HoLLo

iTrader: (17)

A lot of people have questioned the Harbor Freight DA and their cheap unbranded polishing pads for it. So I figured I'd share this.

The car had swirls ALL over when I got it, as if it hadn't been polished or waxed ever. The paint is in otherwise great condition. I began with a claybar, then I used a Harbor Freight DA polisher, with some cheapo Harbor Freight polishing pads. I used their "Harbor Freight" orange cutting pad with Meguiar's Ultimate Polish, then another pass with a blue polishing pad with the same polish, then finished with a black finishing pad and some Meguiar's Ultimate Synthetic Sealant. Not too bad for some cheap supplies, I must say. Total time spent: about 1 hour on claybar, about 3 hours on polishing, and maybe 45 minutes on wax.

Cole Train

iTrader: (30)

looks pretty good. How much was the polisher and pads?

HoLLo

iTrader: (17)

I know I caught a good sale when I bought it last year for cheaper, but currently the polisher is $65 and the pads are $5 each on the HarborFreight website.

The Guz

iTrader: (8)

Nice job. The G8 looks great. The polisher is on sale for $55 until 2/8. There is also a 25% off copon that you can use with it.

Stardust

Looks good, might be just what I need for my car as well without spending a ton.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Very happy with my Harbor Freight DA too. I used Adams pads and products when I did my car about a year ago, but will have to check out the Harbor Freight pads. Nice work.

JDEP162

i got the same setup and it worked well for me. im not as patient as i shud be with it, but still got good results for a begginer

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Yeah, it's a pretty intensive process. I had never done anything like it before either, so I was pretty damn sore when I was done. I did mine all in one day and I probably had a good 6 to 7 hours in it from start to finish.

JDEP162

Yeah I need to go over it all again come spring. With more patience, and more time. Trying to learn it from here and the junkmans videos helped a ton tho.

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

The HF DA polisher is a very good product.

HoLLo

iTrader: (17)

I spent some time watching some AutoGeek Youtube videos to make sure I have proper technique. Honestly, it is not hard at all. It can just be time consuming, and frustrating, and also make your back hurt after a long day of polishing.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Very true. I watched some videos as well before I put the DA on the car. This spring, I'll go over the car again with just a single stage polish and then add my Adams wax and Adams glaze. That stuff really is amazing.

2002ss335

It is always rewarding when you finish and see how much better your car looks. I use an old milk crate to sit on when I work on the sides and the front and rear. It makes it a lot easier on my back.

a98ws6

iTrader: (48)

Where do you see $55 and a 25% off coupon? All i see is $65.

Maximus23

Great job sir, I use their pads nothing wrong with them. I love harbor freight!

My only complaint about that da is that it is so damn noisy. Definitely wear ear plugs.

crimson_bird

iTrader: (4)

I'm signed up to get the coupons in the mail, the recent ones I got had this in there for 55. And I always get on my phone whenever I'm there buying stuff and pull up a 25% off code. If you google "harbor freight coupon" the first links that show up should bring you to their website coupons, the employees can take down that code at checkout for your discount.

I've been meaning to pick one up, I'll do that soon. I really need it for my cars windows and lights.

7camaro7

iTrader: (15)

Good work TR!

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for sharing! I think I just found another birthday present for my wife to get me

HoLLo

iTrader: (17)

Thanks everyone! I'm going to reapply another coat of wax, take the wheels off and thoroughly clean them, and clean all the trims, plastics, and inner fenders wells and HOPEFULLY get some HQ pics soon!

Oh hell yeah, my ears were hurting!