New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401

[Mike.Phillips@Autogeek]

New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401


These are prototypes Eric Dunn sent me to test and evaluate, we'll be stocking these when the design is finalized and they go into production.

On the left is the 6" backing plate, center is the 4" backing plate and on the right is the interface plate that enables you to switch between either the 6" or the 4" backing plate.



Here's a view of the other side so you can see the ribs for strength, the plate itself is very rigid and this is part of the design that does away with the felt ring.









The protruding tabs lock into the slots on the interface plate and then both are bolted to the spindle.












Here's a shot showing size comparison between the new backing plates on the right and the existing backing plates on the left.



The stock backing plate that comes with the Flex 3401 measures 5 7/16"



The new 6" backing plate actually measures a little larger than 6" inches to full support the back of a 6.5" pad. This dimension is subject to change in the final production versions.



On the left hand side is the factory backing plate on a 6.5" foam pad and the new 6" backing plate on the exact same pad.



The picture is a little deceiving as the outer edge of the backing plate actually extends "almost" to the outer edge of the back of the pad. Again, this dimension is subject to change in the final version. Currently the diameter = 6 7/16"




Here's the 4 3/8" backing plate on a 5.5" foam pad...



The 4 3/8" backing plate is too large to use safely with a 4" spot repair pad


Here's the new 4" backing plate with a 4" pad



Ready for some testing...




We'll be trying these out on a 1986 Buick Regal that we're working on for our first "Autogeek's Car of the Week" project.

Autogeek's Car of the Week - 1986 Buick Regal T-Type Turbo

[Rei86]

Some great news for Flex 3401 users.

[Marc08EX]

Woohoo!!! 4" BPs for the 3401!! Been waiting for this!

Any idea what the pricing will be for these? Can we buy the 4" and 6" BPs individually or will they be in a package?

[5.4 Shelby]

Looks pretty slick. Looks like another purchase in my future.

[Twister]

Very cool Mike. I'm glad that there are finally more options for the flex

[Old Tiger]

Look forward to trying these!

[Harleyguy]

This is great news Mike and Thank you for posting some great photos of the new design . I remember last March during Detail Fest talking to Eric about some new backing plates for the 3401 . Only one concern I have if there is any failure of the 3401 while it's under warranty will Flex be able to tell that the original backing plate wasn't used .

I guess we will cross that bridge when we get there .

[catfish07]

Aw man!!! Mike, I wished you had put "coming soon" in the title... I'm ready to buy

[killrwheels@autogeek]

nice indeed ...

[Bunky]

I wonder when they will do microfiber pads.