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  1. #1
    Junior Member njarmstrong81's Avatar
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    5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    I presently have a roster of 5 1/2" LC flat pads which I really like, with they work with the stock backing plate, or should I also get the 4 3/8" to make sure it fits properly. I can't seem to find a clear answer on this. Thanks!

  2. #2
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    Flex recommends the 4 3/8" for 5" and 5.5" pads. Stock 5.5" plate is recommended 6.5" or 7.5" pads

  3. #3
    Super Member Pureshine's Avatar
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    What machine are you using? If it's a 5" backing plate then yes a 5.5 inch pad will work just fine.

  4. #4
    Super Member FUNX650's Avatar
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    Need to know a couple of things...

    -What are the overall sizes (diameters: in inches)
    of your stock backing plate, and the 5 1/2" pads?

    -How much of a pad overhang, (between the backing plate
    and the pads), will you be comfortable with?

    Example:



    Bob
    "Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk."
    ~Joaquin de Setanti

  5. #5
    Super Member Danube's Avatar
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    Quote Originally Posted by njarmstrong81 View Post
    I presently have a roster of 5 1/2" LC flat pads which I really like, with they work with the stock backing plate, or should I also get the 4 3/8" to make sure it fits properly. I can't seem to find a clear answer on this. Thanks!

    Both will work fine with your 5.5"plate
    Flex 3401 & PE14


  6. #6
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    Quote Originally Posted by Danube View Post
    Both will work fine with your 5.5"plate
    Well heck, they'll work with a 6" plate too, but the idea is that the backing plate doesn't go to the edge of the pad and a 5.5" pad on a 5.5" backing plate sure will.

    Now take that buffer with the plate at the pad edge, and accidentally brush a mirror or a crevice in the right way. You potentially spun the edge right through the paint.

    Now if you're happy to pay for it yourself feel free to make that mistake, but it's going to cost more than the cost of the right size backing plate to fix it.

  7. #7
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    You will be much better off with the smaller 4 3/8 plate.

    With the standard 5.5" plate the plate is the same size as the pad and you will have no room for error when getting close to side mirrors.

  8. #8
    Super Member tuscarora dave's Avatar
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    I like the stock Flex 3401 5.5" backing plate better with LC 5.5" pads. I have, and have tried the 4 3/8" backing plate but just don't like all the extra pad hanging over the edge. I've never bought those tapered pads that fit exact on the 4 3/8" plate though.

    I've been using LC flat 5.5" pads with the stock backing plate for years without even 1 incident arising from zero over hang on the pad. If you're polishing blind folded I guess it'd be an issue but I think the whole line of thinking is way over thought and blown way out of proportion.

  9. #9
    Super Member Danube's Avatar
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ccrew View Post
    Well heck, they'll work with a 6" plate too, but the idea is that the backing plate doesn't go to the edge of the pad ....

    You are correct, but that's only an idea; in realty a 5.5"pad is just fine with a 5.5" plate.

    Did anyone ever burned the paint (incidentally) because of using 5.5"pad with a 5.5" plate?
    Flex 3401 & PE14


  10. #10
    Junior Member njarmstrong81's Avatar
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    Re: 5 1/2" pads with stock backing plate?

    Thanks for the responses everyone, I think I will go ahead and get the 4 3/8 to be safe. I am getting this in addition to my PC7424 - I really like that tool, but want to step up and try the Flex out. It seems to be a great tool and will hopefully cut down on time needed to complete a full car.

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