Going with Griot's G9, but will need to doctor up the old PC 7424

[vaca22]

Hi all, I've decided to grab a Griot's G9 as well as a 5" backing plate. That leaves me with 2 old PC 7424s (yes, I have no idea how I ended up with 2 of them. Extremely surprised when I found out!).

Back when I had originally purchased them, I seem to recall also getting some kind of counter weight. I'm not sure why I got it, but I had read somewhere that I needed it.

I'd like to convert the PC to accommodate 3" pads. So the question is - do I need anything special for this? Any tips or tricks, or other suggestions for these PCs? I figured having 2 sizes available at once would be a good thing.

Thanks!

[IH8SPM]

I was told by Griots that the 3" backing plate doesn't play nice with the G9.

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[Klasse Act]

I was told by Griots that the 3" backing plate doesn't play nice with the G9.

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Yeah it's probably too much power if I had to guess. I recently converted my GG3 to a 2" backing plate, can't wait to try it out. I got the kit with the 6 pads too, something for every job in there.

I'd say look for someone !selling their GG3 and convert it over like I did OP

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[WaxMaster1]

I was told by Griots that the 3" backing plate doesn't play nice with the G9.

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He's not doing that to the G9, he's converting one of his PCs

I'd like to convert the PC to accommodate 3" pads. So the question is - do I need anything special for this? Any tips or tricks, or other suggestions for these PCs? I figured having 2 sizes available at once would be a good thing.

Thanks!

I recommend the 3" Backing Plate from Griot's which they use on their GG6.

[WaxMaster1]

This is the one you want. You'll have to search elsewhere though

Griots Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate

[psnt1ol]

This works as well...

3 Inch Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate, da backing plate, random orbital backing plate

[PaulMys]

Back when I had originally purchased them, I seem to recall also getting some kind of counter weight. I'm not sure why I got it, but I had read somewhere that I needed it.

I'd like to convert the PC to accommodate 3" pads. So the question is - do I need anything special for this? Any tips or tricks, or other suggestions for these PCs? I figured having 2 sizes available at once would be a good thing.

Thanks!

I converted my PC to 3" setup a few years back.

No need to modify it at all. Like you mentioned, having two machines on hand with different sized pads is "a good thing".
Not having to stop & switch pads/plates is a real time saver.

The only tip or "trick" I can offer is that you need to be a little more careful with the 3" pad/plate. Not that it is hard to use or especially "tippy", but certainly not as stable as with a 5 or 6" setup.

[vaca22]

Thanks everyone!

[MarkD51]

Most everybody mentions the use of a smaller plate for use of 3" Pads with the PC Machines.

I myself also very much like the use of 4" Pads on the PC7424.

This combination is quite sweet IMO, sort of like the 3 Bears, in that on some vehicles like smaller cars, or those with lots of curves and dips, 3" is just too small to cover areas, and 5.5" is just a bit too large, whereas 4" Pads work very nicely, just right!

And with 4", the machines like the PC7424, and PC7424XP have more than adequate power. Nothing feels strange or "tippy" with 4" on these machines. Even when you look at the requisite LC Backing Plate and 4" Pad on these machines, it looks "so right" IMO.

How much is one losing with a section pass, 1/2" to 1" at most? Better correcting efficiency sometimes makes up for a small loss in Pad size.
I've found speed 5 works just fine with the PC7424XP with 4".

Downsides, an additional plate, and the 4" Pads needed.

3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate- porter cable 7424XP hook and loop backing plate 3.5 inch.