CCS pad selection for new flex!
- Thread starter 2quikta
- Start date
Angus
AspiringProductSpecialist
If by Flex, you mean the Flex 3401 then you'll need to go with 6.5 CCS pads. Reason being is there isn't enough of a safety margin with the stock backing plate and 5.5 CCS pads. If you want to use 5.5 CCS pads, you'll need the 4 3/8 Flex bp.
Have you considered the Lake Country interchangeable bp system and 5" hybrid pads? That's by far the most popular combo.
Regarding the pads, if you do get the CSS pads go with orange, white, and black to start. And you'll need a least 3 pads per color. This way you can rotate clean-dirty-drying - ie use 1 clean one, while soaking the 2 in pad cleaner, as the 3 one dries. More of each color is always better but 3 is a minimum. Consider picking up a foam pad conditioning brush and pad cleaner too. Both will make your life a whole lot easier
I recently picked up a Flex 3401, had an existing assortment of 5.5 and 6.5 CSS pads, and have really noticed a difference in the end results! Its a really great machine!
Have you considered the Lake Country interchangeable bp system and 5" hybrid pads? That's by far the most popular combo.
Regarding the pads, if you do get the CSS pads go with orange, white, and black to start. And you'll need a least 3 pads per color. This way you can rotate clean-dirty-drying - ie use 1 clean one, while soaking the 2 in pad cleaner, as the 3 one dries. More of each color is always better but 3 is a minimum. Consider picking up a foam pad conditioning brush and pad cleaner too. Both will make your life a whole lot easier
I recently picked up a Flex 3401, had an existing assortment of 5.5 and 6.5 CSS pads, and have really noticed a difference in the end results! Its a really great machine!
Angus
AspiringProductSpecialist
No worries! Feel free the ask any follow up questions!
Migue
New member
Sorry for the thread bump. You're saying you use the 5.5" Pads on the standard BP that comes with the Flex which is the 5.5" i assume? aside from the minimized margin of error, is there an issue with doing this?
Ronkh
Wax Waster
Safety margin is the biggie as Angus said.
I have both, but only feel comfortable on flat panels w 5.5
Migue
New member
so the 5.5" Stock plate from the flex 3401 and a 5.5" Pad work out for you pretty well Ronkh? i got plenty of 5.5" Pads, and seriously about to bite bullet on a brand new Flex(been doing corrections with a PC this whole time and need to finally step it up) , but i wanted to make sure i can purchase the flex, and use my 5.5" pads without having to buy another plate or new larger pads.
Ronkh
Wax Waster
You can. just BE SUPER CAREFUL. I bought a bunch of 5.5 pads by mistake, so I know it works. But little margin of safety
Angus
AspiringProductSpecialist
For $37, make your life easier by getting the mini 4/38 backing plate:
FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate
If i was home right now I'd take a photo of and show you the difference between the stock and mini Flex BP on a 5.5" pad. It's just not worth messing up your paint with too large of a BP for your pad selection.
Migue
New member
Thank you sir! even with a PC, i've always been extra attentive keeping an eye on the edge of the BP to ensure it doesn't bump against anything. I'm still going to order the 4 3/8" BP , but at least i know that IF that BP doesn't get here on time, i can still use what i have with EXTRA care.
Also, is it a big pain in the butt to exchange BPs in the middle of a job? or is it similar to the PC method of unscrewing the BP and replace/tighten down quickly?
RaysWay
Autopia Specialist
Technically no, there's no issue at all with putting a 5.5 inch CCS pad on the stock backing plate. But it is scary...
Here's a 5.5 inch CCS pad.
On the stock FLEX XC3401 backing plate.
There is a small area around the backing plate that is exposed. Imagine losing focus for a second and tilting the polisher at an angle....allowing the backing plate to touch the paint. :vomit:
Personally I prefer the Lake Country Hybrid Pads in the 6.5 inch size with the stock backing plate.
Migue
New member
yup! that's the one i'm getting ready to order. Thank you.
Angus
AspiringProductSpecialist
Nah, it's the same. Swapping between bp's is easy peazy.
Migue
New member
Thank you for the pictures, that IS scary ! Just placed my Order, heck i might've spoken to you when i called just a few minutes ago about shipment/delivery speed. I will eventually get 6.5" Pads but for now i will use the pads i have with the small BP. I have an AIO detail coming up next week and i'd hate to use the PC on that, Infinity Q56...big old monster with lots of real estate to polish. I know the 6.5" Pads would be ideal for certain areas on this, but i'll stick with 5.5" for now since i already have enough for the job.
I cannot wait to try that Flex out, i'm finally over the PC and it'll be retired to a permanent 3" BP/Pad for small spots and back up only.
Angus
AspiringProductSpecialist
Nice! The Flex is a beast. I love mine.
Migue
New member
* Digging up this thread *
I'm noticing that the 4 3/8 BP on my 3401 is causing my LC CCS Pads to "mushroom" up from the BP being noticeably smaller than the 5.5" Pads , is this something i should worry about and will it drastically degrade my Pads' Life ? Pads were not being overworked, i pretty much have 1 pad per each vehicle panel, so i change them frequently and they were cool to the touch each time (the 3401's head was very hot though,if that means anything of significance) . Even on brand new pads, the effect started to appear after working the panel.
I'm wondering if getting another stock BP,carefully sand/grind the OD down to an even 5" OD would work since i'm not sure of any other options for BPs out there.
Thoughts?
I'm noticing that the 4 3/8 BP on my 3401 is causing my LC CCS Pads to "mushroom" up from the BP being noticeably smaller than the 5.5" Pads , is this something i should worry about and will it drastically degrade my Pads' Life ? Pads were not being overworked, i pretty much have 1 pad per each vehicle panel, so i change them frequently and they were cool to the touch each time (the 3401's head was very hot though,if that means anything of significance) . Even on brand new pads, the effect started to appear after working the panel.
I'm wondering if getting another stock BP,carefully sand/grind the OD down to an even 5" OD would work since i'm not sure of any other options for BPs out there.
Thoughts?