Hi from the Left Coast

[Kit]

New forum member as of today, this retired old fart is looking for input to remove oxidation and restore the finish on my 10-yr old Newmar motor home. Nick is sending me a FLEX 3401, pads & some Buff Magic & Pro Polish by Shurhold. If anyone can point me in the right direction re this issue, would appreciate it. I am located near Paso Robles, CA.

[Executive Detail]

What he sent you is a good start. It's always best to post a pic of what you're working with, when asking for advice, as some may have different advice/suggestions.

[rider9195]

Welcome! I don't have any experience with the Flex 3401 or using the Shurhold products. Hopefully some other members can chime in!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Welcome old fart. lol. I dont have any Flex experiance either.

[Meghan]

:welcome:

[BobbyG]

From one Old fart to another:

:welcome: To Autogeek Online Kit!!


I really like the Flex 3401. Initially it took some time to get used to the differences between it and my Porter Cable 7424 and there were many. Once I became comfortable I quickly realized how much of an asset the forced rotation, additional power, and ergonomic design really meant and was able to polish a panel in less time and more consistent due to the features the Flex 3401 offers...

While the Flex 3401 is my go to dual action polisher the Porter Cable 7424 is well suited for those tight areas using 4" pads and appropriate backing plate.

That said; the Porter Cable 7424 primary use is to apply sealants and waxes....

[FUNX650]

Hi and :welcome: to AGO, you ol' fart...(I reckon it's time for this ol' fart to get up now) :D

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/image005MA28787471-0005.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/39658)


:)

Bob

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to Autogeek Online!

:welcome:



this retired old fart is looking for input to remove oxidation and restore the finish on my 10-yr old Newmar motor home.

If anyone can point me in the right direction re this issue, would appreciate it. I am located near Paso Robles, CA.




Anytime you're removing oxidation you want to keep your work area to small size so that you thoroughly and uniformly remove the oxidation over the entire surface.

That is, work a section about a foot and a half square and when you're finished with this section move onto a new section and overlap a little into the previous section.

If you try to tackle to large of an area at one time, "if" you don't do a thorough job of removing all of the oxidation over that section, the big picture when you're done will be splotchy areas.

So take your time and keep your work area small.

The Flex 3401 with 6.5" pads is easier to control at higher speeds versus lower speeds so plan on running this tool around the 5 to 6 speed setting.

This tool will also teach to you to hold the pad flat because if you put pressure to any one side of the face of the pad it will feel like the tool is trying to walk away from you, walk towards you or one side or the other. Anytime you feel the tool trying to walk in a direction that's simply a sign you're not holding the pad flat so tighten up your technique.

Also, when you're removing oxidation you're going to have a lot of dead, oxidized gel-coat building up on the face of your buffing pad plus all the spent or used-up product.

You must clean your pad often or buffing will be more difficult and wiping off the residue will also be more difficult.

To clan your pad on the fly with a Flex 3401 you want to use a nylon brush like a Pad Conditioning brush shown here,


Cleaning an Optimum 3.25" Microfiber Polishing Pad (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-microfiber-polish-pad-325.html) using a Pad Conditioning Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/padtool.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1310/Project34053.jpg



I would recommend only tacking a portion of the Motorhome at at time, it will kill you to try to buff it out in one day.


:)

[Bobby B.]

Welcome to Autogeek Online!

[dad07]

:welcome: