Are the 7.5" pads from TOL safe to use on a PC with the 6" Backing Plate and 6" Counter Weight? After doing a search, it seems that alot of people mention how important it is to match the BP and CW with the Pad and that if you don't the bearings inside the PC will be damaged and you get to much vibration. If this is true, then why do so many people buy the 7.5" pads? Is there alot of more vibration with the 7.5" pads compared to the 6.5"? And last, does the PC feel any more underpowered with the bigger 7.5" pads compared to a 6.5"? I just got a PC7424 from coastaltool that comes with the 6" BP & CW and I am trying to decide which pads to go with. Thanks for the help
Are 7.5" Pads Safe to Use with a PC
- Thread starter SR77
- Start date
Accumulator
Well-known member
IMO, the 7.5" pads won't DAMAGE the PC. I've used them and they aren't THAT different. But there IS more vibration, and a lot of people say it's too much for them to use comfortably. Yeah, it DOES feel a LITTLE less powerful with the 7.5" pads, but again, it's not that big a deal.
But given the vibration/discomfort issue, I dunno if I see any real advantage to using the bigger pads. It's not like they really change the job by covering more area quicker, or anything like that. I generally just use the 6" or 6.5" ones myself.
But given the vibration/discomfort issue, I dunno if I see any real advantage to using the bigger pads. It's not like they really change the job by covering more area quicker, or anything like that. I generally just use the 6" or 6.5" ones myself.
imported_memnuts
New member
The difference I found with the LC (Lake Country) pads is the quality of the foam material. The LC pads just seem to do the job more efficiently. Of course the end results with either pad was the same. PC operation seem identical. Long term "Wear and tear" analysis on the PC? :nixweiss
LouisanaJeeper
New member
I use 7.5" pads 90% of the time.
They provide better protection from the rough edge of the backing plate coming in contact with the paint
They provide better protection from the rough edge of the backing plate coming in contact with the paint
imported_kgb
New member
I use Lake Country 7.5 pads with a 6" counter weight and mine seems to run smoother than the smaller pads. Once I switched to the bigger pads I was so much happier.
Lynn and LouisannaJeeper,
Would a 6.5" pad used with a 5" plate provide the same protection from the backing plate as using a 7.5" pad and a 6" plate? There would be 1.5" between the edge of the plate and the edge of the pad either way.
I would also think that the smaller surface area would make it easier to get into tight spots.
I think the smaller surface area would make the PC more powerful, it would produce more heat. I have heard that when using the little spot repair pads that are 4" there is a very noticeable differance in the performance of the PC.
Would a 6.5" pad used with a 5" plate provide the same protection from the backing plate as using a 7.5" pad and a 6" plate? There would be 1.5" between the edge of the plate and the edge of the pad either way.
I would also think that the smaller surface area would make it easier to get into tight spots.
I think the smaller surface area would make the PC more powerful, it would produce more heat. I have heard that when using the little spot repair pads that are 4" there is a very noticeable differance in the performance of the PC.
imported_kgb
New member
Stevet,
The 7.5" pads have a resessed are for the backign plate to sit so it offers more protection.
The larger surface area makes it easier to get into tight spots ( such as under the side views, under spoliers and so on) because it puts the pad further away from the PC which could hit and get in the way itself.
I have found no difference in the smaller pads working better. In fact I have found the bigger pads work better and faster seeing it covers more surface area.
The 7.5" pads have a resessed are for the backign plate to sit so it offers more protection.
The larger surface area makes it easier to get into tight spots ( such as under the side views, under spoliers and so on) because it puts the pad further away from the PC which could hit and get in the way itself.
I have found no difference in the smaller pads working better. In fact I have found the bigger pads work better and faster seeing it covers more surface area.
Accumulator
Well-known member
stevet said:
Not Lynn or LouisannaJeeper, but my $0.02 anyhow: Yeah, using the smaller backing plate will give you that added protection, but THEN you have to watch out for the pad folding over lest you hit the paint with the pad's velcro backing. That said, *I* am currently using the 5" "flex" plate with 6" pads- no problems (for *ME*).
Like 2001civicex, I find that the smaller pads are actually a bit TOUGHER to use in tight spots. I like to use a bigger pad and sorta force/deform the "extra", overhanging edge of the pad into the tight spots. I find that the body/head of the PC is usually the limiting factor for getting into the tight spots (e.g., the junctions of the XJS's "flying butresses" and the trunk (oops, "boot") lid).
hondaguy2582
New member
SR77 said:
I have the pc with the 6" backing plate and counterweight and the 7.5 pads. The only time your really going to get vibration is at a speed of 6. Honestly, I wouldn't go above 5 with any pads, otherwise, the foam starts to shed(and thats with any foam polishing pad in my experience with the pc). It is not underpowered at all, it will cover much more area than the 6", and its more durable foam which can be machine washed. All in all, they are much better pads than the 6" for the $$$(and yes I have used both and the 6" pads just dont get it done) Hope this helps.
thanks for all the replys. I guess I am gonna go with the 7.5" pads and give them a try in the spring. No sure if anyone has noticed this yet, but i just went to top of the Lines site and it looks like they have raised there prices. I will probably still order from them though cause i can get any combination of 6 pads from them unlike CMA. Thanks again
imported_prgallo
New member
I just tried the 7.5" pads from Top of the Line. They worked great on my PC (7336, I guess with the bigger counterweight). On 5, no problem, 6 is to high though.