RUPES 15mkII and iBrid Nano

[IvanQG]

Hello all,

I've got some questions and hopefully I can also get some opinions and or input.

A little background on my detailing experience. I only work on our own cars, nothing for hire. Bought a Meguiars g110 DA in 2009 but had no idea what I was doing, did not see results and so it was put away for years. Fast forward to 2014 and I began to look into learning the process of proper paint polishing mostly through Ammo NY and Larry K's videos. Based on this knowledge I was able to cut, and polish the black paint on my Mustang. The results this time were satisfactory and I knew I was headed in the right path.

At at this point I'd like to take it one step further and invest into what seems to me two quality machines, RUPES 15MKII and also the iBrid Nano based on reading up on them. The latter for those areas I haven't been able to get with the 5" MF pads.

With all of that said, my question is am I wasting the 15mkII's full potential by using Meguiars 105 and 205 or D300 and Meguiars MF pads? Or are RUPES MF pads the way to go? Also how do RUPES foam pads compare with their MF pads, what's the practical difference between the two?

My plan this time around will be to use 105 where necessary (have polished the car three different times now and each time it's been easier than the last.) then 205, then something after 205 (any suggestions?), then Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant 3.0 (two coats?)and top it off with P21. The car is a '94 and occasionally driven (about 500 miles a year) and is garage kept.

Anyhow id appreciate any input and hopefully some answers to my questions.

[B5visser]

Rupes makes incredible tools, but part of what makes the tools so effective is the fact that they're designed within a system. Mike Phillips has an entire book talking about the Rupes system, which is a great tool to add to your polishers if you are to buy them.

That being said, Rupes tools will work with ANY numerous combos, but you are the one doing the experimenting (pads, liquids, etc). Rupes pads and polishes are top notch and work REALLY well within their designed "system." I know Rupes recently redesigned their MF pads, without adhesive, which really has me intrigued.

I know many Griots BOSS users and XFE owners like myself have used the rupes pads with great results as well.

Grabbing a 15mkII and an iBrid is a great start! Let us know how they work for you!

[asap2stacks]

If your just doing your own vehicles why waste the money on such expensive machines


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline

[IvanQG]

Yes that's one of the things I've read, using all components as a system, but like you mentioned different combinations of pads, liquids and other variables can essentially lead to similar results. I'm a bit leery of RUPES MF pads given the multiple bad reviews/posts regarding failure. I may just go ahead and buy the Rupes MF pads and use them my self, hopeful the problems have been addressed.

I'll post photos and my impressions too when I'm able to use the system.

[IvanQG]

If your just doing your own vehicles why waste the money on such expensive machines


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline

I try to buy quality tools if they're within the budget. I've used the DA mentioned in opening post, dewalt DWP849X rotary, and my friends Griots $149 DA, and while those can reasonably do the job, non of them can do what the nano would do. The 15MKII would be a big step up and from what I've read it's about as smooth as a da gets.

[VISITOR]

if you're looking into a long-throw DA consider the BOSS G15/21 with the extras at no additional cost...

Griots Garage BOSS G15/G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher Free Bonus! **LIMITED TIME PROMOTION**

[PaulMys]

IMO, there is no down side to upgrading to a quality polisher like the Rupes.

Like you, I only do my own vehicles. What I have found is this: Get the best you can afford, experiment with different combos, and have fun.

There is no such thing as "wasting money" if you enjoy the end game.