Just bought a Flex

[BluePowder]

Hi,

I just purchased a Flex 3401. I have not used any kind of machine polisher before.
I have a 1995 Red 3000GT VR4 that has some oxidization that I want to correct.

Been doing some reading and it seems that an AIO is a good choice to remove oxidization. I am just not sure which pads to use? Bear in mind I'm a beginner!

I've seen some recommendations on a wool pad. Would this be ok for a beginner?

Thanks for any advice you can give.
Nick

[BluePowder]

Also, I've seen a lot of people using the smaller backing plate. What are the benefits to this? I assume to get in to smaller areas. But the smaller pads seem cheaper too, which might save money?

[ShineTimeDetail]

Sell it..

[Mike Phillips]

Sell it.



Really?


:dunno:

[john b]

Hi,

I just purchased a Flex 3401. I have not used any kind of machine polisher before.
I have a 1995 Red 3000GT VR4 that has some oxidization that I want to correct.

Been doing some reading and it seems that an AIO is a good choice to remove oxidization. I am just not sure which pads to use? Bear in mind I'm a beginner!

I've seen some recommendations on a wool pad. Would this be ok for a beginner?

Thanks for any advice you can give.
Nick
i would probably go with optimum poly seal or optimum gps and no wool pads unless you got some junk panels to practice on.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi,

I just purchased a Flex 3401. I have not used any kind of machine polisher before.
I have a 1995 Red 3000GT VR4 that has some oxidization that I want to correct.



That is a very cool car, when they first came out I was drooling over them...

Do you have a picture of it?





Been doing some reading and it seems that an AIO is a good choice to remove oxidization. I am just not sure which pads to use? Bear in mind I'm a beginner!


If you just want to do a one-step process then a good one-step cleaner/wax also called an AIO is a great way to go, I would recommend taking a look at XMT 360 if the paint is not too badly oxidized.

See what I did to this severely oxidized Toyota Highlander using tools no where near as efficient as the Flex 3401


KISS Detail - Extreme Makeover - Toyota Highlander (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/30979-kiss-detail-extreme-makeover-toyota-highlander.html)





I've seen some recommendations on a wool pad. Would this be ok for a beginner?

Thanks for any advice you can give.
Nick

If your 3000 GT only has light oxidation you'll get a better finish using a foam pad.

The backing plate that comes with the Flex 3401 is 5.5" in diameter so you can safely use 6.5" pads with it and we carry a a whole slew of 6.5" pads.

I would look at the Lake Country open cell Flat Pads, you can probably do the job with 2-3 white polishing pads.

6.5" Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/vcpad.html)


:)

[Mike Phillips]

You can see some multiple step process being done tomorrow night using the Flex 3401 on a very curvy red 1948 Cadillac and watch from the comfort of your home.

I can have Yancy bring the boom camera in for some close shots as I'll be teaching a couple of guys new to machine polishing how to use the Flex 3401 with 5" pads.

See this thread,


New 5" Hybrid Pads on Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/52715-new-5-hybrid-pads-flex-3401-a.html)



Here's the new 5" Hybrid Pads that fit the 4" backing plate adapter for the Flex 3401 or any 4" backing plate for rotary buffers.

We'll be using these pads on this week's Live Video Broadcast.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/5inchHydroPads001.jpg



Check it out...

Thursday, June 12th starting at 5:00pm

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/LIVE-feed-button-banner.jpg (http://www.palmbeachmotoring.net/showcargarage/livefeed.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1325/1948Cadillac01.jpg


:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

Also...

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:


The forum where all the action and fun people are...



Im the MAN Im the MAN Im the MAN Im the MAN Im the MAN

[BluePowder]

Thank you for the answers, Mike. Much appreciated. I'll be sure to post a few pics of the VR4, hopefully some good before and afters.

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online Nick!

The Flex 3401 is an amazing machine and one I'll never be without. It's engineering and build quality is unsurpassed and "the" machine all others are compared to...

The Flex 3401 is right at home with 6 1/2" pads. Its powerful motor combined with forced rotation reduces correction times and you won't have to worry about applying just the right pressure to keep the pad rotating....

The Flex 3401 http://www.detailcity.org/forums/images/smilies/yourock.gif

[DEXTERITY]

I dont want to highjack the thread. However, I was considering buying a flex also so I figured I would mention it here instead of starting a new thread.

I assume the flex is ok for beginners. My car is new and in great condition my wifes car is not and has some scratch marks.

What type of pads, polishes, etc should I buy to use with the flex?

I will search some other threads to find answers to my many other questions I have. I am use to doing the basics such as claying and applying a sealant. I have no idea where to start with the flex or how it works into the every 4 to 5 month clay, seal process.

I feel like I will be stepping into another world with the flex and would hate to jack up my new ride lol. I plan on practicing on the wifes car lol.

Thanks in advance.

[BobbyG]

While the Flex 3401 is somewhat larger than the Porter Cable 7424 style polisher but it's easy to operate and has no more of a learning curve than its smaller counterpart.

The Flex 3401 works well with both the 6 1/2" and 5 1/2" pads providing you use the appropriate backing plate.

You'll use the exact same compounds, polishes, cleaners' sealants, and waxes as you would with any other polisher...

Strictly products

Wash - Duragloss #901 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-car-wash-concentrate.html)
Clay - Meguiar’s Clay (http://www.autogeek.net/megovclay.html)
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-powergloss-compound.html) (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-po203.html) (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-nano-polish-po-106-fa-finishing-polish.html) (PO106FA)
1-Step - Duragloss 501 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-marine-rv-polish--501.html)
Sealant -Duragloss 105 TPP (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html)
Duragloss 601 Bonding Agent (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish-bonding-agent.html)
Wax - Collinite 845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-spray-wax.html)
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser (http://www.autogeek.net/mg10801.html)
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL (http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html)
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-tire-trim-guard.html)
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiar-s-wheel-brightener.html)
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html)
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/mg12001.html)
Glass Treatment - Aquapel (http://www.autogeek.net/rain-repellent.html)
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean (http://www.autogeek.net/128oz-optimum-power-clean-apc.html)
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40 (http://www.autogeek.net/mg40128.html)
Chrome & Stainless Steel - BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Metal Acrylic Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-all-metal-sealant.html)

[DEXTERITY]

Thanks Bobby!

[BluePowder]

Thanks BobbyG, appreciate the info.

So the white pads will be enough? I'll probably get a couple of orange pads and a couple of greys too. The grey is best for applying sealer/wax?

[BluePowder]

Here are a couple of pics of the red rocket. I daily drove it for about 7 years. Most reliable car I've owned believe it or not.
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