Rupes LHR 75E Mini DA Questions

Kamakaz1961

Kamakaz1961

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I was looking to add a good 3" polisher to my arsenal. I do have the discretionary $$ to buy one.

I already donated my GG 3" as I felt my PC 7424 XP with a 3" Backing Plate was better overall.

I am a Flex guy, however, with the recent Flex mini coming out you could say I was somewhat disappointed so now I am looking at the Rupes Mini.

I plan to do minor corrections, however, the biggest thing I want to do is apply sealant/wax. My PC7424 XP is awesome, however, it is a little larger than the Rupes and heavier. I can apply LSP fine, except it is just slightly cumbersome.

I can live with the PC no problem, but getting a smaller DA would be fun.

I am clueless about this machine. So here are some questions to the Rupes people.

Can I use my current Lake Country 3" and 4" Hydro-tech & CCS Pads with it or will I have to re-do the pad choice to Rupes. My logical guess is "NO" and the LC Pads are fine.


Is there any extensions I can use for the DA?

Are there other backing Plates for this DA?

Sorry for the NOOB questions in advance, however, at $300 I want to make sure I make a great choice.

My experience with the GG 3" was an example (for me anyways) of a choice I should have not made, henceforth a donation to someone on AGO that could really use it.

Nothing wrong with that Polisher; I just felt I wanted a stronger machine. Any comments/advice would be helpful in my decision process.

Thanks

:buffing:
 
It's a stronger machine when you can keep it rotating. Only effective on flat surfaces. Good luck in any tight spots or convex/concave surfaces.
 
I'd personally stick with PC. Not sure what you have against the new flex mini. Other than not applying lsp with it. But I could see it being far more useful than the Rupes mini as far as paint correction goes.
 
I agree with mark but the only pads that fit right are the rupes pads or at least I don't have any other brands than lake country to try on them.
Over all I am disappointed with mine.
 
Save your money CJ. 3" LC pads work great but ime the mini prefers Rupes pads. 4" pads seem to create more vibration. Definitely a machine for correction but pretty expensive to lay wax imo..
 
281 said:
Save your money CJ. 3" LC pads work great but ime the mini prefers Rupes pads. 4" pads seem to create more vibration. Definitely a machine for correction but pretty expensive to lay wax imo..
Click to expand...

Coolness! Will save my money and Move on.
 
mbkite said:
I agree with mark but the only pads that fit right are the rupes pads or at least I don't have any other brands than lake country to try on them.
Over all I am disappointed with mine.
Click to expand...

The dealbreaker!! Thanks I don't want to go buying pads for a specific machine. Oh well, Rupes are great, except not for me
 
conquistador said:
I'd personally stick with PC. Not sure what you have against the new flex mini. Other than not applying lsp with it. But I could see it being far more useful than the Rupes mini as far as paint correction goes.
Click to expand...

Agreed My PC is a workhorse and very versatile. Not a strong as the Flex but at least I can change backing plates and keep Lake Country Pads which I am a huge fan of.
 
To all on this thread. Thank you for your response and based on most opinions on this thread; I think I will be sticking with my PC 7424 XP w/Backing Plates from 2 7/8 - 5" backing plates. It's been a workhorse and is good enough for me.

Rupes IMO is a great company, however, I do not want to start all over again for what I have. Again, everyone on this thread thank you for your responses.

Merry Christmas!!
 
If you have the money to buy, then buy it. It is great for motorcycles and the size is nice. It works very well with LC Hybrid 3" low pro pads too. But for applying wax and sealant, that GG 3" was the ticket. I personally feel that the more tools one can have, the better.
 
I've been on the same boat you're now. I have 3 Flex 3401 and a Rupes 21. Sold my old Meg's G220v2 DA because I was preferring (ALWAYS) the Flex with 4" pads of any sort instead of the Meg's DA with same smaller pads...

However, I'm huge fan of Meg's Microfiber that I use frequently on Rupes with 5" discs, that said, I would 'kill for' a Rupes mini just to run the 3" meg's discs and hit the whole car when cutting with large MF discs.

By the way I've ordered Lake Country MF pads for rotary in 4" (they are thicker), I'll let you know how they perform on Flex (since we notice thin Microfiber (although workable) are not the way to go with 3401).

Maybe this may 'cover this gap' with 4" thick MF on Flex.

That said, and after agonizing long time with this question (should I get a Rupes Mini!), I always end leaning towards getting the Flex Rotary PE-14.

Why do I say this? Whenever we are looking for a smaller polisher, we are trying to 'figure out' better ways to polish intricate parts, smaller parts, etc.

Those parts needs not only smaller pads, but also offer the best precision.

In my opinion, the PE-14 paired with extensors and smaller pads will give you this precision, and you can pair it with 'every size backing plate you wish'. Whenever you face hard paint for full correction, PE-14 may put you on top, paired with 3401 for a perfect finish.

I'm saving money for mine, and really wish to get it personally at PBMG. Moving my sticks!

Please, just my 0.02$ to add some pepper to you doubt...

Even if you decide for the Rupes Mini it'll not be a bad decision (it's pretty fly). It's a lot quieter and vibrates a lot less than other DAs. Operator Comfort for long jobs is priceless, remember that.

Best Wishes.
 
Tato, after researching and talking to a few AGO people, it looks like I am leaning to the Flex mini or possibly the lightweight PE-14. One person on this thread asked why would I get the same thing 2 times....in other words, my PC7424 XP is set up to handle the 3" Pads and I have extensions on them to go under the door mirrors which most of the time a DA can't reach. He is correct getting 2 of the same does not make sense.

Additionally, getting Rupe Pads and limited in 1 backing plate is not the way to go now.

Now I am re-looking at the Flex Mini or now even the PE-14. Do not get me wrong, the Rupes is a great DA company. Someone said I should try a rotary as we are already experienced enough to know when we are damaging paint or making it right.

I will ask the AGO tech support and see what I will get...either way it will be a Flex just which one I do not know.

:buffing:
 
I really like my Rupes 75 mini. I also have a GG3, but that sucker now permanently has an upholstery brush on it to clean leather.

Let me also say right up front, I am not a professional and don't spend the amount of time with either pieces of equipment than some (most) of you do. I just maintain my own cars and recently I got rid of my biggest time suck F-350 crew cab, that was not a detail job, but a detail career.

Do you know somebody that you can try a "mini" be it a Rupes or another brand?
 
Well I could not resist and bought my Rupes 75E,

I know I spent good money unnecessary for the moment, the dollar in Brazil is very high, and still have 60% tax on the total purchase price + 6.75% credit card.

Only I will use in my cars, I think it was worth it.

I love my Rupes 15
 
The only pad I've used on the 75E that will keep spinning no matter what is the Meg's 3" MF finishing disc.
 
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