How do i use smaller pads on my flex 3401?

**Rez90** · 08-31-2011, 02:44 PM

i've been reading about people using 5 and 5.5 inch pads on their flex's. Is there a new backing plate? do you modify the current plate?

thanks.

**embolism** · 08-31-2011, 02:48 PM

buy a new plate

FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate, FLEX

**Rez90** · 08-31-2011, 02:49 PM

Nice!!! thank you!

**The Pad Man** · 08-31-2011, 02:50 PM

Theres even a smaller plate coming out...

**oldmodman** · 08-31-2011, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by The Pad Man

Theres even a smaller plate coming out...

Looks like I might be selling my Griots mini.

Just imagine 3" pads on a Flex.

**The Pad Man** · 08-31-2011, 03:26 PM

not that small...

**CEE DOG** · 08-31-2011, 03:52 PM

I can't figure out why they made that backing plate 4 7/8". It should be 3 7/8". Tad had one of the original size bp's cut down to 3 15/16" and sent it to me. That works well for 4" pads.

Mike Phillips · 08-31-2011, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by The Pad Man

Theres even a smaller plate coming out...

We'll be using the new toys from Eric tomorrow at our first Autogeek's Car of the Week project but Eric is not our special guest.

You're always welcome to stop by though Eric.

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

**Bunky** · 08-31-2011, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by CEE DOG

I can't figure out why they made that backing plate 4 7/8". It should be 3 7/8". Tad had one of the original size bp's cut down to 3 15/16" and sent it to me. That works well for 4" pads.

I guess they did not want people to use 4-in pads as a rule. The Internet can be unkind if there was some buffing fiasco that went viral.

**poweraid** · 08-31-2011, 05:15 PM

u can modify the bp that come with the unit. use a razor blade to cut around it , right up to the plastic . u would be cuttin off the white foam and some loop. this works just fine for me with 5.5 pads. I have used a 4 inch pad also , not recommended of course , have to be extremely careful .