Just bought the Flex 3401

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toland76

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After months of owning the porter cable, I finally set out to use it and I was extremely dissatisfied with the ergonomics of the unit. (Large, hands cramping from trying to grip it.) So I decided to heck with it and ordered the 3401. I am extremely impressed so far, I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for working on lower panels, such as doors, etc. I only see demonstrations done on hoods. I am 6'3" with back issues at the ripe age of 30, so any pointers would be appreciated.

Logic tells me the best thing would be to get some sort of a shop lift (out of the question, insanely expensive 😆)

Thanks in advance.
 
Note that I am using it on a 2012 Honda Accord. Next time I buy a vehicle its gonna be tall and boxy lol. Next up is the wife's 2014 CR-V
 
Congrats on your Flex. I love mine! There are some small lifts out there for under $1,000.00. Just google portable car lift or scissor lift. Also look in some hot rod mags, usually ads in the back with them.
 
Would a racatac help with the lower panels and give you support?
 
When I have to reach the lower sections of panels:
1.) I'll drive the vehicle upon a set of Race Ramps.
2.) Access as much territory as I can while "riding around"
on a portable detailing-stool.
3.) Then, ultimately, I will have to lay down on
furniture mover's blankets to finish up.

Note to Santa:
A Bend Pak 4-Post Lift is, once again, on my Christmas wish list.

"What a drag it is getting old"!!
~ The Rolling Stones;
From their song: Mother's Little Helpers.

Bob
 
Racatac looks pretty neat, I just looked it up. Thanks for the suggestions guys!
 
Congrats on the flex. You can get scissor lifts for under $2000.

There is the usual mechanics stool but you can get a lower profile one too such as below:

6711084541_1c588f8d99_o.jpg
 
You could always jack the car up and use jack stands. It should give the car some height and while its up you can dress the tires all around without the ground interfering.
 
If you can't bring the car up to your level then bring then take yourself down to the level of the car.

I lay on the floor all the time for those lower sections
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, Mike I just ordered your book on the flex on Sunday, looking forward to reading it!
 
This may sound stupid at 1st...but you should stretch before working on the side panels or any car detail for that matter. I do about 4 to 5 minutes of stretching before I start detailing a car.
This will work wonders for you lower back as well as legs too.

As for the side panels I have a stool with wheels on it and do my correction work on the side panels that way. Saves back pain! It is also good for cleaning/coating tires and lower front/rear bumpers.

My stool was about $30 and can move up or down for height. You can find a good used one or used office furniture. BTW, I am in the holistic/spa industry (Yoga, Spa, chiropratic, acupuncture...etc) all land of the fruits and nut stuff for Southern CA....LOL

But stretch 1st and I bet you can tell the difference.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
This may sound stupid at 1st...but you should stretch before working on the side panels or any car detail for that matter. I do about 4 to 5 minutes of stretching before I start detailing a car.

This will work wonders for you lower back as well as legs too.
Click to expand...


I've always been a proponent of exercising if you're going to be a detailer. Buffing out a car and especially when using a rotary buffer takes a lot of muscles from your legs, lower back, upper back, shoulder and arms.

I also try to practice what I preach and was in the gym this morning and almost every morning at 5:00am


As for stretching, a great way to stretch out is when you're washing a car. Purposefully use each motion you make not only as a way to wash a section of the vehicle but to also stretch.

When I was younger and was going to the gym to work out I would start by washing my car and use that as a way to,

1: Get my car clean.
2: Warm up.
3: Stretch.


Killed 3 birds with one stone.


I can't do most cardio exercises except for swimming and that's not always convenient so the next best thing is free weights.

If you don't use it you lose it and sometimes when you do use it you still lose so be safe my friends.


:D
 
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