5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

[njarmstrong81]

I presently have a roster of 5 1/2" LC flat pads which I really like, with they work with the stock backing plate, or should I also get the 4 3/8" to make sure it fits properly. I can't seem to find a clear answer on this. Thanks!

 

[Ccrew]

Flex recommends the 4 3/8" for 5" and 5.5" pads. Stock 5.5" plate is recommended 6.5" or 7.5" pads

 

[Pureshine]

What machine are you using? If it's a 5" backing plate then yes a 5.5 inch pad will work just fine.

 

[FUNX650]

Need to know a couple of things...

-What are the overall sizes (diameters: in inches)
of your stock backing plate, and the 5 1/2" pads?

-How much of a pad overhang, (between the backing plate
and the pads), will you be comfortable with?

Example:



Bob

 

[Danube]

I presently have a roster of 5 1/2" LC flat pads which I really like, with they work with the stock backing plate, or should I also get the 4 3/8" to make sure it fits properly. I can't seem to find a clear answer on this. Thanks!

Both will work fine with your 5.5"plate :xyxthumbs:

 

[Ccrew]

Both will work fine with your 5.5"plate :xyxthumbs:

Well heck, they'll work with a 6" plate too, but the idea is that the backing plate doesn't go to the edge of the pad and a 5.5" pad on a 5.5" backing plate sure will.

Now take that buffer with the plate at the pad edge, and accidentally brush a mirror or a crevice in the right way. You potentially spun the edge right through the paint.

Now if you're happy to pay for it yourself feel free to make that mistake, but it's going to cost more than the cost of the right size backing plate to fix it.

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

You will be much better off with the smaller 4 3/8 plate.

With the standard 5.5" plate the plate is the same size as the pad and you will have no room for error when getting close to side mirrors.

 

[tuscarora dave]

I like the stock Flex 3401 5.5" backing plate better with LC 5.5" pads. I have, and have tried the 4 3/8" backing plate but just don't like all the extra pad hanging over the edge. I've never bought those tapered pads that fit exact on the 4 3/8" plate though.

I've been using LC flat 5.5" pads with the stock backing plate for years without even 1 incident arising from zero over hang on the pad. If you're polishing blind folded I guess it'd be an issue but I think the whole line of thinking is way over thought and blown way out of proportion.

 

[Danube]

Well heck, they'll work with a 6" plate too, but the idea is that the backing plate doesn't go to the edge of the pad ....

You are correct, but that's only an idea; in realty a 5.5"pad is just fine with a 5.5" plate.

Did anyone ever burned the paint (incidentally) because of using 5.5"pad with a 5.5" plate?

 

[njarmstrong81]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I think I will go ahead and get the 4 3/8 to be safe. I am getting this in addition to my PC7424 - I really like that tool, but want to step up and try the Flex out. It seems to be a great tool and will hopefully cut down on time needed to complete a full car.

 

[VISITOR]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I think I will go ahead and get the 4 3/8 to be safe. I am getting this in addition to my PC7424 - I really like that tool, but want to step up and try the Flex out. It seems to be a great tool and will hopefully cut down on time needed to complete a full car.

when the flex 3401vrg first came out, the stock backing plate was 6". then a short time later (year or two) they switched it over to the 5.5" that currently comes with it now. it's nice to have the lake country interchangeable backing plate system available for it now which makes it's even more versatile. if you're one of those who gets annoyed with the traditional DA stalling, you need not to worry with the flex as it's forced rotation (gear driven). top notch build quality and great performance, this will last you many years to come...