Hello,

I'm determined to start detailing my car, so I want to buy the required equipment. My budget isn't super-high (I'm a student) but I want the RIGHT things... my question (and I have searched SO much without an unequivocal answer) is, WHAT DO I NEED TO BUY? and

1) more specifically, PorterCable or Ultimate Detailing Machine?

2) Is Autogeek.net a good site to buy from?

Suggestions for polishes would be great too but I can do the research on that one..

 

I would go with the UDM. I have it and love it. I have never had a PC7424, but the UDM is right in the same price range and it has more power.

Autogeek is a good site. If you're going for the UDM, you could also check out http://www.autopia-carcare.com. David B from autopia is the person who designed the UDM.

As far as polishes (assuming you mean real polishes not sealants) I like Menzerna. If you are a student and on a budget, I would also check out Optimum.

 

Go with the UDM. Faster and better.

Go with poorboys, optimum, menzerna

I seen some Brand new UDM going for cheap and Ebay.

 

UDM for sure, its a much better deal at this point, if I didn't already have a PC, I would pick up a UDM in a heartbeat. As for polishes, I use Optimum because of its nondusting characteristics and ability to be able to be used in the sun. It also has a long work time that is good for beginners

 

I just picked up the UDM w/polishing kit and the menzerna compounds. Never machine buffed before but got the hang of it pretty quickly and the UDM was easy to use. Followed it off with some 4* UPP sealant for my BS coupe.

If you're new to it, i'd suggest taking a look at the autogeek videos of them removing swirl marks etc. That, and some of picus's threads here (see care and detailing sticky) will give you an idea of what you're doing. Search youtube for autogeek.

 

Here's the link

http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video.html