Also a correction on 95SLE'* post for anyone looking for the Porter Cable at Lowes; I'm pretty sure the model (that'* where I got mine) would be 7336. That and the 7424 are the same machine, just with a different counterweight (which doesn't really matter which you have).

There are deals out there on the PC 7336. Exact same machine. Here is one on eBay without the side handle.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Porter-Cable-733...QQcmdZViewItem

Expect to spend another 50 to 100 on backing plate, pads, and polish to get started.

EWC88
Our intent is not to scare you with high costs but to help you take care of your Bonneville’* finish. Since you are just starting out with exterior maintenance I would suggest the Mothers 3 step car care system. This system works, is not that expensive and has terrific results. I will put one caveat here and if you want to try a claybar, highly recommended, the Mothers claybar package is top notch as well.

You can read up on the product offerings at this link.


http://www.mothers.com/products/

California Gold®
Pre-Wax Cleaner–Step 1

California Gold®
Sealer & Glaze–Step 2

California Gold®
Pure Carnauba Wax–Step 3

California Gold® Clay Bar System

California Gold® Car Wash

Expect to spend from 49 to 58 for the products above, You may have savings if your local Walmart carries them.

I used the Mothers 3 step system for over 12 years and will vouch for the product line. It is at the top of the list for products that you can buy at your local auto parts stores and Walmart.

Ok that isn't really expensive, I mean I want the best so you get what you want for the price, and when it comes to the car it doesn't matter!!! Do you think my orbital is ok? or get a different kind??

ECW98: I have sort of bit my tongue waiting to reply to this to see how other people answered but I am going to put in my 2 cents because I think the advice given may not be the best for you.

In my opinion the best thing for you to do would be to sort of forget all about using the orbital buffer and to clean your car by hand. Yes this may be a step backwards from modern technology, but it is tried and true.

For years I used a very similar method as to what I am going to tell you to do in the rest of the post. It worked well not only for me but when I detailed car'* for other people/customers.

Wash: Any of the mothers or meguiars car washes will work just fine. Other than smell you wont notice a huge difference between them. (so if you cant decide pick the one you like the smell of better ) I would suggest a sheep skin mit, you can get them at walmart or similar for under 10 bucks. To dry the car, I prefer a nice chamous but others like the absorber or similar products.

Clay bar: I currently prefer the mothers clay bar (~14 at walmart) over the meguiars. I have also heard good things about the blue clay magic bar (autozone~10). Either way this is one step I dont think you should skip. It will make all the following steps much easier and the smoothness of your paint will be something that you will love.

Cleaning/polishing/waxing: For this I am going to agree with 95SLE and say either the mothers or meguiars 3 step systems. I have used both many times and will say I prefer the mothers system based on ease of use and results. I think it goes on easier and comes off easier. Either will do a very nice job. Foam or microfiber applicators will be the best for applying. Again that is your choice as to which one you use. I prefer foam.

Removing the above stuff I would suggest microfiber towels. (if you are a member of costco or BJ'* you can get packs of 25 for ~15 bucks if I remember correctly).

Remember this is only MY OPINION. it may be right, it may be wrong but it will clean your car up nicely and shouldn't be too much work or money. Figure that once you have the initial costs down the products should last you atleast a year or two before having to consider buying more.

I dont think you should justify another 100+ for a random orbital buffer or any similar product until you are comfortable cleaning your car by hand. As you get comfortable and feel that you could do more for the paint of your car but your products limit you, that is when the buffer talk should begin. At the same time, you may find yourself more than satisfied with the results you get from the above, and never want to go any further.

Just my 2 cents on the topic.

Thanks alot for that, one question, For the claybar, wax, and polish...If I do it by hand do I just squrt it onto the car? or on w.e I'm using to whip it down with?

And if I'm using a orbital do I put those product on the pads??? Thats were I'm mostly lost right now

The clay bar: When you buy a clay bar you will have a bar of clay and a bottle of quick detailer. You will open the bar of clay, break it in half, and nead it until it fits on your fingers nicely with a flat side out. Then spray generous amounts of quick detailer onto a 2'x2' area and rub the bar arcross the surface applying light/medium pressure. You will be able to hear the bar removing what is on the surface and you will began to feel the bar sliding more smoothly. When you have gone over that section enough that it is clean, grab your towel and wipe the quick detailer off. It should leave you with a dry and glassy smooth surface. Contine around the car. You should do the hood, roof, and trunk first. Then the upper halfs of the doors and the fenders. Then all the glass, headlights and tail lights. Then go around and do the bottom half of the car. Be generous with the quick detailer.

the cleaner, polish, wax: You will apply a dime sized drop to the pad and spread it across the surface of the paint in back and forth motions. It does not have to be thick. Remember that the cleaner and polish are there to clean and polish so when you do the 2x2 area, you should go over it multiple times before wiping it off. If there isn;t enough product and the pad sticks, add more. Then wipe it off with w.e you are using to wipe off.

IMO...ignore the buffer for now.

Ok thanks that clears everything up mostly for me right now

Honestly, dont be afraid to ask even the simplest questions. We all start somewhere. We are here to help, and I am sure that if you were close to most people on the forum that they would be willing to teach you in person. If I still lived in philly, it would be a lot closer and a lot more possible for that to happen.

Yes, Claybar =

I would get the meguiars because mine came with two bars, so you can get like 2,3 or maybe 4 uses out of the whole kit...