My first Orbital polisher ...... Flex XC3401

[TTSaleen]

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

[tbar]

Looks awesome, nice job.

[XxBoostinxX]

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]

Originally Posted by tbar

Looks awesome, nice job.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX

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]

Looks great. I need to check into this.

[TTSaleen]

Originally Posted by Saleen520

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]

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

[LeftLane_94]

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

[TTSaleen]

Originally Posted by LeftLane_94

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.

[Saleen12c]

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