Best Glue to fix FLEX 3401 Backing Plate?

[Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN]

On my last project with my FLEX BEAST the adhesive began to fail on my FLEX 3401 backing plate.

The black hook disc started coming off towards the end of my project. I was able to carefully finish the job, but it kind of bummed me out.

I've only used my BEAST on maybe 3 or 4 projects so far.

I'm just curious to see what type of glue to use to fix the backing plate?

I was also thinking I'd buy the Lake Country 4 3/4 backing plate and utilize the 5.5 inch HDO pads I currently have available.

On a scale of 1- 10 how good of a finish do you think I can achieve with this combo of tool and pads with the BF One Step?

I know there are other variables to consider such as paint hardness, paint condition, etc.

I'm looking to get close to the same quality as I could with the Rupes yellow CP pads.

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[Mike Phillips]

On my last project with my FLEX BEAST the adhesive began to fail on my FLEX 3401 backing plate.

The black hook disc started coming off towards the end of my project. I was able to carefully finish the job, but it kind of bummed me out.

I've only used my BEAST on maybe 3 or 4 projects so far.

Hard to believe a FLEX backing plate would fail so soon?

I've blown them up before but only after lots of abuse.


Can you post a picture?

[Mike Phillips]

I'm just curious to see what type of glue to use to fix the backing plate?

If I were to try to glue any backing plate or velcro backing back onto a buffing pad I would use Goop Glue. Been there done that.

I was also thinking I'd buy the Lake Country 4 3/4 backing plate and utilize the 5.5 inch HDO pads I currently have available.

You can - but I would simply use these pads on your other polisher. The LC conversion kit is just so-so. I liked it back when they were still making the first generation of 5" Force Hybrid pads, with the new or second genration, the velcro backing on the back of the 5" pads is smaller than the backing plate so you can't really center them.

Instead, simply learn to make the larger pads on your BEAST work where you need them to work.

On a scale of 1- 10 how good of a finish do you think I can achieve with this combo of tool and pads with the BF One Step?

Damn nice. I do it all the time.

I know there are other variables to consider such as paint hardness, paint condition, etc.

Yup... them are the key variable. Mostly the challenge will be with SUPER soft paint. Not just soft paint. Then I use RUPES PURE.


Read my article here. The original SINGLE STAGE LACQUER paint on this car was stupid soft.


Barn Find - 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Convertible - Extreme Paint Correction

I'm looking to get close to the same quality as I could with the Rupes yellow CP pads.

Copy that. I'm not a fan of the HDO or SDO pads so I got nuttin for u

[Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN]

Hard to believe a FLEX backing plate would fail so soon?

I've blown them up before but only after lots of abuse.


Can you post a picture?

Here you go Mike, and as always thank you so much for the detailed response and links to your awesome articles, so I can further my education!



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[Mike Phillips]

Here you go Mike,

This doesn't look normal to me at all. I've sent the link to this thread to Chris Metcalf at FLEX Tools North America along with your contact info. I'm 100% confident he'll get a hold of you.

He may want you to mail him this backing plate for quality control reasons.


Stay tuned...

[Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN]

This doesn't look normal to me at all. I've sent the link to this thread to Chris Metcalf at FLEX Tools North America along with your contact info. I'm 100% confident he'll get a hold of you.

He may want you to mail him this backing plate for quality control reasons.


Stay tuned...

Oh wow! Thank you very much! I'm looking forward to hearing from him!

I'll gladly mail it to him.

I was gonna go get some of the Goop Glue and attempt to fix it, but ill hold off until I hear from him.



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[Mike Phillips]

I was gonna go get some of the Goop Glue and attempt to fix it, but ill hold off until I hear from him.

Chris like myself, thinks something is wrong.

The FLEX BEAST backing plates are just as tough as the BEAST itself.

He let me know he'll contact you.

[Jacob Harrod AUTOCLEAN]

Chris like myself, thinks something is wrong.

The FLEX BEAST backing plates are just as tough as the BEAST itself.

He let me know he'll contact you.

Thanks Mike! I genuinely appreciate the help!

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[Kamakaz1961]

This is an anomaly. I finally had to replace my Flex 3401 Backing Plate as I broke the edges of the plates from dropping my 3401. It was after 4 or 5 years.

Get a new Backing Plate and as Mike said, very rare for the BEAST to experience what you have. KEEP ON ROCKING!

[PaulMys]

Very nice to read about FLEX standing behind their products, unlike some other companies out there.

This kind of customer service gives you every reason to spend your money with confidence.