How the heck do I polish these areas?

[adower]

Right now the only tool I have is a flex 3401. I am wondering how everyone details around emblems and gets in the small nooks and crannies?

For example the back of the side mirror housings? If I took the flex 3401 to that I think it would break off or I would end up scratching the paint some how. Also on some cars where the tail lights are there is only a 1-2 inch area (nissan gtr) of paneling. How the heck do you get that part polished?

Please show me the way

 

[jamesboyy]

If you have a smaller backing plate/pads that's one way another way is to work those areas out by hand

 

[A-train]

Only really a few options:
Smaller backing plate and pad on your machine.
3 inch griots orbital.
By hand
Or remove the badge or emblem completely.

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[adower]

If you have a smaller backing plate/pads that's one way another way is to work those areas out by hand

I have a flex 3401. I dont think they make a mini pad/backing plate. What would I need to do it by hand?

 

[A-train]

They have a 4 inch backing plate in the flex backing plate kit. You can use 4 inch pads.
By hand you could get the Lake Country euro foam ccs hand polishing pads. I have a set and they do come in handy.

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[swanicyouth]

I thing you need to pick up a regular PC type DA, a 2 & 7/8" LC BP, and some 3" pads. Unfortunately, there are many areas on a vehicle I find only this combo can tackle effectively.

 

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

I agree on small GG DA. Makes easy work of painted rear-view mirrors, A pillars, trunk lip, etc. I also use it with black pad to apply wax/sealant.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

You can work tight areas by hand just make sure the product you're using works good by hand, not all polishes that work well by machine also work by hand.

From this recently posted write-up...


1990 Corvette - Extreme Makeover Pictures & Process


Some areas need to be dealt with by hand like the sunk areas of the headlight buckets...

Rearview Mirror

Around the Corvette emblem and without buffing on a edge...

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Actually wrote an article about this recently too....



How to buff in tight spaces using a rotary buffer


For doing correction work in tight areas and on thin panels I use the Flex PE14 with a small pad. I call this surgical or precision buffing. To do this you need,

1. Lightweight, compact rotary buffer
2. Rotary Buffer Backing Plate Extension(s)
3. Small backing plates
4. Small buffing pads, both foam and fiber

Here's an example on the Lotus Esprit I recently buffed out. I used these pictures for my class at Mobile Tech Expo, "How to use the rotary buffer".

Surgical or Precision Buffing
I could have done this type of precision buffing using a FULL SIZE DeWALT, or Makita or 3M or Milwaukee Rotary Buffer but it's the compact size, that is no bulky body in the way of my view or in the way of body components, plus the lightweight plus the slow RPM that makes the Flex PE14 the perfect tool for this type of work.

1. You want power?
2. You want ease of use?
3. You want to buff out thin panels or get into tight areas to do correction and polishing work?

The Flex PE14 and small pads, backing plates and an extension or two and you're good to go...

:dblthumb2:

 

[Dogfather]

Has anyone tried one of those Megs DA Power Systems as an inexpensive option for a second small area polisher?

 

[swanicyouth]

Has anyone tried one of those Megs DA Power Systems as an inexpensive option for a second small area polisher?

Or you can just get a HF DA for about the same $.

 

[Dogfather]

Or you can just get a HF DA for about the same $.

The three things I was thinking about were the Megs drill thing, a HF, or a used PC.

 

[adower]

Would a rupes mini also get the job done?

 

[swanicyouth]

Would a rupes mini also get the job done?

Who knows? Does the Rupes Mini stall on concave panels like the bigger ones? I'm sure if the panel is flat it will work fine. But, if your working on a concave small area...

 

[Bunky]

For very small areas, I just use M105/M205 by hand with a foam applicator. such under door pulls, etc.

 

[arisking]

So far my 75E hasn't stalled on me once, that thing is insane. I'd say it can tackle most tight spots.

Who knows? Does the Rupes Mini stall on concave panels like the bigger ones? I'm sure if the panel is flat it will work fine. But, if your working on a concave small area...