Loins GIRDED ... Big Girl Panties ON ... Now is the time!

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OkeefenokeeJoe

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So ... I have this brand new in the box Flex 3401 dual action polisher that's been sitting on the floor in my closet for .... ummmm .... 2 years now and, after checking planetary alignment, decided now is the time to gird my loins, put on my big girl panties, and learn how to use the darn thing.

Really, I've always had an interest in detailing but, at the same time, have always been afraid to try my hand since Murphy (as in Murphy's Law) has always followed me a bit too closely. In fact, I am convinced we are siamese twins. Nevertheless, after briefly talking with (AutoGeek) Nick on the telephone this morning I have prepared an order for the following "get started" items and would like your input and/or recommendations prior to hitting the SEND button. Here's what's currently in my AutoGeek cart at the moment:

-Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover
-Wolfgang Finishing Glaze
-Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
-Wolfgang Auto Bathe car wash
-Lake Country Hybrid 6.5" Pads (2 orange, 2 white, 2 red)
-Wolfgang Pad Werks Pad Cleaner & extender combo
-Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel
-Super Soft Deluxe Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges (6 pk)
-Meguiars X3002 Microfiber Wash Mitt

Honestly, I was really torn between the 6.5" and 5" Hybrid pads. Although the 5" pad would have required the purchase of an additional backing plate, I read the post from Mike Phillips touting them as easier to use and thought anything easier for me is certainly better. However, in the interest of saving a few dollars, I stuck with the 6.5" pads (but I can still be talked into the 5" pads!).

Oh, and as far as wash buckets go, I figured that I'd use my Home Depot (HOMER) buckets (one wash, one rinse) until I get this detailing thing down.

No, I have no intention of detailing as a business. The very thought of showing up on Judge Judy as a litigant is enough to steer me from any commercial interest. Simply, I just like to keep my vehicles neat and clean, beyond the ordinarily typically "clean" vehicles you see sharing the roadway. My personal daily driver is a 2012 Nissan Frontier (Lava Red), and my wife drives a 2013 Honda Civic (Silver Gray). Nothing fancy ... just regular-folk vehicles.

Thanks for your input, suggestions, and ideas. I admire all of you in the detailing trade and consider you all as much as artists as anything else. What you do requires a keen eye, a deft hand, a super sense of texture, and an intellectual's knowledge of paints and chemicals. I admire you all!

OkeefenokeeJoe
 
I'd suggest getting a 5"backing plate for your flex and instead of the 6.5"pads, get 5.5". Much easier to use than the larger pads.

Also, I'd suggest Wolfgang Uber Compound.
 
Very nice gentlemen same answer from stangfan25.
 
Just take your time with cleaning the vehicle before polishing. I would add some sort of mechanical decon to your list. Also you can never have too many towels.

Before cutting into your paint, I'd get a feel for the Flex by using the finishing pad and sealant on a section of the already prepped car. Then when you feel comfortable, you can just wash that area again and start your paint correction.
 
Everything you have listed are great products. I'd also recommend the LC backing plate to use 5" hybrids. Unless you had something like a van or a truck and wanted to cover a lot of area, I'd stick with the 5" pads. The trade off with buying the backing plate is that the 5" pads are cheaper than the 6.5's. Also would add another 6 pack of pads, 3 more orange and 3 more white. Take your time and enjoy the process. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
 
All good information gentlemen!

I am changing my order to 5" LC Hybrid Pads and 4" backing plate.

OkeefenokeeJoe
 
Busy mind said:
Just take your time with cleaning the vehicle before polishing. I would add some sort of mechanical decon to your list. Also you can never have too many towels.

Before cutting into your paint, I'd get a feel for the Flex by using the finishing pad and sealant on a section of the already prepped car. Then when you feel comfortable, you can just wash that area again and start your paint correction.
Click to expand...

Excellent advice! Thank you for your wisdom.

OkeefenokeeJoe
 
Buy more than two pads of each color for compounding and polishing. I would go at least 4 of each color, but not for the reds.
 
5" pads are a MUST! May want to pick up a few 3" or 4" pads for small intricate areas.
 
Do not go to smaller pads with the FLEX.

The machine is a Beast and will spin 6.5" pads without breaking a drop of sweat.

The increased polishing surface and efficiency of a 6.5" vs 5" is huge.

All the small areas I need to polish are much more efficiently addressed with my PC and a 4" pad. The housing of the 3401 prevents you from getting into many tight areas any way.

If you are just polishing your own car and time is not an issue...do whatever you want, but a 3401 is a waste of money if you are polishing one car...get a MT300 or Griots machine
 
I already have the Flex. It was a gift to me 2 years ago. I've never used it, though. Shamefully, It's been collecting dust inside my closet. Time to see what this machine can do!

By the way, I have decided to purchase BOTH the 5" and 6.5" LC Hybrid pads. I figure I'll give them both a spin and see what appeals to me the most.

Thanks, ya'll!

OkeefenokeeJoe
 
While the Wolfgang twins are not bad to use I feel the HD line is easier especially for a beginner. Like HD adapt cut polish speed etc.
 
Busy mind said:
Before cutting into your paint, I'd get a feel for the Flex by using the finishing pad and sealant on a section of the already prepped car. Then when you feel comfortable, you can just wash that area again and start your paint correction.
Click to expand...


This is good advice. I went this route and can see why it's recommended now. When you first start, you'll probably hear the machine and swing your arms wildly keeping pace to the sound. Just relax, move slow, and let it do the work.
 
Thank you busy mind and hollerstiltner. Excellent advice! I will make every effort to relax and become "one" with the Flex! This is going to be interesting. My wife says she is dragging out the lawn chair to watch. Oh she of little faith.
 
OkeefenokeeJoe said:
I will make every effort to relax
and become "one" with the Flex!

This is going to be interesting.
Click to expand...
One of the more interesting aspects of
the Flex 3401 is its "counter-clockwise
rotational direction": bass-ackwards to
most other DA and Rotary Polishers.


Bob
 
Today I received my order from Autogeek and, upon opening the package and inspecting the contents, I suddenly had a wave of anxiety overcome me for a brief instant. The pads and polish and towels I ordered looked far less intimidating on my computer screen than they do in my hand. I feel like the dog who finally caught the car ... now what do I do!? Oh well, it's now or never and on Saturday I will venture into the belly of my garage, Flex in hand, and commence my detailing education on the tailgate of my truck. My wife has suggested that, perhaps, I should practice on the mailbox first. "KEEP THEE QUIET WOMAN," I responded. Like a gladiator going into battle, it's all or nothing.

Hey, thanks again, everyone, for all of the excellent advice. You have been most patient, kind, and respectful, and I am most appreciative.

I will let you know in Saturday how my first detailing experience turned out. I figure I will be totally stoked, or whimpering like a sissy little girl. Either way, it will be an adventure.

OkeefenokeeJoe
 
If you do have an unpleasant experience, don't let it deter you. Learning moments happen to everyone. Nobody was born a professional.
Go a quarter to half throttle on the trigger as you get adjusted to it. Also try to keep the pad flat, or it will want to "walk" away on you.
 
Busy mind said:
If you do have an unpleasant experience, don't let it deter you. Learning moments happen to everyone. Nobody was born a professional.
Go a quarter to half throttle on the trigger as you get adjusted to it. Also try to keep the pad flat, or it will want to "walk" away on you.
Click to expand...

Beautiful! I'll do my very best to keep it under the control.

OkeefenokeeJoe
 
Joe you have purchased the most user friendly products for starting out.I have used all of them and no matter what I did wrong it still just looked better than when I started.Auto Geek youtube channel demonstrates all of your products including your 3401.You will love them! Tape is your friend on the rubber and plastic.
 
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