Help me make the RIGHT decision!?!?!

Ok, so here is my new wish list…..let me know what y'all think.

Again, I truly and sincerely appreciate all the advice fellas…



1) Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

2) FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

3) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish White Pad (Single) X3

4) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish Orange Pad (Single) X3

5) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish Black Pad (Single) X3

6) Meguiars Ultimate Compound, polishing compound, rubbing compound, meguiars rubbing compound, meguires, meguiars polish, auto compound polish

7) Meguiars Ultimate Polish, meguiars car polish, meguiars polishes, mcguire's

8) Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax, polymer wax, best car wax, Ultimate Wax

9) Blackfire Pad Care Kit


Does this look like a decent list then?
 
I will definitely get the Ultimate compound & polish instead of the m105 & m205… thanks everyone for the heads up.


So far, I have used M20 & M21 along with Collinite845 with great results…but I had to apply it all by hand and that was very very time consuming.

If I use the Ultimate line up, should/can I use the m20 & m21 with it or no?
 
ShadowRav4n said:
I will definitely get the Ultimate compound & polish instead of the m105 & m205… thanks everyone for the heads up.


So far, I have used M20 & M21 along with Collinite845 with great results…but I had to apply it all by hand and that was very very time consuming.

If I use the Ultimate line up, should/can I use the m20 & m21 with it or no?
Click to expand...

If you use the three Megs Ultimate products that I suggested you won't need anything else.

If you want to get the Ultimate Quick Polymer spray wax, which goes on in about 15 minutes you will probably like it. Use it weekly or as often as you like to keep the shine and protection that the Ultimate Liquid wax gives you after applying it with the soft finishing pad on the Flex. These four products are going to give you an incredible wet shine. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised.
 
Thanks Gary…..that's what I thought but wasn't 100% sure.

I still have a gallon of Meg's#135 that i want to use before dropping any more cash then I have to.

This wish list here is already going to set me back around $800…but I know it'll be worth it in the end.

Thanks again everyone!
 
Already tons of good info for you that i can't really add to. The only constructive suggestion i have is don't let anything touch the ground or driveway that touches your paint. I notice in your pic you have your MF on the ground. MF will pick up any stuff on the ground relatively quickly and if you then rub your paint...bam, scratches!

Again, you're on the right path my friend. Just remember to work clean and best of luck getting and keeping those Toyota's the envy of the neighborhood!
 
I would suggest the HD model with the 25 ft. cord. I have the GG 6" and GG 3" both with the 25' cords and they make working around a car a lot easier.
 
Puckman said:
Already tons of good info for you that i can't really add to. The only constructive suggestion i have is don't let anything touch the ground or driveway that touches your paint. I notice in your pic you have your MF on the ground. MF will pick up any stuff on the ground relatively quickly and if you then rub your paint...bam, scratches!

Again, you're on the right path my friend. Just remember to work clean and best of luck getting and keeping those Toyota's the envy of the neighborhood!
Click to expand...
I think your talking about my picture lol.

I did that for the picture, so only after did I put the stuff on the ground. :D

Also, if you look closely, you can see there is a black shirt on the ground. I took off my church shirt, laid it on the ground. Put the stuff on top of my shirt. Then I took the picture.

I had just happen to have the stuff with me in my trunk when I was at church on Sunday morning. I talked to my church friend and worked on the fly. Like always.

So after they got placed on the ground like that. They didn't get used again. :)
 
so after giving it a little more thought, and before I just drop this kinda cash on something I'm not 100% sure of, I think i'm just going to try and Re-read everything I can again, to see if this is going to be the right AIO machine for "me" as i'm not "planning" on purchasing another one anytime soon…. although I know that can change at any time. lol

In my logical mind I keep thinking that I can the bothe the GG6 and the GG3 for the same price as the Flex and will be able to get in all the areas that i''ll need to but I know with the different size BP's that i'll get with the Flex, i'll also be able to get in those somewhat difficult areas.

So i'm going to have to do some more reading and then make my final decision.

But I'm really digging the Flex thus far….

Anyways, now that I've made this decision, I'm wondering if I should just wait until sometime around X-mas when the sales, deals, and discounts will be a lot better???!?!!

If so, This will not only give me time to really consider my purchase but will also give me time to read and study all about the art of machine polishing etc…
 
IMO you can't beat the GG6 (with a 5" BP and 5.5" pads) for the weekend detailer. There isn't anything it can't handle with the right pads and polishes, it has all the power you'll need and it has a lifetime warranty. However, I wouldn't waste the money on the GG3--you'll read allot of posts of how underpowered it is. Why not just stick with the GG6 and get a 3" BP (3"pads) or 3.5" BP (4" pads)--it's a little more work to change the backing plate, but you're only doing your own cars and a couple of others. Later on if you feel it's too much work to change the BP then pick up a Harbor Frieght DA for about $50 and add a 3 or 4" BP. You don't have to purchase everything up front--take your time and decided if you really like this then add what you need as you move forward.
 
You have a lot of great advice here. I personally went with the GG6 and like it. However I spent a bit of money on things I didn't need because I didn't research it. Also, I only do our 2 vehicles.

To do it all over again. I'd still get the gg6 but change my pads up. Currently I have the 6.5 cobra cross groove pads AG caries and they're okay. I also have the 4" cyclo pads made by buff and shine which I really like.

If starting new, I'd get 2 megs MF cutting pads, 4 green buff n shine polishing (or white LC) pads, 4 black finishing pads. Size is up to you 5.5 or 6.5. Then get a smaller backing plate and equivalent smaller pads. Also, maybe a red or blue pad for waxing.

Compounds/polishes. Get a small bottle of compound like ultimate compound. If you do everything correctly, you shouldn't need much compounding over the course of your car's life.(also why so few cutting pads above) So no need for 32oz like I have collecting dust. As for polish, I have FF3000 and M205. I like both. If doing it over Id go with M205 alone or try menzerna 4000 instead.

For a wax/sealant, whatever you like will honestly work. I've settled on dg501 as a quick AIO and use collinite 845 most other times. I also have max wax and Vic's red if the car needs an infrequent treat that totally unneeded (both are DDs).

And that's about it. Don't be in a hurry, read and buy wisely.

PS, what you do as maintenance could be more important than you're machine, polishes and waxes.

Chris
 
Shadow - for a newbie this process can absolutely paralyze you, especially since there are now so many good products available on top of all the good advice on this forum.

I went through the exact same process as you years ago. I ended up with so many products as I was so excited about correcting paint and detailing cars. I am just an enthusiast so I don't do that many cars. I ended up giving many friend and relatives full blown corrections for free just to try my "stuff"! Now that I've been doing this a while the reality is that friend's DD's don't need a 4 step correction process. Usually D151 and a tangerine pad blows them away. OCD can really take over with this hobby!

Here's something that may help you. Perhaps you approach this on the cheap and buy the Harbor Freight DA, then buy a 5" and 3.5" backing plate. I can give you a few older 5.5" CCS pads to use to get you started. I am also pruning my products so I can give you some UC and UP. I also have some 105 and 205 you can use. I also have some other products I might be able to give you to get started. If you end up staying enthused with detailing then you can buy your Flex 3401 and use the HF DA for 4" pads or with scrub brushes.

I have a GG6 that serves me well. I also have an older PC7424 that I use for smaller pads and scrub brushing carpets. I've been thinking about a Flex but just only keep my DD's clean now and a few freebies on the side for relaxation so I'm not sure I really need one.

I'd let you borrow my GG6 but we've just entered the cooler season which means it's finally detailing season and I'm using it more to clean up my rides. But, you could come over ( not sure in AZ where you live ) and try the GG6, along with some of other products and pads I have in my arsenal.

If that's of interest to you just PM and we can work something out. My schedule is pretty tight these days but I can always make time for someone new getting into the hobby.

Good luck with your venture into detailing!
 
Wknd Dtlr said:
Shadow - for a newbie this process can absolutely paralyze you, especially since there are now so many good products available on top of all the good advice on this forum.

I went through the exact same process as you years ago. I ended up with so many products as I was so excited about correcting paint and detailing cars. I am just an enthusiast so I don't do that many cars. I ended up giving many friend and relatives full blown corrections for free just to try my "stuff"! Now that I've been doing this a while the reality is that friend's DD's don't need a 4 step correction process. Usually D151 and a tangerine pad blows them away. OCD can really take over with this hobby!

Here's something that may help you. Perhaps you approach this on the cheap and buy the Harbor Freight DA, then buy a 5" and 3.5" backing plate. I can give you a few older 5.5" CCS pads to use to get you started. I am also pruning my products so I can give you some UC and UP. I also have some 105 and 205 you can use. I also have some other products I might be able to give you to get started. If you end up staying enthused with detailing then you can buy your Flex 3401 and use the HF DA for 4" pads or with scrub brushes.

I have a GG6 that serves me well. I also have an older PC7424 that I use for smaller pads and scrub brushing carpets. I've been thinking about a Flex but just only keep my DD's clean now and a few freebies on the side for relaxation so I'm not sure I really need one.

I'd let you borrow my GG6 but we've just entered the cooler season which means it's finally detailing season and I'm using it more to clean up my rides. But, you could come over ( not sure in AZ where you live ) and try the GG6, along with some of other products and pads I have in my arsenal.

If that's of interest to you just PM and we can work something out. My schedule is pretty tight these days but I can always make time for someone new getting into the hobby.

Good luck with your venture into detailing!
Click to expand...

Wknd Dtlr, wow, that is truly generous…..thank you so much.

And the answer is Yes, I would love to have the chance to get to use and handle a machine.
Especially around someone who has experience and knows the craft.

I totally get what your saying about how easily OCD can take over with this hobby as I am just beyond overwhelmed right now with all the different choices and products that are available..:eek: lol

Anyhow, I'm going to PM you right now with my info…

Thanks again my friend…..

This place is awesome!
 
Hope everyone is having a most excellent weekend….as it is an extremely beautiful day here in Southern, Az.

So, after a little more conversations with folks here and reading and re-reading everything I could find concerning the Flex xc3401…I appears that am definitely going to be going with this machine. :dblthumb2:

Although, I decided that I am going to switch up some of the other items on the shopping list that i previously mentioned above so that I could narrow it down to what my car "needs".

So any who, this is the New & Improved shopping list; please le me know what you think….and also please let me know if I am forgetting anything at all.

Please keep in mind that I have never owned a machine before so I'd also like to include and foam pad cleaners or tools that will help keep my items clean between and while doing the job.

My list for Paint Correction includes;

1) Flex XC 3401, FLEX Orbital Polisher,flex XC 3401 VRG dual-action polisher,flex XC3401VRG,Dual Action polisher,FLEX buffer

2) FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

3) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish White Pad (Single) x5

4) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish Orange Pad (Single) x5

5) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish Black Pad (Single) x5

6) 5 Inch Hybrid Power Finish Blue Pad (Single) x5

7) Menzerna Fast Gloss Compound, Fast Gloss 400, FG400 compound

8) Menzerna Power Finish PO 203, one step polish, swirl remover, finishing polish, car polish, german car polish, menzerna polishing compounds, power

9) Menzerna Nano Polish, Mernzerna 106FF, Menzerna po106, Mernzerna polish

10) Menzerna Polish PO85RD, Mernzerna 85rd, Menzerna finish po85rd

11) Blackfire Pad Care Kit (Foam Pad Cleaner???)

12) FLEX Swirl Finder Light
______________


Now is this going to be all I need to complete a thorough job or will I need an LSP of some kind as well???

I believe I read somewhere that these two products are good but I could be wrong… ?!??!

1) Duragloss Clear Coat Polish (CCP) #111 Buy One, Get One Free!

2) Duragloss Polish Bonding Agent (PBA) #601
______________



Now, here's my list for for my Tires & Wheels;

1) 2 Pack Cyclo Polisher Aqua Soft Carpet Brush

2) Carrand Brush & Shine Tire Dressing Applicators, tire brush, tire shine applicator

3) Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applicators, tire swipes, tire gel app
________________


So far, I have been I've been using the Turtle Wax Endura Shine Kit and love it.

http://www.turtlewax.com/shop/products/turtle-wax-jet-black-black-endura-shine-tire-coat-kit

But, I'm wondering if there's anything else I need such as a nice AIO tire cleaner or something of that nature..if so please let me know.
_________________



For Interior, I have been using Pinnacle leather Cleaner & Conditioner as well as 303 Aerospace for my leather.

The Dash and rest of interior gets Meg's Quick Interior Cleaner followed up by Megs Ultimate Protectant and 303 Aerospace.
___________________________


Exterior Trim & Plastic;

1) First, I Wash and wipe down all trim thoroughly with diluted ISO..then I use Turtlwax ICE Liquid Polish followed by 303 Aerospace.

This will last for a few weeks before fading again but it works…

Although, I've been reading up on other products and found this…

1) Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer, rubber trim sealant, trim restorers, gtech c4

So I think I'm going to go ahead and give the C-4 a shot….let me know what y'all think about this product as well.
________________


So, other then the items I have posted here, what else might I need to complete this package and so that I can possibly order all of this at once and be done with it?

Well, I know it's Never really ever done….is it? lol

I honestly still think I'm missing something….like an AIO cleaner such as;

1) Meguiar’s D101 All Purpose Cleaner combo pack



Although, I'm not sure I truly "Need" it….please let me know.

I sincerely thank al those again who have helped me thus far including Ted who had me call him up and gave me some solid and sound advice..Thanks again my friend. :xyxthumbs:

Well, I'm going to continue shopping around and read up on everything I need and think I need…hahahaha

Have a great rest of the day folks.
Peace and take care,
Rick~
 
Hey there Mizzoutiger, yes the link to that Thread did help.
Thank You!


I went ahead and just got done ordering around $150 in MF towels from MF Tech. :)

I will be ordering the items listed above in about a month or so when the major sales start happening again!

Thank again for everyones help!

Oh and fwiw, these were the towels I got from MF tech..;

12x Extra Fluffy Microfiber Quick Detail & Waterless Wash Cloth 700gsm 16''x16

12x 16''x16'' Ultra Microfiber Towel - 300 GSM - 80.20

24x 16''x16'' Extra Plush Elite Microfiber Towels - 530 gsm - 75.25 - Blue

2x Korean Waffle-Weave Drying Towel - 25'' x 36'' - 460 GSM - 80.20



I've already got about a dozen Gold Plush Jr's so those will be added to the rest

Oh yea, and today we are going to Costco to grab some sacrificial MF towels. :):):)
 
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