4 Inch backing plate

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Axrow

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Hello, I bought what was advertised as a 4 inch backing plate from chemical guys. I received a 4 3/8 inch backing plate, which I already owned. I called chemical guys and they argued with me that there is no such thing as a 4 inch backing plate and they said it was "close enough." They then offered to let me return it as long as I paid the shipping and a restocking fee. Is there such a thing as a 4 inch backing plate? I ordered almost 200 dollars worth of 5 inch LC hybrid pads because I heard they fit perfectly on the 4 inch backing plate and my 4 3/8 is chewing them up.

Also does anyone have a contact at chemical guys I could discuss this with? The guy on the phone was like talking to a wall.
 
This is what it says in the Autogeek store about the 5" LC Hybrid pads:

"The backing material on each pad is 4 inch, which makes it self-centering on the Flex XC3401 VRG Orbital Polisher equipped with the Changeable Backing Plate System. With all other applications, a 3.5 to 3 3/4 inch backing plate is suitable."

Sounds like maybe you need one of these: 3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate- porter cable 7424XP hook and loop backing plate 3.5 inch. or try trimming down your backing plate to 4" with an X-acto knife or razor blade.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
This is what it says in the Autogeek store about the 5" LC Hybrid pads:

"The backing material on each pad is 4 inch, which makes it self-centering on the Flex XC3401 VRG Orbital Polisher equipped with the Changeable Backing Plate System. With all other applications, a 3.5 to 3 3/4 inch backing plate is suitable."

Sounds like maybe you need one of these: 3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate- porter cable 7424XP hook and loop backing plate 3.5 inch. or try trimming down your backing plate to 4" with an X-acto knife or razor blade.
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bingo. just trim it. won't look great, but as long as you do it as evenly as possible, you should be a-ok. in a similar vein, LC used to make these flat thin 4" orange pads with the smaller circle backing. a 3.5" plate seemed to be just big enough to cut into the foam, so i had to hack it up down to about 3" so it'd work. this was before they made the 3" DA backing plate. i still use that plate to this day.

EDIT: wait a sec, is this for a Flex or something? or PC?
 
Is this what you purchased?

Chemical Guys BUF_002 - Replacement Backing Plate for Flex XC 3401 VRG (4 Inch)

Why Buy This Product?
•4 Inch replacement backing plate for Flex XC 3401 VRG

•Allows you to use 5" and 5.5" pads
•Creates forced rotation
•OEM factory replacement for the original backing plate
•Reduce vibration
 
Axrow said:
It is a Flex 3401.
Click to expand...

oh...haha, that changes things.

i just looked at their listing for that plate. i might be blind but i can't see anywhere a mention of 4 3/8". however, if you look at other sites, like AG, they clearly list it as 4 3/8".

cliffs: Chemical Guys needs to 1. get you a new plate and 2. fix their listing to denote the actual size.

figure out who one of the principals might be, using linkedin maybe...then call and email them. they will surely take care of it and override the dude you spoke with.
 
allenk4 said:
Is this what you purchased?

Chemical Guys BUF_002 - Replacement Backing Plate for Flex XC 3401 VRG (4 Inch)

Why Buy This Product?
•4 Inch replacement backing plate for Flex XC 3401 VRG

•Allows you to use 5" and 5.5" pads
•Creates forced rotation
•OEM factory replacement for the original backing plate
•Reduce vibration
Click to expand...

Yeah I checked CG and came to the same conclusion too. Sounds like the OP meant to get the LC interchangeable backing plate system to use with the LC hybrid pads :

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

But I also noticed GC doesn't sell Hybrid pads or the LC interchangeable backing plate system, so naturally they'd argue a smaller pad doesn't exist.

I'm not sure you're going to get very far with pushing this argument up the CG flag pole.

I'd return (or try and re-sell) the 4 3/8 BP and buy the LC system from AG.
 
allenk4 said:
Is this what you purchased?

Chemical Guys BUF_002 - Replacement Backing Plate for Flex XC 3401 VRG (4 Inch)

Why Buy This Product?
•4 Inch replacement backing plate for Flex XC 3401 VRG

•Allows you to use 5" and 5.5" pads
•Creates forced rotation
•OEM factory replacement for the original backing plate
•Reduce vibration
Click to expand...

Yes, that is the one I purchased and its 4 3/8. I don't have linkedin. Anyone have any contacts over there? A manager is supposed to call me back, juding from the guys attitude I doubt he'll even tell his manager.
 
i'm not shy and since the info is on google, so i'm not exposing anything private, lol...try emailing [email protected] (if it still works) and see if he can give you a good contact at CG.
 
Axrow said:
Yes, that is the one I purchased and its 4 3/8. I don't have linkedin. Anyone have any contacts over there? A manager is supposed to call me back, juding from the guys attitude I doubt he'll even tell his manager.
Click to expand...

I have called and emailed CG in the past and did not receive any response

I have visited their brick & mortar location in Gardena. The staff working there was very attractive, but knew little about Detailing

Good luck with your return. It seems pretty straight forward that the item is described in their website as 4" and it is not
 
Contact info for CG

Contact Us:
Need to get a hold of us? You can contact us through the following methods:

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm PT

Phone:
866-822-3670
310-674-8135
310-678-2838

Email:
· Order Issues and Inquiries [email protected]
· Product & Technical Questions [email protected]
· Wholesale Accounts & Inquiries [email protected]
· Private Labeling
[email protected]
· Training & University Classes [email protected]
 
they dont sell a 4" on its own for the Flex, you have to get the LC backing plate system. it doesnt surprise me of CG rudeness. they are known for being difficult if you have something to say about them or there products if its bad. i suggest you get this

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System
 
Axrow said:
Hello, I bought what was advertised as a 4 inch backing plate from chemical guys. I received a 4 3/8 inch backing plate, which I already owned. I called chemical guys and they argued with me that there is no such thing as a 4 inch backing plate and they said it was "close enough." They then offered to let me return it as long as I paid the shipping and a restocking fee. Is there such a thing as a 4 inch backing plate? I ordered almost 200 dollars worth of 5 inch LC hybrid pads because I heard they fit perfectly on the 4 inch backing plate and my 4 3/8 is chewing them up.

Also does anyone have a contact at chemical guys I could discuss this with? The guy on the phone was like talking to a wall.
Click to expand...

all the more reason to not support them or buy any of their products. their customer service is lacking and that's if you're lucky to even get a hold of someone. i'm not going to put money into someone's pocket if they don't support their products. so many great vendors/car care companies to buy from these days with good/honest people behind them as well which is equally important as the products themselves...
 
Not sure where all my info has come from, but when I purchased the LC 4" backing plate it read that it was self centering on the 5" LC Hybrids which is the go to pad system of the 3401. When I got the backing plate the plate itself is slightly larger than the hook and loop backing of the pads. Not sure how thats self centering, but I just eyeball it and go to town.

The plate is a 4 3/8 I am sure. However the h&l is 4". There is no 4" that I know of, LC has the only system for the Flex. So I think there is some discrepancy somewhere with information, but the system works just fine, you just need to be careful with the soft non cutting pads, as they compress very easily, and you could tap the edge of the plate if not careful, or hit it on something. Just be careful and enjoy the plate you have. NOT worth the aggrevation in the end. There is no other choice that I am aware of.
 
Velocitybts said:
Not sure where all my info has come from, but when I purchased the LC 4" backing plate it read that it was self centering on the 5" LC Hybrids which is the go to pad system of the 3401. When I got the backing plate the plate itself is slightly larger than the hook and loop backing of the pads. Not sure how thats self centering, but I just eyeball it and go to town.

The plate is a 4 3/8 I am sure. However the h&l is 4". There is no 4" that I know of, LC has the only system for the Flex. So I think there is some discrepancy somewhere with information, but the system works just fine, you just need to be careful with the soft non cutting pads, as they compress very easily, and you could tap the edge of the plate if not careful, or hit it on something. Just be careful and enjoy the plate you have. NOT worth the aggrevation in the end. There is no other choice that I am aware of.
Click to expand...

This is what confused me slightly. I didn't need all three plates on this page - FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System but the description says 4" plate is the one included out of the three of them. BUT....... when you purchase the plates separately the only one listed is the 4 3/8" one. When I made my purchase I wondered why they would make two different ones so close in size, and figured it was a mistake. So I got it and yes its the 4 3/8" one. Honestly I think I might make the 50$ purchase just to get the stupid 4" one so it will match up to the pads. Hate to do it but right is right.


Glad I could answer my own question, and yes the OP should just make CG honor their add or completely refund. At the same time get the correct one from AG. :) He can also just dispute the purchase on his CC as item came and was not as described. Then CG will take care of him for sure.
 
My favorite pads for the Flex are definitively the five inch hybrids.

My least favorite plate is the changeable four inch from Lake Country. You are obligated to get a big plate together to be allowed to use the smaller. The kit is very expensive.

Many say never had any problems with it, but mine broke. Ok, warranty replaced it, but the new one started showing premature fine cracks after few months of use leaving me to believe it will fail someday soon

Conclusion, I've glued the broken one and reinforced the center with epoxy. Worked like a charm.

Did the same with my 'to be cracked' plate and now I have two glued four inch no-changeable plates (better safe than sorry). The bigger one, useless at first, now is definitively useless since my bases are glued to the four inch plate.

My best will it's either :

A) Flex make a 4" plate in original shape, like the 4 3/8", but 4". Much more solid and looks like will never brake.

B) Lake Country make a four inch plate independent of this 'system'.

C) (and my most waited) 5 3/8" hybrid pads, to match the actual 4 3/8" plate. This would be the sweet spot for hybrids. Not too small like the five inch, not too bulky like the six and half inch. Like I said, an all around pad, the sweet spot.

My .02$, sure.

Best wishes, and good luck with customer service.
 
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