Backing Plate Swap - 5 inch backing plate for the Griot's Garage G9

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Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.

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Backing Plate Swap - 5 inch backing plate for the Griot's Garage G9


For everyone purchasing a Griot's Garage G9 random orbital polisher, (either from Autogeek or somewhere else), it comes from the factory, (in the box), with a 6" backing plate. I'm telling you straight-up, this tool has the POWER to turn and churn any 6" and larger pads that you attach to this size backing plate.

BUT - the way my mind thinks is like this,

After purchasing the tool, the next thing you're going to do is start investing money into pads. Smaller diameter pads fit modern car body panels better. That's simply a fact. So before investing your hard earned money in 6" and larger diameter pads, bite the bullet and get the Griot's 5" backing plate and THEN start investing in 5.5" and 6" buffing pads.

I guarantee you - you will appreciate this as time goes by.


Here's my personal G9 - given to me by Griot's. I tend to put my name on all my work tools for 2 reasons,

1: So if someone steals any of the tools they'll remember where they stole it from and who.

2: It's in my contract that I can keep all prototypes and new tools given to me by tool companies. I have a nice collection to date.


In the below picture you can also see the 5" backing plate compared to the factory installed 6" backing plate.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_001.JPG




5" backing plate on the left, factory installed 6" backing plate on the right.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_002.JPG





To remove the 6" backing plate you insert the 14mm backing plate wrench in behind the backing plate onto the free spinning spindle. You'll seen in another picture below what you're trying to do here.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_003.JPG




While holding the spindle in place, grab the backing plate and turn it counter clockwise.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_004.JPG




With the backing plate removed, you can now see where the wrench is fits onto the free floating spindle bearing.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_005.JPG




To install the 5" backing plate, I place my thumb on the compression washer to make sure it doesn't fall off and then align the threaded stud wit the spindle...

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_006.JPG


Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_007.JPG




Start the backing plate threading into the spindle - it should spin in easily with just your fingers spinning the backing plate clockwise.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_008.JPG




Then hold the spindle with the wrench from spinning while tightening down the backing plate until snug.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_009.JPG




Next center the backing plate onto your buffing pad of choice and you're ready to start buffing with a 5" backing plate.

Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_010.JPG


Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_011.JPG


Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_012.JPG


Griots_5_inch_G9_Backing_Plate_013.JPG





On Autogeek.com


Griot's Garage G9 - 5 inch Vented Backing Plate




:)
 
Mike, I think you meant to say in your first post here, "to then start buying 5.5" and 6" Pads".
 
MarkD51 said:
Mike, I think you meant to say in your first post here, "to then start buying 5.5" and 6" Pads".
Click to expand...


Thanks Mark,

I was in the middle of typing this up when we broke for a company lunch.

I've fixed and actually re-typed the info in the above first post and after lunch I took a few pictures to tell the rest of the story.


:props:
 
I see you corrected that Mike. Sorry to nitpick, I knew what you meant, but just so others know.

And one other thing I'm not sure you've mentioned about the new G9, and the purchase of a smaller 5" Backing Plate.

In another thread, I had read information that Griots Garage actually makes two 5" Ventilated Backing Plates.

There's the older model which is said to be best used with the GG6, PC7424 and variants, and all others that use a 5/16" Backing Plate attachment (Megs-Harbor Freight-etc).

Then another, newer Griots Garage 5" Ventilated Backing Plate that is specifically designed to be utilized with the GG9.
Something stated that Griots mentioned about better compatibility with the G9's Counterweight Cooling Fin Design.

Hope this helps.
 
MarkD51 said:
I see you corrected that Mike. Sorry to nitpick, I knew what you meant, but just so others know.

And one other thing I'm not sure you've mentioned about the new G9, and the purchase of a smaller 5" Backing Plate.

In another thread, I had read information that Griots Garage actually makes two 5" Ventilated Backing Plates.

There's the older model which is said to be best used with the GG6, PC7424 and variants, and all others that use a 5/16" Backing Plate attachment (Megs-Harbor Freight-etc).

Then another, newer Griots Garage 5" Ventilated Backing Plate that is specifically designed to be utilized with the GG9.
Something stated that Griots mentioned about better compatibility with the G9's Counterweight Cooling Fin Design.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...


That helps a lot Mark and thank you.


For anyone reading this into the future, Mark is correct, there are 2 Griot's Garage 5" backing plates. The backing plate I link to above is the CORRECT backing plate that is tuned to this tool.


:)
 
Hey Mike,

I was thinking about a G9 and I asked Griot's about the supported 5 inch backing plates, specifically if the older version(V1) vented plate would work on the G9. Their response was, yes. Have you tired one on the G9? Do you know what or if there are any differences between the two?

Thanks
 
RobThom said:
Hey Mike,

I was thinking about a G9 and I asked Griot's about the supported 5 inch backing plates, specifically if the older version(V1) vented plate would work on the G9.

Their response was, yes. Have you tired one on the G9? Do you know what or if there are any differences between the two?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Yes, I've used both and of course, they both fit. Most if not all DA backing plates use a 5/16" fine thread stud - so they'll fit any DA incluing the Griot's units, Porter Cable, Meguiar's MT300, Harbor Frieght, DAS 6, and on and on and on....


I believe the differences between the backing plates are shared in this video.





They start talking about backing plates at the 28 minute mark.


Me? I know a lot of the guys at Griot's. I worked with about a half dozen of them at Meguiar's. These guys are the real-deal and Richard and Nick Griot area also the real deal. In the video is Jeff Brown, Nick Griot and Sam Battersby and these guys are stand-up guys sharing accurate info about this tool and it's parts.

So when they tell you the new backing plate specifically made for the new G( is TUNED for maximum performance for this tool, you can take that to the bank.


:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
That helps a lot Mark and thank you.


For anyone reading this into the future, Mark is correct, there are 2 Griot's Garage 5" backing plates. The backing plate I link to above is the CORRECT backing plate that is tuned to this tool.


:)
Click to expand...

Hi, looking to pull the trigger on a G9 as my first polisher. If this is the recommended backing plate, any way we can order one of the kits from autogeek with it included? The kits you have seem to include an LC 5" non-vented backing plate instead. Or is the difference marginal and the LC will be fine? Thanks,
 
mrwinky said:
Hi, looking to pull the trigger on a G9 as my first polisher. If this is the recommended backing plate, any way we can order one of the kits from autogeek with it included? The kits you have seem to include an LC 5" non-vented backing plate instead. Or is the difference marginal and the LC will be fine? Thanks,
Click to expand...

From a practical point of view, that is when you have the tool in your hand and you're running the buffer over car paint, you won't notice a difference.

If you're a PRO DETAILER and buffing out cars 6-days a week with this tool, (taking Sunday's off), then sooner or later you will wear-out a backing plate, no matter who makes or the design, it's a "wear" item. the velcro hooks actually wear out as well as the backing plate itself.

If you're an ENTHUSIAST detailer, buffing out just your car or cars, then wearing out any backing plate will be the least of your worries. You'll wear out pads before you wear-out a backing plate.


Hope that helps....


:)
 
gorillapr said:
Can you fit a 3" backing plate on it for b pillars and bumpers work?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
Click to expand...


Yes. All these types of tools use a 5/16" fine threaded spindle - so anything with a 5/16" fine thread stud will spin on and tighten down.

For example, Cyclo Brushes will fit the new G9


:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
Yes. All these types of tools use a 5/16" fine threaded spindle - so anything with a 5/16" fine thread stud will spin on and tighten down.

For example, Cyclo Brushes will fit the new G9


:)
Click to expand...
I ask because I thought reading somewhere that Griots dont recomend using 3" backing plate on the G9

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
 
gorillapr said:
I ask because I thought reading somewhere that Griots dont recomend using 3" backing plate on the G9

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
Click to expand...

I believe the reason for this (and a very good one) is that the machine itself would be very unstable in the wrong hands, resulting in possible damage to the vehicle.

If you are experienced with power tools in general, and polishers specifically, using the 3" set up carefully shouldn't be a problem.
 
I think It’s also not recommended because of the shroud design. I think it covers the working area if you go down to a 3” backing plate.

I keep meaning to put my GG3 plate on my G9 just to see what it would look like.
 
Just to comment....


gorillapr said:
I ask because I thought reading somewhere that Griots dont recomend using 3" backing plate on the G9
Click to expand...


I believe you're correct. It's not that it cannot be done, it's just they don't recommend it for the reason Paul suggests below.



PaulMys said:
I believe the reason for this (and a very good one) is that the machine itself would be very unstable in the wrong hands, resulting in possible damage to the vehicle.
Click to expand...

I have an article on this topic, it's called tippy.

Tippy - Using small pads on comparatively large tools



PaulMys said:
If you are experienced with power tools in general, and polishers specifically, using the 3" set up carefully shouldn't be a problem.
Click to expand...


This too is true. Most companies have to fool-proof everything about their products and also recommendations. While many common sense type folks can probably use a 3" backing plate on the G9 with a 3.5" or 4" pad, there are enough folks that would tip the tool over and grind the polisher into the paint on the hood of their car and then blame the tool manufactures. So as a "company" you cannot make recommendations for fools.


Also just to note - this is WHY they offer the G8 - a tool that compliments the G9 and is a smaller size and designed to use smaller pads SAFELY for the masses.


Also just to note - large tools with small pads are only tippy when working on horizontal surfaces and that's because YOU must hold the tools and control the tool from tipping over. It's real easy to hold a tool kind of Loosey-Goosey and have a bad experience.

Working vertical panels with a large tool and a small pad is COMPLETELY different because due to gravity - you are FORCED to hold the tool UP and then press it AGAINST the panel. Not so when working on horizontal panes.


I hope after reading the above, you can read-into what I've written and see that I write from experience. I"m not writing hypothetical scenarios.



:)
 
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