Different size pads on a Flex

mikenap

mikenap

New member
I read tdekany post a while back that he uses a Flex and can use any size pad on it. I had always heard that the Flex has the geared backing plate and therefore was restricted to 6.5" pads. Anyone know of a way to actually do this? I've tried searches but nothing came back. TIA
 
Hmm, maybe that's what he meant. Not a fan of that style of pad. I was hoping more for something that would allow me to use my existing collection of LC pads. Thanks though!
 
Right now the only option available is the Edge/3M system. I wish I had kept my old PC to run 4" pads on.
 
Mikeyc said:
Right now the only option available is the Edge/3M system. I wish I had kept my old PC to run 4" pads on.
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After I bought the Flex, I thought I would only use my PC with the 6" plate for LSP applications. Little did I know it would become an extremely effective and versatile machine with the 3.5" plate with 4" pads.:up
 
mikenap said:
I read tdekany post a while back that he uses a Flex and can use any size pad on it. I had always heard that the Flex has the geared backing plate and therefore was restricted to 6.5" pads. Anyone know of a way to actually do this? I've tried searches but nothing came back. TIA
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Sorry Mike - Didn't have time, but tomorrow I'll take a picture of the setup before I start detailing. I don't use any adapters.
 
tdekany said:
Sorry Mike - Didn't have time, but tomorrow I'll take a picture of the setup before I start detailing. I don't use any adapters.
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Thanks man, you've definitely piqued my interest in your setup. No adapters, huh? I'm really curious since I sorta want a Flex but can't see ditching my XP if the versatility isn't there with the Flex.



MobileJay said:
Here D.A Adapter 5/8" X 11 it says you can use it with rotary backing plates so you can use smaller ones.
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Jay, I saw that too, but for the life of me I can't see how that would work on a Flex. I haven't seen a Flex in person but from all the online pics I've seen, it doesn't have that female threaded spindle that the other DAs seem to have. Have you used that adapter?
 
mikenap said:
Thanks man, you've definitely piqued my interest in your setup. No adapters, huh? I'm really curious since I sorta want a Flex but can't see ditching my XP if the versatility isn't there with the Flex.







Jay, I saw that too, but for the life of me I can't see how that would work on a Flex. I haven't seen a Flex in person but from all the online pics I've seen, it doesn't have that female threaded spindle that the other DAs seem to have. Have you used that adapter?
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The XP is a joke compared to the flex. My setup is very simple. you'll laugh when you see what I do.
 
tdekany said:
My setup is very simple. You'll laugh when you see what I do.
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See? :D The thickness of these smaller pads allow one to polish around just about anywhere without any harm. Works great for me. Hope this helps.



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termigator said:
:LOLOL I'm way too sloppy to even think about trying that!:LOLOL
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Really? I'll take some pictures next time I have the 3401 (I had to send it to Powerhouse for repair) where and how I use the smaller pads.
 
Steve (Poorboys) has some curved pads that are somewhat smaller than the standard 6.5-in pads that fit the flex backing plate perfectly. When you compress the pad, the pad face flattens against the paint and builds a rim around the backing plate to protect it from hitting the paint. I saw one but did not measure it.



IMG_1816%20(Small).JPG
 
That looks like a pretty good size for the Flex. I got a freebie 5.5 pad from Autogeek a while back. I put it on the flex and it fit the plate perfectly. I like to have a little cushion though and yours seem to fit the bill. I'd look into it, except I just got back from Detail Fest and wound up with a bunch of freebie pads from LC.:D
 
tdekany said:
Really? I'll take some pictures next time I have the 3401 (I had to send it to Powerhouse for repair) where and how I use the smaller pads.
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Heh heh, oh..I can see how you'd do it, I'm just too concerned that something (probably me) would cause an "oops!".



I talked with a pal of mine about turning a Flex plate down on a lathe so it'd take a smaller pad, but it would involve taking off parts of the plate that appear to contribute to its strength so we gave up on the idea.



I just use *larger* pads for tight spots- the overhanging outer portion of the pad usually works fine even if I do have to tilt the machine and use it at a scary-looking angle.



I've done OK by taking off the plastic handle too, but the housing sure does heat up mighty fast.
 
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