Which products should I buy?

[1carguy]

I own a number of show cars that my Detailer takes care of for me. He does a great job, but I would like to try my hand at detailing the exteriors prior to shows.

Most of the cars have lacquer paint while several have clear coat. They stay inside my air conditioned toy garage except for 1-2 trips per year where they are loaded on an enclosed trailer and taken to a show. They are never driven other than on and off the trailer.

I have a Flex orbital buffer. What product and buffing pads would you recommend for swirl removal, polish, wax, etc.

Thanks

[JeffM]

I suggest you practice on your daily driver first as your show cars sound pretty nice.

[rbss]

Why not ask you detailer what he has been using to maintain the cars? what pads do you have for your Flex? How much experience do you have using the Flex? Do you have any polishes or compounds on hand?

[1carguy]

I have no experience with the Flex. It is new in the box. I did use a Porter Cable once and a while prior to buying the Flex. (1-2 times/year) My understanding is that an orbital will allow a novice to play without causing damage. I have 3 pads that came with the Flex. I have polishes and compounds but would prefer to start over with new. We have used the Blackfire line, but I am totally open to changing should there be something better.

[ducksfan]

The general consesus from past threads is to use the Lake Country Hybrid pads. The thin pads are new. I don't know how they compare on the 3401.

[rbss]

Watch this video this will help you get familiar with the machine and some products recommended to use with it.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/70233-how-use-flex-3401-dual-action-polisher.html


I would pick up the 4inch backing plate to use with the 5 inch hybrid pads.

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xc3401-backing-plates.html)

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish 5 Inch Foam Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/5-inch-hybrid-pads.html)


Products I like to use.

Menzerna 400 and SF3500

Pinnacle advanced swirl remover, and advanced finishing polish

Meguairs M105,M205(Some substitute M105 with M100 because of the longer working time)