, I live 3 miles from them. I went to a tech session they had a month age and this was one of the tips Richard Griot gave us when using the Best of Show wax.

Put on a real heavy coat of the wax with the polisher. Just move it around enough for even coating. Don't remove the wax. Let it bake in the sun for an hour or two. Then come back with fresh Best of Show and polish it to a fine haze and then buff it off. The carnuba in the wax will bond together with some warmth and when you finish it will leave a rock hard shell of carnuba behind, not to mention it will look awesome. I've done it to my BMW and it gets comments everywhere I go.

Anyway, I'm glad to have found this board and look forward to coming back often.

I actually just spent all day yesterday with my Griot's products. I clayed it, then used Machine Polish 3, then went over it with Best of Show. I had read in the Detailer's Handbook about putting on a coat but not removing it and then coming back with another coat on top of it. I haven't driven my truck since I cleaned it, so do you think I should go back over it with another coat of Best of Show?

I wish I was close to Griot's. I would love to go to one of their tech sessions. I have even thought about flying up there for one. Was it an all day thing?

 

[98 Joes]

It was a half day. They divided everyone in to 3 groups then covered claying the paint in one group, polishing and waxing in another and finally the interior. Then we all drove the 1/2 mile to the warehouse to buy all the stuff we learned we couldn't live without. Richard is a great guy and you can tell that he loves what he does. We were all drooling over his 1979 Ferrari Formula One car. If anyone hasn't gotten it already, I would recommend their Detailers Handbook. I've been detailing for 20 years and I learned new stuff from it.

[edit] By the way, from your picture, your truck looks awesome. Send a picture and story to Griot's. They may put it in the catalog. I've got two friends that have.

 

[momo.75]

How did it cost to take part in that? That sounds like it would be pretty fun. Not that I need to be tempted by the trip to the warehouse....

Thanks for the compliment. Here is a shot I took a little while ago.....

 

[98 Joes]

All of Griot's sessions are free. This was for the BMW club, but they do it all the time for various clubs. They even will make an appointment to show you what you're interested in on your vehicle. The down side is they only do a small area. You get to buy products and take them home to finish it. Like I need an excuse for that. If you're ever coming this way, give them a call, I'm sure they would be more than happy to show you anything you wanted.

 

[waskillywabbit]

Griot's Handbook

Get it here for FREE!

http://www.griotsgarage.com/support.jsp

Your rig with thank you and never look the same!

:arrow:

Brian

 

[msanta]

What do you use to clean and protect the plastic(gray) trims on your truck, it looks great! I use Armor All but after it rains I see streaks of rain all over the plastic. Also, I have some scratches on the trim, I don't know what to use to get them out, any suggestions?

 

[waskillywabbit]

What do you use to clean and protect the plastic(gray) trims on your truck, it looks great! I use Armor All but after it rains I see streaks of rain all over the plastic. Also, I have some scratches on the trim, I don't know what to use to get them out, any suggestions?

I use following products for various rubber and plastic parts on the:

Interior
Vinylex

Exterior
Griot's Vinyl and Rubber Dressing

You won't go wrong with either of these!

:guitar2:

 

[msanta]

That seems to be the perfect protectant, but where do I get Vinylex? I know Griot's is only online, I live in NY, I hope they sell it here! Thanks for the advice.

 

[waskillywabbit]

Where to get it

That seems to be the perfect protectant, but where do I get Vinylex? I know Griot's is only online, I live in NY, I hope they sell it here! Thanks for the advice.

Lexol (Vinylex) products can be found at different places, my dealer carries them. I would try your local automotive places and the dealership. A spray bottle was about $10 at the dealer but will last a long time!

Good luck!

:guitar2:

 

[msanta]

I found out that Autobarn, an auto store in the area carries Vinylex, I can't wait to use it. I am sure it will work wonders and I will be a happy camper this week. Although the weather is kind of crappy here in NY now, I think I'll put the 4runner in the garage and try it. My wife'll probably say that I am nuts but most women don't understand the attachment and affection we have with our vehicles! Thanks again...Mike

 

[waskillywabbit]

...but most women don't understand the attachment and affection we have with our vehicles! Thanks again...Mike

Glad I could help and...no, most of them have no clue!

:guitar2: