I want the Flex, I need the Rupes?

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james51381

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The more I read about which to buy the more confused I am. I currently have a Meguiar's 110v2 and a GG 3 inch. I was a weekend warrior until Saturday when the company I worked for gave me a cargo van to detail. The company wants me to do the same to the fleet and to maintain them. 3 25 foot box trucks and 25 extended cargo vans.

Which one of these machines would be the best choice? I want to be able to correct quickly without taking all day. I would prefer to use an AIO, any suggestions for one with a good amount of cut?

Thanks everyone

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i vote for rupes... simply because it is so much easier to handle than the 3401
 
I also say the rupes. THe flex was a great machine but it was hard to handle. I was more tired after doing a car using the flex.
 
If I were to go with the Rupes, which one should I get? I have mostly 5.5 mf and foam pads. And 6.5 soft buff pads. Any recommendations on pads?

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I'm probably going to pull the trigger on the LHR 15 ES very soon.

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In your case, the best polisher is neither the Flex or the Rupes. The best polisher for fleet vechicles will be a rotary with a wool pad. (3) 25 foot box trucks and 25 cargo vans, probably more than half will be single stage white paint. I'd would get real comfortable with a rotary and wool pad.

james51381 said:
The more I read about which to buy the more confused I am. I currently have a Meguiar's 110v2 and a GG 3 inch. I was a weekend warrior until Saturday when the company I worked for gave me a cargo van to detail. The company wants me to do the same to the fleet and to maintain them. 3 25 foot box trucks and 25 extended cargo vans.

Which one of these machines would be the best choice? I want to be able to correct quickly without taking all day. I would prefer to use an AIO, any suggestions for one with a good amount of cut?

Thanks everyone

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
 
I was thinking of going to a polisher, but I have never used one. I have read so many posts about a large learning curve of years to use properly.

You are right about single stage, but the fleet is Marlboro red and about half have single stage.
Any advise with going this route would be appreciated

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The rupes is by far the easiest to use, just like the porter cable
Flex on other hand is hard to control, funny how no one ever mention the cons about owning the flex until the rupes appearance.
For anyone who is looking to purchase a polisher and is thinking about the flex or rupes, I will tell u from experience the rupes will disappoint you
 
fenderpicks said:
The rupes is by far the easiest to use, just like the porter cable
Flex on other hand is hard to control, funny how no one ever mention the cons about owning the flex until the rupes appearance.
For anyone who is looking to purchase a polisher and is thinking about the flex or rupes, I will tell u from experience the rupes will disappoint you
Click to expand...

Why will it disappoint if you don't mind me asking?
I own the flex and porter cable and was thinking about getting a RUPES, but just curious as to why you are saying that.
 
fenderpicks said:
The rupes is by far the easiest to use, just like the porter cable
Flex on other hand is hard to control, funny how no one ever mention the cons about owning the flex until the rupes appearance.
For anyone who is looking to purchase a polisher and is thinking about the flex or rupes, I will tell u from experience the rupes will disappoint you
Click to expand...

I think you mean the rupes won't disappoint.
 
I'm selling my RUPES 21ES with or without an additional 5" backing plate. I literally used it on one panel. It's new! Awesome tool, but I could use the money instead. If anyone is interested, PM me.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
I'm selling my RUPES 21ES with or without an additional 5" backing plate. I literally used it on one panel. It's new! Awesome tool, but I could use the money instead. If anyone is interested, PM me.
Click to expand...

Uh oh, is this like the Camaro all over again???
 
james51381 said:
The more I read about which to buy the more confused I am. I currently have a Meguiar's 110v2 and a GG 3 inch. I was a weekend warrior until Saturday when the company I worked for gave me a cargo van to detail. The company wants me to do the same to the fleet and to maintain them. 3 25 foot box trucks and 25 extended cargo vans.

Which one of these machines would be the best choice? I want to be able to correct quickly without taking all day. I would prefer to use an AIO, any suggestions for one with a good amount of cut?

Thanks everyone

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

This is fleet work so you'll need to keep up with the pace. It's not show room award winning polishing that wins here. Since you have a DA consider a RB. Everybody seems to be in fear of the RB. It's just a tool and the learning curve is not that steep. OTH if you put a huge wool cutting pad on one and crank it up to 3000 rpms yea you're in for a disappointment. Just have to use some common sense. 28 vehicles to take care of you might also consider an assistant, but at the very least you'll want a RB.

The best buffer is the one you use the best. What's your expierence? Where are you located? Your climate will affect your ability to do this work. Is instruction available to you? Do you have scaffolding or tall ladder, pressure washer?

Do you know any detailers that can help you out. I'm in SoCal and can help you get some hands on time with a PC, 3401 and Dewalt RB if that helps you out. IMO none of these polishers are difficult to handle. I like forced rotation for consistency. That doesn't mean DA's are bad it just means I like forced rotation. I've done tons of work with the PC and love it but would not recommend it for fleet work. IMO it would be great to try what you're considering before you buy it. Just remember there are plenty of different compounds, polishes and pads that can dramatically change the characteristics of any polisher.

Congrats on getting the order to take care of these vehicles.

SonOfOC said:
In your case, the best polisher is neither the Flex or the Rupes. The best polisher for fleet vechicles will be a rotary with a wool pad. (3) 25 foot box trucks and 25 cargo vans, probably more than half will be single stage white paint. I'd would get real comfortable with a rotary and wool pad.
Click to expand...

+1. Foam pads can and will be effective on the RB as well.
 
dont buy into the hype the Rupes, what you have now is fine. i completely agree with Rmagnus
 
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