Changing backing plates

[marlene firebird]

I have the PC 7424 and the new Meguiar's mf correction system and backing plate. I will still have a use for foam pads so instead of constantly changing backing plates, does it make better sense to get another polisher like the Meg's 110? What are others doing that use both types of pads?

[BillE]

Re: Changing backing plates

I may be wrong here (won't be the first time), but the pads should be interchangeable with the MF plate.

This was brought up when the system 'went live' and going from MF to foam was OK. Going the other way, depended on whether or not an MF friendly plate was being used in the first place.

Bill

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Changing backing plates

If you're using our Soft Buff 2.0 pads then the recommended backing plate is the W68DA; the W67DA is recommended for use with the 5" microfiber discs. Switching backing plates shouldn't be that big an issue since we doubt there will be many cases where you'll need to be constantly switching back and forth. If you need both on the same vehicle, you should be able to do everything you need to do with the DA Microfiber System then swap backing plates and work with the foam pads as needed.

Of course, if you want to buy a second buffer to avoid this, we're fine with that.

[marlene firebird]

Re: Changing backing plates

Thanks for your answers. Now my problem is that I can't find that wrench that came with the PC. Are the wrenchs universal? Can I get another one easily?

[marlene firebird]

Re: Changing backing plates

Actually the PC backing plate on there now looks exactly like the Meguiar's backing plate. 5" as well, pads go on and come off just the same. I already used the pc with the existing back plate cause I couldn't find the wrench to change the backing plate. Is it really necessary to change the backing plate? Worked just fine once already!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Changing backing plates

Well yes, both the microfiber discs and our Soft Buff 2.0 pads will "stick" to the backing plate you have, as will a variety of other pads. And while the backing plate you have is probably fine for the microfiber discs (provided it's not a long fingered hook & loop, which can generate a lot of heat on the back of the microfiber discs) it can pose some issues with our Soft Buff 2.0 foam pads. The main issue there is that it's a bit small in diameter for those pads so it doesn't give much support to the outer reaches of the pad, and you'll lose consistency of cut because of that. Further, if you're prone to using a lot of pressure with foam pads that smaller diameter backing plate can start cutting into the back of the pad and sometimes cause premature failure.

All that said, if you've been using that backing plate with the Soft Buff 2.0 pads and you've had no ill effects, then go ahead and keep using it. That tells us you're not beating them up, which is good!

[marlene firebird]

Re: Changing backing plates

My worries are over! I changed the backing plate to the Meguiar's plate. I don't think I'm imagining this but the Meguiar's plate does seem to run "cooler" than the other plate that was on there. I was using foam pads before (not Meguiar's) and they are still in good shape so I guess I wasn't abusing them with too much pressure. So we're all good now...I just used the mf pads again today and still so impressed with them.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Changing backing plates

That cooler running is not your imagination. The backing plate you had used previously must have been a long fingered hook & loop material, and using that with our microfiber discs can generate a lot of heat at the disc/backing plate interface. And that is precisely why we recommend our backing plate with the microfiber discs.