I've just ordered the Porter-Cable 7336 from Lowes. Now I understand that I need a new backing plate, a wrench?, and pads. I'd like to order them all from the same place, in a kit if possible. I'd also like to be able to order some Four Star UPP at the same time to save on shipping. From what I can tell, ExcelDetail doesn't have any available right now. Also from what I can tell, Autopia carries things in kits just for the 7424? If I'm mistaken, please let me know. I'd like to get these ordered today and hopefully receive in time to do my car over the weekend. Any suggestions?

 

Hi Theresa, as you know, the 7336 comes with a 6" CW and the 7424 comes with a 5" CW. To use the 5" BP requires the 5" CW and after a quick search, I came up with this one. I swear there were a few places that used to carry them. Here's a link for Coastal Tool and they have the 7424 for $119 + shipping. Just check it out. The wrench is included in the kit.

As far as pad kits go, there are several choices; Autopia (as you mentioned), PAC and they do carry 4 Star products, Danase and Superior Car Care (no 4 Star). Unfortunately, exceldetail's inventory runs out quickly.

Hope this helps a little......

 

That helps a lot. I've already ordered the 7336, and was looking at where to buy the 5" counter weight to change it over to a 5" backing plate. You steered me in the right direction there. Now, my only dilemma is where to buy the Torx wrench to change it?? I'm ordering the pads from ExcelDetail (because they're $2.00/each cheaper than Augogeek) as well as the 5" counter weight, the backing plate from AutoGeek (because ExcelDetail is out of stock), but will still need the wrench.

 

You can get a set of torx screwdrivers or a single one at almost any hardware store i.e. Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, OSH, Harbor Freight etc. like the ones pictured below or something similar. I don't know the exact size.

 

I also bought the 7336 at a Lowe's store. Mine came with the wrench to change backing plates.

Look through the box. The wrench is pretty thin.

 

Thanks for your input BRH, it's not the backing plate wrench that's in question. She's referring to the CW which is held in place by two torx screws. A torx driver is not included with the PC.




Theresa, you need a T15 driver. Here's a Screwdriver/Nutdriver set available at Sears and contains 5/16 and 1/4 in. nut drivers, #1 and #2 Phillips, 1/4 and 3/16 slotted, #10 and #15 TORX, #1 and #2 square recess tip screwdrivers.

 

I have a full compliment of backing plates......

 

Yes, I did find after a second look that you did have the backing plate. I must have missed that in my first look. I did end up placing my order yesterday with you. Thanks again!

And, just confirmed with my husband on the phone that we do, indeed, have two sets of Torx wrenches. Thanks Hawyen for your help.

 

Glad to be of help and have fun detailing when you get your equipment and accessories in. If you get a chance, do post some pics and what you used.

Also, outstanding customer service from Exceldetail ..... Thanks, Patrick.

 

Question:

I have purchased the PC 7336 as well. I understand that I have to change to a 5" counterweight if I want to switch to a 5" BP.

I have found a 6" BP from DAS. Is this correct? and do I need to change the weight if I use this 6" DAS Plate

 

No, the 6" BP will work with the 7336. You can also refer to this link to determine what size pad will appropriately fit various BP. It also shows manufacturers pad colors and it's degree of agressiveness.

 

I thought that the 7336 CW was the "ideal" CW for the DA ??

 

Vic, if you're referring to the use of the 6" CW in the 7424, I would have to say yes. From the comments I've read, with that CW you can stilll use a 5" pad without any adverse effects. Along with the 6" BP you can use up to 7.5" pad. With the 4" spot pads, I'm not positive about which CW is to be used.

 

everything you need to know about the porter cable random orbital buffer:

http://www.roadfly.com/magazine/7/po..._buffer.2.html

I bought pads from http://www.properautocare.com/ (mostly because I wanted the Big Blue Towel II, it's amazing).

haven't tried out the pads yet; hopefully in a few weekends.

 

Porter Cable For Beginners is a better read and written by the same author, Steve Litscher. The article covers the same subject matter including a "How To Use" tutorial. I wished he made note of the different manufacturers and their respective pad colors instead of LC. That would have been helpful purely for informative purposes.