Griot's Kit as advertised in MC2

[DaveTinNY]

I received the kit that's being advertised in the latest MC2 Magazine which includes the Professional Random Orbital. Looks like a really nice product. Can't wait to use it. Anyone else have any experience with it? I've never used one of these units before but I watched the DVD and it looks relatively simple. Fortunately I've got experience with power tools doing woodworking.

I know the MINI's finish isn't wood so I shall be careful...

[Silverbullit]

I would like to know how you like it after you use it a time or two. I have been wanting to get the same kit but I've never used one and I'm afraid I'm going to mess up the finish on my MINI as well as my other cars. The ad makes it sound easy.

[Loony2N]

I told my son I would restore his 1991 Saturn, which was last washed, I think, in 2000. I plan to use it as a test mule. If you don't have a test vehicle, maybe a neighbor would be thrilled at your offer....

p.s. I don't have the Griot's machine, but, the principle still applies.

[SLOTKAR]

I've been using their orbital and polishes for 10+ years with great results.

I recommend their orange pad with machine polish 3 your first time and you'll do fine. Mask off the plastic trim as their polish will accumulate in the texture.

If you received their detailing handbook give that a quick read for good tips.

[kenchan]

i have griot's master care package that they put together for me and
then some. it's good stuff.

it's super easy to use and great results. check out my gallery for
picts of my G and MCS. they both use griot's.

[03Indigo]

Griots used to use a Porter Cable machine, now they changed to a different machine....not sure who makes it, but they badge it as their own. I had a PC from them for years, excellent quality. I recently replaced it with a new PC with a new one since I broke my old one...the Porter Cable did not fail, I was careless with it.

I wonder about the change in the type of buffer from Griots. Time will tell weather the knock off buffer will last like a Porter Cable.

Otherwise, Griots has some great products.

[MLPearson79]

Yeah I don't think you can really go wrong with Griot's stuff. I still prefer Prima stuff but if I were going to use carnauba based things, I would go with Griot's.

[juaclark]

Prior to my MCS and the wife's E39 (both silver), we owned a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 ext cab, and a LR Disco II (both black). At purchase (I always buy second hand), both vehicles paint finishes looked horrible, though repairable. Using the Griots Porter Cable R.O. polisher and whatever grade of polish necessary (1-3), the cars came out looking better than new. Even at nearly 10 years old, the Tacoma looked brand new after its annual polishing. I found that the number 2 polish was what I used 90% of the time. Number 3 yielded very little finish improvement, and #1 was usually too course for a touch up job. I have used their products, including their Best of Show wax for the past seven years, and don't see myself using anything else at this point. The Best of Show gives phenominal results, and cleans off of black plastic parts easily if not allowed to cure for extended periods. Its only down side is that is doesn't last that long. I have to reapply every two to three months for full effect, but then I don't like going longer than that without touching the cars anyway.

Prior to finding the Griots products I had tried every locally available polish and even the 3M products and found them all to be either ineffectual or simply too much work for the results.

I wouldn't be too concerned about finding a trial vehicle to learn how to use the polisher. It is nearly impossible to damage the finish using it with the Griots pad and polish. Just start with a clean pad and car. You can even hold teh polisher in one spot with a heavy hand without risk. I actually do this sometimes to help deminish deeper scratches.