Advice sought: 3" DA polisher

Hammer208S

Hammer208S

New member
I recently purchased a Griot's 3" polisher to go along with my 3401 and found it lacking in power. This is the newer model which I understand is much better than the previous, but I'm left desiring something better. Can anyone give advice on a more powerful model? Thanks.
 
Hammer208S said:
The Rupes has enough power to do paint correction on heavy swirls?
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Yes it does. I did the same thing, bought a Griots 3" and couldn't get it to correct anything. Then went and bought a Rupes mini and it is a night and day difference. You won't be disappointed in the mini.
 
Yes the mini is it, while understanding it's not at all cheap. I always stand up for the Griot's 3 inch. It does its good things really well, like sanding headlights and such, couldn't live without one for headlight restoration. but no won't offer much correction.
 
I purchased the GG3 from Autogeek because they specifically said it would do paint correction when asked. Otherwise I would have just purchased the Rupes from the start. I like the idea of keeping the GG3 for headlights, like was mentioned, but am thinking about sending it back for an exchange. Do you guys use the Rupes pads with the Mini?
 
Hammer208S said:
I purchased the GG3 from Autogeek because they specifically said it would do paint correction when asked. Otherwise I would have just purchased the Rupes from the start. I like the idea of keeping the GG3 for headlights, like was mentioned, but am thinking about sending it back for an exchange. Do you guys use the Rupes pads with the Mini?
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Yes, I use the Rupes pads. I have tried others like the LC Hydrotech 3" and the Megs microfiber. I like the Megs on the mini, but the Hydrotech's will sling polish everywhere. They are just not made for the Rupes mini.
 
Use the Rupes mini and Rupes pads for the best finish, also use Rupes polishes. Everything is color coded to make life easier. I have used LC pads and Meguires microfiber pads with good results.
 
I've got tbe 4 3/8" backing plate using the 5" hybrid pads. But would like to get down to a 3-4" pad in addition to the 5" pad.
 
AutoGeek sells a true Flex 3401VRG 4" backing plate kit and says the backing plate is 4" wide..
You have to take apart the backing plate on the machine and switch some parts out..
This Store here apparently does not sell it..
Dan F
 
HF D/A with a 3- 3.75" backing plate and corresponding pads from B&S or LC will do very well if you are on a budget.
 
Hammer208S said:
I've got tbe 4 3/8" backing plate using the 5" hybrid pads. But would like to get down to a 3-4" pad in addition to the 5" pad.
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Stokdgs said:
AutoGeek sells a true Flex 3401VRG 4" backing plate kit and says the backing plate is 4" wide..
You have to take apart the backing plate on the machine and switch some parts out..
This Store here apparently does not sell it..
Dan F
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What I have learned about the Lake Country Backing plate system is it is prone to breaking pretty easily. I sanded down a 4 3/8" to a 4" for my 3401 and I love it, but I feel like there still is a place for a 3" DA. There are just some smaller areas where the 3401 can't fit.

I also have a Flex Kompakt with the 3", 2", and 1" pads. There is a little bit of a learning curve for it (at least for me), but I feel like it is a solid machine also.
 
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