Anyone use the complete Rupes system?

VP Mark

VP Mark

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I've always favored using a little bit of everything that brings me the best results. That being said, I'm running low on polish/compound and am considering simplifying my system by switching to the complete Rupes pad/polish/polisher system.

Anyone else run the complete system?

What are your thoughts?

Does it make things simpler/easier overall?

Thanks in advance.

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Great question....


I'm sure others will chime in with responses but here's what I do... I teach the Rupes "System". Ever since Autogeek brought in the Rupes line I teach the Rupes Paint Polishing System as a complete and dedicated system in all our classes.

Rupes Bigfoot Polishers Detailing Class & Extreme Paint Restoration


watermark.php




To me this is one of the strongest selling points about the Rupes system, and I don't mean exchanging money when I use the word "selling" I mean from practical use point of view.

The tools are engineered for a very specific action.

The pads are engineered for the tool.

The compounds and polishes are engineered for both the action of the tool and the pads.
​

The color coding of the pads to the chemicals makes using the system a no-brainer.


I would like to point out that I'm under a different set of rules than anyone that does not work for Rupes or Autogeek. As an employee of Autogeek I'm by default a representative for all the brands we carry including Rupes. Most of the companies we represent prefer that we stay on message, that is promote and in my situation, show and teach the tools inline with the Rupes company message.

Individuals and anyone outside of Autogeek and Rupes can do as they please but as for me... I prefer to protect the professional relationship Autogeek and I have with everyone at Rupes. One thing I've learned for sure... the Internet in general and discussion forums like this one make the world a much smaller place and I'll guarantee you reps from the companies Autogeek represents watch and read this forum. And for us... that's a good thing....


:)
 
It's the garanimals of polishers and from the standpoint very easy to match pad with polish. They are great for large flat panels but with my limited experience it is difficult to use on curved or contoured areas as the pad will stop spinning if it meets very little resistance. Maybe this could be overcome with more experience with the tool I don't know. What I do know is I have about the same experience with a flex 3401 and it doesn't have this issue and gives the same end results.
 
Thanks Mike and other for response. I already have a 15 and 75 so the machine investment is already there. I guess I'm considering that I might get better, more efficient, and simpler results if I stayed in the entire system.

It seems like an initial investment but one that will pay off over the years.

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VP Mark said:
Thanks Mike and other for response. I already have a 15 and 75 so the machine investment is already there. I guess I'm considering that I might get better, more efficient, and simpler results if I stayed in the entire system.

It seems like an initial investment but one that will pay off over the years.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using AG Online
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For what it's worth... I've found the blue cutting pads and the Zephyr Gloss Compound to be a combo that works really well outside of dusting which you'll see. It doesn't bother me as buffing out cars is messy to start with.

The blue pads rotate very well so that's why if you were to look through just about any project where I've used the Rupes System you'll see me using the blue foam pads for my first step.

Because the blue pads and the Rupes compound tend to finish out so nicely on most paint systems, and at least pretty much anything I've ever worked on, I've also been able to do the finishing step using the white foam pads and White Diamond Ultra Fine Cut Polish. Here's an example,


Rupes Polishers - Extreme Makeover - 1965 Chevy Streetrod



But this doesn't work for every car/paint system.

Here's an example....

Black Label Diamond Paint Coating on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350




:)
 
Buff Daddy says something to the effect of, Limit your options to Improve as a Polisher (not even a close paraphrase, but you get the point)

I believe, he is referring, at least in part, to his continued development as a Pro Polisher by limiting his selection of polishing liquids to M205 and figuring out how to get it to Cut harder, Finish better, etc.

There are already so many variable in the polishing process, that sometimes, I think we are all too quick to change products as opposed to altering our technique to get the desired result
 
allenk4 said:
Buff Daddy says something to the effect of, Limit your options to Improve as a Polisher (not even a close paraphrase, but you get the point)

I believe, he is referring, at least in part, to his continued development as a Pro Polisher by limiting his selection of polishing liquids to M205 and figuring out how to get it to Cut harder, Finish better, etc.

There are already so many variable in the polishing process, that sometimes, I think we are all too quick to change products as opposed to altering our technique to get the desired result
Click to expand...

I get this, and can do a lot with varying product/pad combos. I have my staples but feel like I might be able to simplify things, especially my pads, by going to a complete system. It's great to be able to do a variety with just a couple of simple products, I'm just inquiring whether the 'system' my polishers were designed for might be more efficient in the long run.

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VP Mark said:
I'm just inquiring whether the 'system' my polishers were designed for might be more efficient in the long run.
Click to expand...
IMO, no. I've tried the system and it will not be perfect on every single paint system you come across. For the most part, I don't use Rupes pads or polishes with my 21.
 
VP Mark said:
It seems like an initial investment but one that will pay off over the years.
Click to expand...

I haven't used the RUPES system, so take this with a grain of salt from a hobbyist standpoint.

I've thought about getting the system myself, but to think of it in the terms above caused me to stop and consider how fast technology is changing this industry, abrasive technology especially. Wanting it to pay off "over the years", considering the industry changes, would kill it for me.

Now, wanting the RUPES system to simply things, and even cut some time off of jobs, then yes I think it would simply things. However, remember that often a 2nd, or 3rd generation product gets released too, but I'm sure you would use it up fast enough.

Immediately while thinking about your comment I thought of this...

Meguiars Solo One-Liquid Polish System, Meguiars solo, Meguiars sole one, Meguiars M86 ...in which the description says that foam pads can also be used with this one liquid system...simply use different foam pads as well as wool pads. Once again, I've not used this system either, so take that with a grain of salt as well. I'm sure Mr. Phillips can comment on the SOLO system by Meguiar's.

I'm more or less just relaying my thoughts for you to consider, and they may or may not be helpful.
 
I use it. I like it because the pads don't gum up and the results are good and predictable.

However, the heavier cut products dust pretty significantly - but that's the only real negative I can offer.
 
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