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-   -   My first Orbital polisher ...... Flex XC3401 (https://saleenforums.soec.org/showthread.php?t=15617)

TTSaleen 07-05-2013 09:27 PM

My first Orbital polisher ...... Flex XC3401
 
After having mixed results from hiring "so-called" professional detailers in my area over the last few years, I decided to purchase the equipment and products myself and learn how to do it.

I am glad I decided to do this!
The initial price was a little steep, but I bought the stuff that the pros use.

Flex XC3401 orbital polisher
CCS Orange light cutting pad
CCS White polishing pad
CCS Blue finessing pad
Menzurna SI1500 super intensive polish
Menzurna SF4000 super finish
Menzurna Power Lock sealant
Pinnacle Souveran Paste wax

I did a bunch of reasearch on Autogeek.net and found the videos on Youtube from Mike Phillips to be very educational.

I must say that this is not a quick job.
Each step is required to correct minor scratches and blemishes in the paint.

I won't go into every detail, but after the SI1500, the car looked better than it ever did before!
The SF4000 provided a finer finish and clarity.
The Power lock seals all my hard work from the elements.
The Souveran wax gives the car a "3 dimensional look" just as stated on the product documentation.

I really like these products and the Flex 3401.

Here's a few pics captured during the process.
Camera actually was picking up small traces of dust from my microfiber towels!

I haven't finished the shelby yet, but hope to by tomorrow night. Just have to apply the wax to it and it will be ready.

Ryan



http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...pse613ecf1.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps3fe3173d.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps0d318c23.jpg


http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...psd26ea5f9.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps04a07f32.jpg

tbar 07-05-2013 11:19 PM

Looks awesome, nice job.

XxBoostinxX 07-08-2013 02:30 AM

Great job! I jumped straight into a flex 3401 as well and glad I did. The forced rotation is great to have, especially for heavy correction! The CCS pads are great and is what I am currently using, but I do recommend the new hydro-tech pads over them. Product tends to get stuck in the CCS pad holes so it is distributed poorly over the surface area during multiple passes. Also with the hydro-tech pads you only have to worry about three pads instead of seven. It makes things much easier and less overwhelming IMHO.


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TTSaleen 07-08-2013 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbar (Post 107493)
Looks awesome, nice job.

Thanks.



Quote:

Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX (Post 107581)
Great job! I jumped straight into a flex 3401 as well and glad I did. The forced rotation is great to have, especially for heavy correction! The CCS pads are great and is what I am currently using, but I do recommend the new hydro-tech pads over them. Product tends to get stuck in the CCS pad holes so it is distributed poorly over the surface area during multiple passes. Also with the hydro-tech pads you only have to worry about three pads instead of seven. It makes things much easier and less overwhelming IMHO.

Good info! Thanks!
Yes the FLEX is an awesome machine! I am very happy with it!

Ryan

Saleen520 07-09-2013 06:14 PM

Looks great. I need to check into this.

TTSaleen 07-09-2013 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saleen520 (Post 107650)
Looks great. I need to check into this.

Thanks. Not knocking the professional guys that do this for a living, but my local experiences left a lot to be desired.
I am extremely happy with the final result and have been kicking myself for not buying this stuff years ago and learning to do it then! LOL!

00_ExtrmRnbw 07-11-2013 11:15 PM

Wow, looking great! I've been wanting to buy that polisher for a good year now... One day

LeftLane_94 07-21-2013 11:22 PM

This looks great... What kind of condition was the paint before?

TTSaleen 07-22-2013 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeftLane_94 (Post 108231)
This looks great... What kind of condition was the paint before?

I had it buffed about 4 years ago but I still had minor surface scratches in the clear coat.
The car stays garaged and covered so paint is/was in fairly decent condition.

Here's a pic from this weekend out in the sunshine.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...pse0552b53.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps699ecc8e.jpg

Saleen12c 08-13-2013 11:57 PM

thanks for posting! wanted to do this as well. looks awesome!


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