New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401

[Mike Phillips]

New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/40410-new-4-6-backing-plates-flex-3401-a.html)


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.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates01.jpg


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.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates02.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates03.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates04.jpg


The protruding tabs lock into the slots on the interface plate and then both are bolted to the spindle.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates05.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates06.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates07.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates08.jpg



Here's a shot showing size comparison between the new backing plates on the right and the existing backing plates on the left.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates09.jpg


The stock backing plate that comes with the Flex 3401 measures 5 7/16"
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates10.jpg


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.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates11.jpg


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.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates12.jpg


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"
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates13.jpg



Here's the 4 3/8" backing plate on a 5.5" foam pad...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates14.jpg


The 4 3/8" backing plate is too large to use safely with a 4" spot repair pad
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates15.jpg

Here's the new 4" backing plate with a 4" pad
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates16.jpg


Ready for some testing...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates17.jpg


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 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/sign-up-open-garage-classes/40373-autogeek-s-car-week-1986-buick-regal-t-type-turbo.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/1986TTypeBuickRegal02.jpg


On Autogeek.net

FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xc3401-backing-plates.html)


:xyxthumbs:

[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 :(

[ScottB]

nice indeed ...

[Bunky]

I wonder when they will do microfiber pads.

[skipper1]

That is very clever. I wonder why they didn't come up with this a long time ago. It seems so simple.
Put me down for both plates and an extra center screw....just in case I lose one from changing plates.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Now I'm glad I never picked up the 4-3/8" backing plate... I really like the idea of these.

[Mike Phillips]

Tested out both the 6" Backing Plate and the 4" backing plate and both worked flawlessly.

The 4" backing plate with a 4" pad really works well for thin panels or hard to buff areas... very easy to control the 3401 with smaller pads like the 4" spot repair pads.


Testing out the new 4" backing plate for the Flex 3401 with a 4" Tangerine Hydro-Tech Spot Repair Pad
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320208_253048638062515_160604287306951_859479_4528 760_n.jpg



More pictures here...

Autogeek's Car of the Week - 1986 Buick Regal T-Type Turbo (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/sign-up-open-garage-classes/40373-autogeek-s-car-week-1986-buick-regal-t-type-turbo.html)



:)

[Perfections]

Mike thanks for the comparison on these, I'll be looking for them when they come out, were you able to notice any reduction in heat being generated inside the steel case?

[Tundra1316]

I wish these were for sale a couple of weeks ago, when i bought my new flex 3401. That I saved up for, cant afford it on a slaveway, no safeway salary and while going to college.