3" Pad Solution for PC 7424

[allenk4]

I already had an older model Porter Cable 7424 and a FLEX 3401, but I like smaller pads, so I had the backing plate for the FLEX cut down to accommodate 5 1/2" pads. But I still needed something smaller. I thought about the Griot's 3", but didn't like the idea of buying a 3rd polisher.

Searching around on AGO, I saw a version of this solution for 4" pads, so I decided to try to duplicate it with 3" pads.

Here's what I came up with:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/WP_20131009_008.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/WP_20131009_003.jpg

It is composed of the following:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_94886860 (http://www.autogeek.net/rotary-3inch-backing-plate.html) 3 Inch Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/rotary-3inch-backing-plate.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2268_128059499 (http://www.autogeek.net/4inch-spot-buffs.html) D.A Adapter 5/8 Inch X 11 (http://www.autogeek.net/4inch-spot-buffs.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2268_257381393 (http://www.autogeek.net/3in-microfiber-cutting-discs.html) 3 Inch Meguiar's DA Microfiber Cutting Disc (2 Pack) (http://www.autogeek.net/3in-microfiber-cutting-discs.html)

The set-up works great for me on bumpers, pillars and the vent area on the only Porsche I have done.

Have Fun!

[dsg03gt]

Doesn't Lake Country sell a 2 7/8" backing plate for DA's that use 3" pads?

[Vegas Transplant]

Yes. But this bp excels in heat dissipation IMHO:


The foam enables the Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate to conform to flat and curved surfaces to create uniform results over the entire vehicle.

[allenk4]

I selected that backing plate because it is taller and gives me more distance between the pad and the housing of the DA

The PC Guard has already saved me twice

[Vegas Transplant]

The PC Guard has already saved me twice

Is this due to the tippiness of the set up?

[allenk4]

Just trying to get into places that are too tight. Like the liftgate handle on a Yukon.

With these little pads, you have to keep it in firm contact with the paint at all times and it is really difficult to control above a speed of 4 on my older PC 7424.

[Vegas Transplant]

I should not have even made that comment. My apology. What's tippy for me might be perfect for you. That you get good results is all that matters. Smart thinking on an innovative solution :props:

I once was bound and determined to master 6.25" OMF pads/OHC on the rotary. Even posted the Booty Call thread of a hacked up Benz that I turned around. Boy did that detail beat me up...but 4.5 hours or so, the end product justified the effort.
It took reading ShineTime's thread for me to realize the errors of my ways.

Happy detailing...:buffing:

[Jim w]

Where can I find a PC guard?

Jim

[AGOatemywallet]

Where can I find a PC guard?

Jim

The PC Guard is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing.

It works, but an equally effective and less expensive option is available at Home Depot in the weather stripping section

[Jim w]

The PC Guard is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing.

It works, but an equally effective and less expensive option is available at Home Depot in the weather stripping section
Thanks AGOatemywallet just received notification. Of your post.

Jim

[ski2]

The PC Guard is simply a piece of foam with an adhesive backing.

I thought the PC Guard was actually a smaller shroud that lets you get into tighter areas?

[scuff]

Allen, thanks for the thread. With a Flex 3401 inbound, I was looking for a way to convert my old 7424 to a smaller pad for spot correction & tight spaces. This seems like a hardier solution than the Griots 3" polisher.

I noticed one of the reviewers of the adapter (Lou Jacobelli) (http://www.autogeek.net/daadapter58x11.html) mentioned severe vibration problems which led to several 7424XPs disassembling themselves. Has anyone had that problem while using the Flex-Foam HD Rotary Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/rotary-3inch-backing-plate.html)? I was also considering an LC plate + 4" Spot Buff pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack.html).

[AZ Mike]

I have used this backing plate with Lake Country 3" Flat Pads on my Porter Cable 7424XP.

3 Inch Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate, da backing plate, random orbital backing plate (http://www.autogeek.net/3inch-dual-action-backing-plate.html)

This set up has been working fine.

[scuff]

Thanks, Mike. That looks like a more secure solution without an adapter, and I may be happier with a 3" pad, too. As much as I'd like a tiny Rupes TA50, I should be able to reach most areas on my vehicles with a 7424 + 3" pad. I think I'll give the 3" LC Hydro Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lc-h20-130.html) a try.

Is downsizing pads an uncommon practice for the 7424? It seems natural to me since it's a popular tool, and I doubt many are worn out before an upgrade is purchased.

I wish AG made it easier to look at their full array of pads. Having all pads represented in a sortable table by size, material, cut, brand, price, #-pack availability, special features, etc. would make shopping simpler.

[precisionmobile85]

I'm a rotary user but I'm pretty sure there's a lot companies that make D.A. backing plates made for that size pad...I could be wrong but either way cool setup man!