Single Stage Fun - Trying out my new 3401

[TheCougarGuy]

I recently picked up a 3401 and since we were up near 60 degrees on Saturday, I figured I'd test out it out by polishing the hood of my 91 F-150. It's has seen better days and will be going out to pasture soon but I thought I would do some experimenting with it.

I used a 5.5 LC flat pad and Megs 105. I went through 4 pads just getting the heavy oxidation off but it came out way better that I expected.

M105 finished out great.

 

[Wors]

Wow, nice job!

 

[zmcgovern45]

Wow, looks great!

I've never had to work with SS paint - how difficult is it to clean the pads afterwards?

 

[TheCougarGuy]

how difficult is it to clean the pads afterwards?

Piece of cake. Just a little APC and they look like new again.

 

[mikep288]

Came out great! What were your thoughts on using the Flex for the first time? I know it took me a couple of uses to really appreciate the power/get a feel for it. Either way, nicely done!

 

[TheCougarGuy]

Came out great! What were your thoughts on using the Flex for the first time? I know it took me a couple of uses to really appreciate the power/get a feel for it. Either way, nicely done!

I really like it. The was so much oxidation that the pads loaded up quickly which made the tool harder to control. Once I removed most of the oxidation, it was easy to control the machine. I've had a Griot's 6 inch for a couple of years now but I just don't like how easy it stops spinning on curved panels. I like the force rotation of the Flex but I will still keep the Griot's in my arsenal.

 

[richy]

Good for you! I washed my wife's Durango on Saturday too and enjoyed the balmy weather. I had hoped for time to try my new Rupes, but unfortunately no. My Flex is one of my favourite machines. Your experience shows what it's capable of.

 

[David@DCSPrecision]

Piece of cake. Just a little APC and they look like new again.

I agree with you on this. I always hear people talking about how single stage paints ruin your pads, but I've never had a problem getting them clean.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I had hoped for time to try my new Rupes, but unfortunately no.

What the hell are you waiting for?????

 

[Ford2000]

wow awesome job what speed setting did you use??

 

[CM8 6MT]

Piece of cake. Just a little APC and they look like new again.

Really?? What kind of APC? Im doing my first SS paint on a customers car this weekend. Im a little concerned about my pads stainning and only being downgraded to SS paints only.

Nice turn around by the way, great results!

 

[Pinpoint_Precision]

Awesome work buddy. Gotta love Meguiar's.

 

[TheCougarGuy]

wow awesome job what speed setting did you use??

Thanks. I ran it at full speed (6).

Really?? What kind of APC? Im doing my first SS paint on a customers car this weekend. Im a little concerned about my pads stainning and only being downgraded to SS paints only.

I used Optimum Power Clean, 3:1 ratio. I love that stuff.

Optimum Power Clean™ All Purpose Cleaner 128 oz. Refill New & Improved!

 

[mhphoto]

Looks great!

 

[rmagnus]

M105 finished out great.

Intense, great work; gotta love SS paint. Our products today are so much better than a few decades ago for SS paints.

I use a pad washer and prime the pads with PRS Pad Cleaner, never had a problem. Just tried CG pad cleaner worked similar to PRS.

You also can soak a pad in mineral spirits then clean as usual and the stains will come out. Stains aren't a big deal as long as the pads are clean. Wear em out and replace em.