Seriously guys, I've imported three of these now, and I know many other folks who have done the same - Autopia is the way to go for a good deal and hassle free buying. $70 shipping is a lot, and you will pay duty if you go elsewhere.

You would say that though, as thats the company who is your supplier, and you are a trader are you not??

Forgive me, but when a trader keeps plugging one company all the time, its usually for there own benefit IMHO.

Just looking for alternatives thats all. :)

oilman

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1062

This is a good article on buying a pc.

PC
 

I followed the guide that 182 Blue gave me and the discount code.

I bought the machine from Autopia, and i cannot praise them highly enough!
You really want to think about what you want to buy to detail your car, i always used to use Swissol product, however i found that i was waxing every month or so.

I wash the car using Meguirs Gold class, rinse the car, apply the shampoo with a waffle weave mitt and the two bucket method, then i dry using a water blade and a soft 100% cotton towel.

So i now follow the Autopia guide of Clay bar if required, Klasse AIO, which can be machined on and of using the Ported Cable, Blue Sonus pad on and green microfibre off. If there is a need to take light scatches out i use the Green Sonus pad, then blue and so on.

This product is great for your windows as well, if anybody uses rain - x this works in a similar way, but it doesn't smear and it lasts a lot longer, the key here is have a perfectly clear window, so if in doubt, claybar it, just don't use it on the interior windows, it's great driving down the motorway with no wipers on !

Then use Klasse SG, you need to apply using a microfibre, and the thinner the better, and only do one panel at a time, let it stand for a good 5 minutes, after that let the car stand for a couple of hours before the next stage.

Finally, i use P21s just to give the car that "wet" look that Carnuba wax can give you.

Also, for all you guys that get polish on the plastics, use "Flash" Mark & Stain remover, you can get these from Tesco's. You just dampen the cloth and it works miracles.

To maintain your car without the hassle of waxing use Optimum Car Wax, this is a spray on 50/50 wax / synthetic, you just spray it on and microfibre off, fantastic product especially on Silver.

On the wheels I use Klasse AIO, are you getting the picture that this is a great product, make sure that your wheels are pristine and apply like normal, to wash your wheels i use a product called virosol, natural product on a 50/50 mixture, apply and let it work for 2 - 3 minutes and wash off.

Hope this helps, i am not a trader, just a car detailing nut.

Nice guide there, while you are on about supermarket products that are good for cleaning the car, I found that Silit Bang works good on getting break dust of your wheels...........

Put the AIO on the wheels and then watch the next time you clean your wheels with virosol, it's brilliant, the virosol is quite cheap and you can buy off the net for about £6 for a 5litre can, just don't tell the wife as she keeps nicking mine !!

Virosol
 

He's just giving good free advice, Autopia do the best deals on PC's, they also help you avoid tax and the service is very prompt.

Buy it from somewhere else if you think you can get a better deal with less hassle. :rolleyes:

Thanks G00ner, would just like to clarify 100% that I have no affiliation with Autopia whatsoever - I don't stock their ranges, neither do I plan to. I'm just an enthusiast offering advice based on my personal experience in this case.

just bought mine

transformer now required also!

Have a look at detailingworld.co.uk for advice on the best (cheapest) way of importing a Porter Cable 7424.

As Rich from PolishedBliss says Autopia is the best company to deal with for this, just ask about 200 members on detailing world who have imported them. Very good on import tax, usually a 3 day delivery and a good backup if anything goes wrong.

Many people me included have looked into different ways but this is the cheapest, also Screwfix for the other parts needed (transformer etc.) are also very very competitive.

Regards Rich being like Oilman, thats a bit harsh. If you visit detailingworld you will often see Rich and many of the other traders giving advice to people that often sends them to other traders for bits and pieces.

I think Rich will be first to admit that there are many other great products out there that he doesn't sell (PC 7424 included) but would recommend to people.

Rob:)

Ordered my PC last Thursday from Autopia, arrived today.
Well pleased, just need good weather now!!!!!!!!

Don't we all... 3" of snow up here just now. :(

Found Porter cable polisher available in the U.K all ready to go.... http://www.thepolishingcompany.com/foryourcar.html

Expensive but you get all the bits !

Aye, one or two other places do them too. But, they are selling illegally, as the unit isn't CE certified, and £240 is unbelievable. For example, Autopia are currently doing the basic unit for £108 delivered. Even if you bought the pads and plates in the UK (the more expensive option), you'd only be paying another £30 delivered. Add a transformer, extension cable and a plug for £46 delivered, makes a grand total of £184. What are you getting for the other £56? :wonder:

I am going to florida in june what would be my chances of tracking one of these down as it would save on carrage to the uk also what would i need for a basic setup as theres so many diffrent pads?? i will get the transformer over here due to weight.

on the U.S e-bay site these are sold for about 60 quid!! they also deliver to the uk but for an extra 40 quid

thanks in advance

Justin

Hi Justin, well here is a plug - my US supplier is Classic Motoring Accessories in Tampa, Florida - they sell the PC7424 unit, plus all the pads/plates on my site. The price will be reasonable, and the service good. I'm going to visit them in June myself! Check out their website...

www.properautocare.com

great stuff thanks - I just need to figure out what pads to get as theres so many!!

regards

Justin

Lake Country 6.5" pads are great for the inexperienced - 1 x orange light cut, 2 x white polishing, 1 x black glazing, 1 x 6" backing plate is a good starter kit. :)

Right, got my PC, transformer polish and pads(SFX)
Any advise on what pad to use and when?