MY FLEX Fling and review

[Ray in Kingwood]

My Friday afternoon and Saturday with the The Flex 3401.



First off I washed it well with a lambwool mid and Mothers deep sudsing shampoo utilizing the 2bucket method and grit guards. Then I made up a 3 gallon buket of sudsy solution as a lubricant and using the saturated mitt I clayed the entire vehicle. I first started off with the yellow bar of Mothers from the kit, but it was too fine and took tot damn long. So I went with a purple clay I had purchased and it worked wonderfully and required a lot of lubricant so as not to drag. Then I did a rinse and blew it off with the lleafblower.

Then per the advice on the detailing forums, I used a white pad and went straight with the Menzerna Final polish to level the paint. My paint was relatively new with no swirls and in good condition so I bypassed the Super Intensive Polish and went straight to the Final Polish.

Using the techniques I read on the detailing forums I first misted my white pad with XMC pad conditioner and put a a couple of dime sized product on the pad. Started on 1 to spread the product over a 2 by 2 area, sped things up to 6 and made a double overlapping pass, and slowed to 3 till the polish broke down exactly as I saw in the videos on Youtube.

I then buffed off the product utilizing a microfiber towel turning frequently.

Once this was completed, I had to chase down 4 asperin with a beer cuz doggone it......all this bending and wiping got my old wrinkled butt sore. So, another quick Hieniken and I washed the entire vehicle again prior to LSP sealant. I know some washed and some did not after polishing, I just felt a good wash would get rid of all traces of polish leftovers. Then it was a blowjob with the leafblower, a wipe down with MF to get rid of grrrrr damn water spots..

Final sealant I applied with the machind and a microfiber applicator for the places I could not reach with the machine. I applied using the GREY pad. Once again first dampening with XMC pad conditioner as this was a new pad. I used Wolfgangs Deep Gloss paint sealant. After application, I let it dry for 3 Heinikens and now the asperin has kicked in so I feel better.
Buffed it all off by hand with a MF towel. It came off really easy and looked fine so I saw no need to use the machine.


Here is an overalll view of the Tahoe.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6785.jpg

I went back after this pic and wiped off the polish just above the handle. Thats what it was, I thought it was a swirl in the paint..

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6792.jpg

Nice reflection off of drivers door.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6790.jpg

Same goes for the passenger side

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6788.jpg

See the spots in the pic?

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6787.jpg

and the spots in this one! Grrrrrrr I went back and looked, wiped and double checked......not a single spot on the panel. Then I realized.......it was on the camera, the body and the lens. I had some spots on in from the Wolfgangs ....doggone it..So I wiped it clean, and Voila! check out the next few. ( I blame the Heinikens at this point ;) )

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6789.jpg

These next two show how well the hood came out....

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6784.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6791.jpg

And finally an overall shot of the vehicle. Now remember, I have only sealed this with the Wolfgangs sealant. It requires at least 12 hours to cure. I will let it cure a few days and then WAX. I have NOT waxed this truck yet. The difference from stock paint to this is astounding. I would like to thank all you fellers for the tips and techniques I would never have learned on my own. I am well pleased with the results so far.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd221/Bosko_Biati/Tahoe/IMG_6786.jpg

My experience with the Flex 3401

I bought this unit based on the reviews I had read on the detailing forums on the net. I cannot compare it to a rotary as I had not used one, nor a pc for that matter. I find this to be a well engineered product that performs its intended function quite well. Some feel its pricey, personally I think cheap tools are very expensive, and a quality tool results in a quality job done. I found I did not like holding the tool at 12 and 6 oclock as it came configured and opted instead for the handle. MUCH better and easier to control. I like the soft start so that you dont fling product all over the vehicle. As I was about 35 feet from my garage, I made sure I had provided the flex with plenty of electrons using a 10 guage extension cord with a gfi just in case II happened to spill a Heiny.

Overall I am quite pleased with my purchase of the Flex and feel it was worth the $$$. This is my very first detail of a vehicle and so far I am happy with the results. I suspect it will look even better with a good coat of premium wax...

.....but that is next weekend. ;)

So there iit is fella's, hope you enjoyed the review.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/classic-motoring/Flex3401VRGCarPolisher.jpg

:righton::buffing::buffing::buffing::buffing:Im the MAN

[med]

Nice job. Looks great!

[ScottB]

time to pass it around, and let us all take a turn !! (j/k)

[angrypressmn]

Ray: Great job & review of flex pictures look great (like that "flexfuel"on back nice touch). Hoping to take out my flex for 1st time when weather permits.I also must remeber the most important thing the Hienikens!!!

[dengood1]

So Santa details in the "offseason"? haha

:DLooks fantastic! What wax are you going to apply? Hopefully Souveran.......It will make that black dripping wet.

[bill walsh]

great job&write up ray

[wytstang]

Then it was a blowjob with the leafblower
I normally have my drink after this step not before LMAO :D
All kidding aside the truck looks great, and a very nice review. I may end up opting for a flex and selling the UDM off.

[ZoranC]

Some feel its pricey, personally I think cheap tools are very expensive, and a quality tool results in a quality job done.
That has been my mantra all these years. When making decision on tool I always ask myself how much time is worth to me. Somebody once said they are not rich enough to be able to afford cheap tool.

[dengood1]

time to pass it around, and let us all take a turn !! (j/k)

With the Heiny or the bj? :D:D

[POPPAJ]

Great job Brother Ray! I couldn't help but notice that we're the same body type,er,uh Sturdy that is. Even though I keep myself in top notch physical condition at all times by following a strict regiem of light beer, filter cigarettes and at least two hours a day on the Couchmaster I have found it most helpful to drive my vehicles up on ramps to do the lower panels, front or rear and wheels. That and one of those adjustable(for height) seats that rolls around saves a lot on the ole bod. I have it on good advice that these seats have been weight tested to 265 lb. with no problems.

Good choice on the FLEX! I love mine too!

Happy detailing. :cheers:

[ZoranC]

With the Heiny or the bj? :D:D
ROFLMAO

[sparkie]

Thanks for taking the time to do this review. I must say it was outstanding and funny as heck...LOL...:cheers::D
You paint looks beautiful....:applause:

[blk1500]

Great job! Excellent review and pics. No go rest your ol' tired body and enjoy the rest of the 6-pack! Thaks again!

[killrflake]

Very enjoyable writeup and pics. Looks like you had great results with the Flex, I too am very happy with my Flex purchase. Thanks for sharing the job with us all.

[Z06-Goose]

Excellent! :)