Beginner 7424xp Setup

E92Carrera · 05-07-2011, 11:37 AM

Hey Guys,

Thinking about getting a PC 7424xp but I don't know where to start. I need suggestions on which pads, polishes, etc to get. Being a complete beginner with a RO I would want if possible a kit that's suited for the beginner.

Not really looking at removing deep swirls, just the occasional swirl I see and really use it to polish. Or if you suggest I buy the PC and pick up the pads and polishes separate then let me know what you suggest I should get.

Thanks

jopa489 · 05-07-2011, 02:10 PM

There are kits you can buy like this one from DI. However, I personally believe the 5.5" pads are better suited for the PCXP (you could also grab 4" ones for tight areas if you want).

Light green, white, and black LC pads should be all you need if you're not doing hardcore paint correction and just looking to keep the paint swirl-free. Ordering two pads of each color you plan on using can save you some time. For polish, go with M205 or Menzerna PO106FA.

With SG paint, you could do a one-step with either of those polishes using the white pad. Or perhaps a two-step using the light green and black pad if you need a little more cut and want a finish closer to perfection.

digital01 · 05-07-2011, 03:34 PM

I'd go with CCS 5.5" pads with a 5" backing plate. This is what I'm using currently with my setup and its just big enough where you can still get large areas without overworking, yet small enough to make passes over the smaller surface areas. Also, with the 6" counterweight, vibration is little to none.

In regards to pads, I'd go ahead and invest in at least 1 of all the different colors (i believe theres 8 total), as you'll probably need them at one point or another. There are usually package deals on them, so you'll save money by getting them all at once.

Polish-wise, id def. get a bottle of Menzerna PO85RD, as you'll probably use that most often. I went with that and a bottle of Super Intensive Polish by Mezerna as well. Both really good Products.

Sealant wise, I went with Blackfire. Very easy to apply and remove, and it provides great protection. Technically you don't need a wax on top of the sealant, but if you want the extra pop, go with whatever wax you want. I went with Chemical Guys XXX as it was cheaper, and I heard it was one of the "best bang for the buck" waxes out there.

With what I just listed above, you should be good to remove medium to light surface scratches/swirls and provide an ample amount of protection to your paint after doing so.

I've purchased a lot of my stuff from Detailedimage.com. They have a 10% discount for us e90post members (e90post is the discount code), so I'd definitely check them out before anyone else. They also ship very fast, and they are an active member on these forums, so if you ever have any questions you can always ask them prior to purchasing.

BTW, you'll also need some quality microfiber towels for removing wax/polish. Go with the DI microfiber towels from detailedimage.com. Good price. They have a lot of package deals for starters, so I'd look at those prior to purchasing (towel packages/buffer packages/etc).

DetailAddict · 05-07-2011, 03:38 PM

pc + hydro pads + menz 106FA/85RD

also pm'd u as well...

Bobble · 05-09-2011, 11:58 AM

You'll also need more than one of each pad to properly polish otherwise you'll need to clean them half way thru. Personally I'd say 3 orange and white(typical polishing pads) two black(light polish or glaze) and one blue for the sealant to start. You can add more or others later on. Usually best deals are for six packs of pads so if cost is an issue maybe 2 orange 2 white 1 black 1 blue to start and add extras later.

05-07-2011, 11:37 AM	#1
E92Carrera First Lieutenant 14 Rep 335 Posts Drives: Black Sapphire E92 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	Beginner 7424xp Setup Hey Guys, Thinking about getting a PC 7424xp but I don't know where to start. I need suggestions on which pads, polishes, etc to get. Being a complete beginner with a RO I would want if possible a kit that's suited for the beginner. Not really looking at removing deep swirls, just the occasional swirl I see and really use it to polish. Or if you suggest I buy the PC and pick up the pads and polishes separate then let me know what you suggest I should get. Thanks __________________ 2014 F30 Estoril Blue 335i - M-Sport - Euro Delivery 2011 E92 Space Gray - M-Sport - Euro Delivery 2008 E92 Black Sapphire - Black Interior - Aluminum Trim
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05-07-2011, 02:10 PM	#2
jopa489 Major General 127 Rep 6,594 Posts Drives: Anything with Wheels Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	There are kits you can buy like this one from DI. However, I personally believe the 5.5" pads are better suited for the PCXP (you could also grab 4" ones for tight areas if you want). Light green, white, and black LC pads should be all you need if you're not doing hardcore paint correction and just looking to keep the paint swirl-free. Ordering two pads of each color you plan on using can save you some time. For polish, go with M205 or Menzerna PO106FA. With SG paint, you could do a one-step with either of those polishes using the white pad. Or perhaps a two-step using the light green and black pad if you need a little more cut and want a finish closer to perfection. __________________ X7 LCI // Incoming C7 ZR1 ZTK // Sebring + TRX // Hydro + Raptor Gen1 Roush // Tuxedo
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05-07-2011, 03:34 PM	#3
digital01 Search or ban. 32 Rep 364 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (5)	I'd go with CCS 5.5" pads with a 5" backing plate. This is what I'm using currently with my setup and its just big enough where you can still get large areas without overworking, yet small enough to make passes over the smaller surface areas. Also, with the 6" counterweight, vibration is little to none. In regards to pads, I'd go ahead and invest in at least 1 of all the different colors (i believe theres 8 total), as you'll probably need them at one point or another. There are usually package deals on them, so you'll save money by getting them all at once. Polish-wise, id def. get a bottle of Menzerna PO85RD, as you'll probably use that most often. I went with that and a bottle of Super Intensive Polish by Mezerna as well. Both really good Products. Sealant wise, I went with Blackfire. Very easy to apply and remove, and it provides great protection. Technically you don't need a wax on top of the sealant, but if you want the extra pop, go with whatever wax you want. I went with Chemical Guys XXX as it was cheaper, and I heard it was one of the "best bang for the buck" waxes out there. With what I just listed above, you should be good to remove medium to light surface scratches/swirls and provide an ample amount of protection to your paint after doing so. I've purchased a lot of my stuff from Detailedimage.com. They have a 10% discount for us e90post members (e90post is the discount code), so I'd definitely check them out before anyone else. They also ship very fast, and they are an active member on these forums, so if you ever have any questions you can always ask them prior to purchasing. BTW, you'll also need some quality microfiber towels for removing wax/polish. Go with the DI microfiber towels from detailedimage.com. Good price. They have a lot of package deals for starters, so I'd look at those prior to purchasing (towel packages/buffer packages/etc). __________________ '06 325i Black // iDrive // Cold Weather Pkg // Terra Dakota Leather // Lux 5.1 AE LED // Comfort Access // Premium Pkg // Ray's Sebring 19x8.5 & 19x9.5 w/ 245.35.19 - Mich. PS2 & 275.30.19 - Conti. SportContact2 // Front Bumper Splitters // MSD Air Scoops
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05-07-2011, 03:38 PM	#4
DetailAddict Captain 42 Rep 976 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clara, CA iTrader: (10)	pc + hydro pads + menz 106FA/85RD also pm'd u as well...
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05-09-2011, 11:58 AM	#5
Bobble Major 56 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Whatever POS the wife leaves Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	You'll also need more than one of each pad to properly polish otherwise you'll need to clean them half way thru. Personally I'd say 3 orange and white(typical polishing pads) two black(light polish or glaze) and one blue for the sealant to start. You can add more or others later on. Usually best deals are for six packs of pads so if cost is an issue maybe 2 orange 2 white 1 black 1 blue to start and add extras later.
	Appreciate 0 Quote