3" Pad Solution for PC 7424

allenk4

allenk4

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I already had an older model Porter Cable 7424 and a FLEX 3401, but I like smaller pads, so I had the backing plate for the FLEX cut down to accommodate 5 1/2" pads. But I still needed something smaller. I thought about the Griot's 3", but didn't like the idea of buying a 3rd polisher.

Searching around on AGO, I saw a version of this solution for 4" pads, so I decided to try to duplicate it with 3" pads.

Here's what I came up with:

WP_20131009_008.jpg


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It is composed of the following:

3 Inch Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate
D.A Adapter 5/8 Inch X 11
3 Inch Meguiar's DA Microfiber Cutting Disc (2 Pack)

The set-up works great for me on bumpers, pillars and the vent area on the only Porsche I have done.

Have Fun!
 
Doesn't Lake Country sell a 2 7/8" backing plate for DA's that use 3" pads?
 
Yes. But this bp excels in heat dissipation IMHO:

The foam enables the Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate to conform to flat and curved surfaces to create uniform results over the entire vehicle.
Click to expand...
 
I selected that backing plate because it is taller and gives me more distance between the pad and the housing of the DA

The PC Guard has already saved me twice
 
Just trying to get into places that are too tight. Like the liftgate handle on a Yukon.

With these little pads, you have to keep it in firm contact with the paint at all times and it is really difficult to control above a speed of 4 on my older PC 7424.
 
I should not have even made that comment. My apology. What's tippy for me might be perfect for you. That you get good results is all that matters. Smart thinking on an innovative solution :props:

I once was bound and determined to master 6.25" OMF pads/OHC on the rotary. Even posted the Booty Call thread of a hacked up Benz that I turned around. Boy did that detail beat me up...but 4.5 hours or so, the end product justified the effort.
It took reading ShineTime's thread for me to realize the errors of my ways.

Happy detailing...:buffing:
 
Jim w said:
Where can I find a PC guard?

Jim
Click to expand...

The PC Guard is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing.

It works, but an equally effective and less expensive option is available at Home Depot in the weather stripping section
 
AGOatemywallet said:
The PC Guard is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing.

It works, but an equally effective and less expensive option is available at Home Depot in the weather stripping section
Click to expand...
Thanks AGOatemywallet just received notification. Of your post.

Jim
 
Allen, thanks for the thread. With a Flex 3401 inbound, I was looking for a way to convert my old 7424 to a smaller pad for spot correction & tight spaces. This seems like a hardier solution than the Griots 3" polisher.

I noticed one of the reviewers of the adapter (Lou Jacobelli) mentioned severe vibration problems which led to several 7424XPs disassembling themselves. Has anyone had that problem while using the Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate? I was also considering an LC plate + 4" Spot Buff pads.
 
Thanks, Mike. That looks like a more secure solution without an adapter, and I may be happier with a 3" pad, too. As much as I'd like a tiny Rupes TA50, I should be able to reach most areas on my vehicles with a 7424 + 3" pad. I think I'll give the 3" LC Hydro Pads a try.

Is downsizing pads an uncommon practice for the 7424? It seems natural to me since it's a popular tool, and I doubt many are worn out before an upgrade is purchased.

I wish AG made it easier to look at their full array of pads. Having all pads represented in a sortable table by size, material, cut, brand, price, #-pack availability, special features, etc. would make shopping simpler.
 
I'm a rotary user but I'm pretty sure there's a lot companies that make D.A. backing plates made for that size pad...I could be wrong but either way cool setup man!
 
If folks don't mind, I'll add a little about the PC Guard.

I searched the web for this, and thought it a good idea. Surely, nobody wants to bang a metal shroud into a mirror-etc and mar-scratch-ding paint. I think I paid $10 for this little item.

The shipping was quick from the seller, but sort of laughed when I opened the delivered envelope package. I sort of felt I was taken.

All it is, is a length of peel and stick neoprene type rubber weatherstrip. While I don't believe you will find the exact same material at any big box home improvement stores, I'm sure some specialty places may carry such, and am sure you could find such at places like McMaster-Carr.

Mine never stayed stuck very long, the ends began to lift even though I fully degreased the Shroud with 91% IPA prior to installation.

Thus I had to again come behind a day later with a couple drops of Crazy Glue to re-affix.
 
Mark, I was wondering if the guard stayed put; guess not. A one-piece boot would probably be a better solution, and I have an idea that might work. The right Fernco flexible coupling might do the job if it was cut down and secured with a zip tie or a shrink tube covered hose clamp. Those couplings are very durable, fairly cheap, and are in many plumbing sections. I'll give it a try when I put my mini-PC kit together.

View attachment 49680
 
Yes, I think if one could find a coupling, or hose, or ?, of the appropriate diameter, that it could be perhaps cut to the width of the Shroud, and then possibly "stretched" over and onto the Shroud. Thus, there would then be no need to tie-wrap.

Or, if one could find Neoprene Sheeting, or even if you had something like a heavy duty Neoprene Glove, that the wrist area could be cut off, and in this instance could be glued to the shroud with contact cement, excess overhang of width could be easily trimmed after attaching with a Ultility-Exacto Knife.

All could accomplish the same thing, eliminating contact of the metal shroud with a vehicle.
 
Try using 3M's Trim Tape on the 'neoprene to PC'.

Talk about somethin' that sticks! Almost too much 'stick'.

Bill
 
BillE said:
Try using 3M's Trim Tape on the 'neoprene to PC'.

Talk about somethin' that sticks! Almost too much 'stick'.

Bill
Click to expand...

Yea I took on a 01 Yukon that the husband removed the side moldings 3 months ago but left all the trim tape on to bake in the sun...bad idea!!
 
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