Will 5.5" pads work with the Flex 3401? *PIC*

W

WRAPT C5Z06

New member
Joined
Nov 12, 2009
Messages
12,615
Reaction score
0
The Flex has a 5.5" backing plate, this is a 5.5" pad. As you can see on the pad, the velcro loop doesn't extend to the edge of the pad or backing plate. Will this affect performance of the pad? I'm aware there's no cushion and no margin for error, but I'm more concerned if the actual pad is too small to effectively polish?

IMAG0064.jpg
 
Not worth the risk. If the BP contacts anything you're gonna screw something up.
 
But to answer your question, technically yes it does work. It's just not recommended by any means.
 
D0ughB0y said:
I think a 3" pad might be even better... but not with a 5.5" backing plate :)
Click to expand...
Are you talking about the 3" Griot's? I sold that thing as fast as I bought it. I think the best case scenario would be to pick up a PCXP and use 4" pads for small areas.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
Are you talking about the 3" Griot's? I sold that thing as fast as I bought it. I think the best case scenario would be to pick up a PCXP and use 4" pads for small areas.
Click to expand...

He was just making a point that while a smaller pad is better, it's not going to be a wise choice if the backing plate is not the correct size. Stick with the PCXP w/4" pads for stuff like that.
 
[email protected] said:
He was just making a point that while a smaller pad is better, it's not going to be a wise choice if the backing plate is not the correct size. Stick with the PCXP w/4" pads for stuff like that.
Click to expand...
Yep, you guys are right.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
Are you talking about the 3" Griot's? I sold that thing as fast as I bought it.
Click to expand...


I used both 4" pads and 3" pads on the recent Porsche I buffed out, the Griot's 3" Mini Polisher actually worked great for the tight areas and thin panels.

You do have to focus on the task at hand to keep the pad rotating for swirl removal but it does work. I started out with the PC with a 4" pad under the Whale Tail but switched over to the Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher because it fit better.


To work on the paint under the whale tail, I used the Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher...

1994BlackPorscheOC026.jpg



The paint around the louvers and the louvers were the most difficult areas to work on and while the paint was greatly improved in this area there are still deeper scratches remaining that can be removed but will require more time to work out carefully by hand or machine...
1994BlackPorscheOC027.jpg


1994BlackPorscheOC028.jpg



If I work on this car again in the future I'll either have the owner check into having the black grill removed or I'll have to do it myself so that there's no risk of causing any damage to the grill or getting splatter on it from multiple machine polishing steps...

Most of the time when I look at areas like this detailed before me I find spatter or the other guy's wax...
1994BlackPorscheOC029.jpg



Polishing and sealing were both done with the red finishing/waxing pads offered by Griot's Garage for their 3" Mini Polisher.
1994BlackPorscheOC030.jpg
 
You could always cut the white foam back to the black part of the BP so that you can use a 5.5" pad. If you are using it on flat panels then ya sure go ahead and use it just keep a eye out and keep it level.
 
I have used 5.5" pads on the Flex as you show there. In fact I did it on my pride and joy. Must have been brave that day!! I have to say it is a rather scary proposition specifically around areas where there is a lot of curvature! On flat open panels no big deal but you better pay attention as you are adding a risk where none is needed. With the forced rotation the flex handles the 6.5" pad just fine.

Edit: Actually the one I used was a 5.5" tangerine HT pad
 
The 5.5" Variable Contact pads work well on the Flex because they cover the edge of the backing plate keeping things safe.
 
Why not just get the adapter? Don't they have an edge adapter for 4" pads on the flex?
 
agpatel said:
You could always cut the white foam back to the black part of the BP so that you can use a 5.5" pad. If you are using it on flat panels then ya sure go ahead and use it just keep a eye out and keep it level.
Click to expand...
Or, you could do what I did. Visit your friend at his local machine shop and have him cut the bp to 4 & 7/8" diameter. The whole job took my friend about 10 minutes to mount to a metal lathe and with a sharp metal cutting tool make the cut. Its a perfect fit. :buffing:
 
As soon as you apply pressure, the backing plate is going to eat the foam that isn't covered with velcro. If you're going to use a 5.5" pad, use one that has velcro covering the entire pad.

Colin
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
And if you ever thought of using/getting one, I spoke with Aaron and dont believe 3M will create more unless the market opens to it.
Click to expand...

I'm glad I picked mine up last week. I wonder what that means for the double sided pads (4", 6" and 8"). I wonder if 3M has plans to continue this product line at all?
 
Mindflux said:
I'm glad I picked mine up last week. I wonder what that means for the double sided pads (4", 6" and 8"). I wonder if 3M has plans to continue this product line at all?
Click to expand...

It was only directed at the adapter, as it seems it takes alot of time and effort and not that many users. Thats why I believe they would reconsider if more people used it and supported it. Nothing was even hinted at pads being discontinued.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top