Flex 3401: A Machine of Beauty

[Hermes1]

Yesterday I finally used my new Flex 3401 and all I can say is wow, why did I wait so long?
Although I am not a pro detailer, I have a full size 1-ton dually truck, a 28' TT (soon to be traded in for a large 5th wheel) and my wife's Prius to maintain. Also, I have a defective front cap on my TT which suffers from premature oxidation. So I was looking not only for more speed, but a little more oomph than my Griot's Garage could provide. No knock against the GG, it served me well and will continue to, now set-up with 4" pads, but the forced rotation of the Flex and more ponies were too hard for me to ignore any longer.
So the oxidation has gotten really bad and it was time to tackle it since the temps here in Phoenix are now much more comfortable to work in. I started with the LC 6" Hybrid blue wool pad with 3M marine compound which removed 99% of the oxidation, more and faster than the GG. There were a few stubborn spots remaining, so I switched to the LC orange hybrid pad for those areas. Next I went to a white pad and the 3M marine polish which really cleaned things up very nicely with the best shine I have had to date. Finally, I switched to the black LC hybrid pad to apply 3 coats of Meguiars Flagship marine wax. I am under no illusion the oxidation will not rear it's ugly head in a short time, but when it does I now have the tool to handle this task quicker, which at my age and limited time is a good thing. In reality, if I planned to keep the TT, because of the poor cap, I would have it repainted by a pro RV/Truck painter, but not willing to invest the money for a short time.
I am thankful for the helpful replies to some questions I posed on this forum prior to purchase. Also, I am thankful for the Mike Phillips book which help me better understand this fine machine and become very comfortable with it right out of the gate. Mike's book is a must for any new first time owner of the Flex.

[dcjredline]

Im in the same boat with you! Just got mine a couple weeks ago and havent looked at my GG6 since. I have a 4" plate and pads for it though so I can use it still! lol

[Mike Phillips]

I am thankful for the helpful replies to some questions I posed on this forum prior to purchase.

AGO is unique from most topical forums be they detailing related or any other topic in that there are no bullies on this forum or egomaniacs. Questions are encouraged and answered in a polite and helpful manner as is the reputation of our community. And I know most other forums are not like this.

Also, I am thankful for the Mike Phillips book which help me better understand this fine machine and become very comfortable with it right out of the gate.

Mike's book is a must for any new first time owner of the Flex.

Thank you very much for your kind words and I especially appreciate that you included this in your post.

[fly07sti]

I remember answering some of your questions in another thread you posted and I'm glad it's worked out for you. Enjoy your Flex!

[Kamakaz1961]

Way cool to see that you are enjoying the Flex 3401. It is a beast of a machine and it is my favorite!!

I too have made my (PC7424XP) my mini-DA. I have set it up to accept 1" Pads all the way to 5" Pads.

Either way welcome to the Flex Force!!

Luke Skywalker

[Hermes1]

Im in the same boat with you! Just got mine a couple weeks ago and havent looked at my GG6 since. I have a 4" plate and pads for it though so I can use it still! lol

Cool. My GG6 is now fitted with the 4" plate & pads for tight areas.

Thank you very much for your kind words and I especially appreciate that you included this in your post.

You are welcome.

I remember answering some of your questions in another thread you posted and I'm glad it's worked out for you. Enjoy your Flex!

Yes your help was appreciated and thanks again. I am really looking forward to using it some more.

I too have made my (PC7424XP) my mini-DA. I have set it up to accept 1" Pads all the way to 5" Pads.

Either way welcome to the Flex Force!!

Luke Skywalker

This is what I have done. I had the GG 3" which I as others have found is under powered and of little use to me, where as the GG6 has good power so with the 4" pads I hope it to serve my needs. I may have to look into also including 1" pads to the arsenal as I already see where they would come in handy for a few applications.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Thanks for sharing Bruce. I really love my 3401 as well.