Finally Pulled the Trigger

**Angus** · 05-29-2014, 05:24 AM

Nice! Can`t wait for the day I get a Flex too!!

**The Critic** · 05-29-2014, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by chet31

I`m sure I couldn`t have gone wrong with a Rupes, but I`m not a pro, and I don`t want too many machines, so the Flex seemed like a single machine that would complement my PC.

My one concern is that I am hoping to use the myriad of 5.5" pads that I bought for my PC. I`m worried the 4 3/8" backing plate might be too small. Anyone try this?

4 3/8 backing plate would work, but it`s on the small side. I would find a way to shave down the stock backing plate. There`s a video of how to do it on YouTube.

**Old Pirate** · 05-29-2014, 03:33 PM

To the OP, can`t wait to see some photos of your work.....

**Ronkh** · 05-29-2014, 05:18 PM

6 pads = you need more

**Jdem2** · 05-29-2014, 07:04 PM

Was like Christmas when I got home from work tonight!

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**Docpeanut** · 05-29-2014, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jdem2

Was like Christmas when I got home from work tonight!

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Are you going to use the entire rupes line (pads and polishes)?

**chet31** · 05-29-2014, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the comments. I`ll give that YouTube video a look. One poster mentioned he had a machine shop cut down a 5.5" backing plate, but I have no idea how to find such a machine shop. I`ll post if I figure out anything interesting.

**Jdem2** · 05-29-2014, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by Docpeanut

Are you going to use the entire rupes line (pads and polishes)?

Haven`t decided yet. I`m going to use my LC pads with my m105 and 205 for a Lincoln Navigator this weekend and see what results I get. But, I must say I`m curious about the entire Rupes line.

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**Docpeanut** · 05-29-2014, 09:52 PM

I hear good things about their line as well, I`ve heard from several users that the rupes pads are phenomenal, just pricey

**Jdem2** · 05-30-2014, 11:04 AM

Me too. IMO, more than any other aspect of detailing, paint correction is a "component system" and I like the idea of all the components being one brand.

**Zelfiris** · 05-30-2014, 02:41 PM

I used Rupes as a system (polisher/pad/polishes) and its definitely really smooth.

**The Driver** · 05-30-2014, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by chet31

I`m sure I couldn`t have gone wrong with a Rupes, but I`m not a pro, and I don`t want too many machines, so the Flex seemed like a single machine that would complement my PC.

My one concern is that I am hoping to use the myriad of 5.5" pads that I bought for my PC. I`m worried the 4 3/8" backing plate might be too small. Anyone try this?

The bp is fine, I use the same setup on my 3401. Personally the 3401 is hands down the most versatile machine out of any polisher. After my last intense detail I can truly say overall it is a more well rounded machine than any of the rupes... However use it with rupes pads and watch the magic for absolutely insane results.

I recently did a permanent coating removal, it was high spotted an overall the owner wasn`t impressed with it. The only thing that would get it off besides a rotary was the 3401. None of the rupes could polish it off, I used all the rupes pads. Ironically the blue coarse pad worked best with the 3401.

**tedj101** · 06-07-2014, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by The Driver

I recently did a permanent coating removal, it was high spotted an overall the owner wasn`t impressed with it. The only thing that would get it off besides a rotary was the 3401. None of the rupes could polish it off, I used all the rupes pads. Ironically the blue coarse pad worked best with the 3401.

Do you know what the coating was that you were removing? I am about to do a coating removal (Simonize) too and I`m wondering how hard it will be to get it off. I am hoping that M101 on a Rupees with a Blue pad will do it...

**chet31** · 06-09-2014, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by The Driver

The bp is fine, I use the same setup on my 3401. Personally the 3401 is hands down the most versatile machine out of any polisher. After my last intense detail I can truly say overall it is a more well rounded machine than any of the rupes... However use it with rupes pads and watch the magic for absolutely insane results.

I recently did a permanent coating removal, it was high spotted an overall the owner wasn`t impressed with it. The only thing that would get it off besides a rotary was the 3401. None of the rupes could polish it off, I used all the rupes pads. Ironically the blue coarse pad worked best with the 3401.

^ Thanks for the tips!