Using 5" pads for the whole car?

[starvinmarvin]

Does anyone only use 5" pads for their whole car? Is it possible to get into the A Pillars, tighter areas, ect.?

[Eldorado2k]

It's not.. Lately I've heard some buzz on the geek about a new 3.5" backing plate and 4" pads. But I think 4" pads would still be a bit inconvenient for the task. 3" pads would be ideal, otherwise you must resort to doing those areas by hand.

[Joe Dragon]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

I do those areas by hand.

[Eldorado2k]

I think I remember The Guz mentioning a 3" backing plate the other day. Maybe he can let us know where to purchase.

[starvinmarvin]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

Thanks Eldorado2k. I thought it would be possible but very messy.

[starvinmarvin]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

I do those areas by hand.

That's probably what I will resort to until I can get a smaller backing plate/pads.

[The Guz]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

For tighter areas such as a pillars 3" pads are a good size. I use a 3" lake county backing plate. It's actually 2 7/8. Much better design than the Meguiar's 3" backing plate. 4" pads are also good to have. I use those as well got applying waxes and certain areas where a 3" pad is too small or where a 5.5" pad I to big.

[Hernandez.Art13]

What machine(s) are you using starvin?

I find having a bigger setup as in 5" or 6" (really like and use the 6" on my Rupes 21)

Then having a 3" setup (have a Porter Cable for that) really seems to cover a lot of ground actually.

[starvinmarvin]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

What machine(s) are you using starvin?

I find having a bigger setup as in 5" or 6" (really like and use the 6" on my Rupes 21)

Then having a 3" setup (have a Porter Cable for that) really seems to cover a lot of ground actually.

I only have the Harbor Freight DA. If i had enough money, I would probably go grab a Rupes 15 or 21. But not right now.

[starvinmarvin]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

For tighter areas such as a pillars 3" pads are a good size. I use a 3" lake county backing plate. It's actually 2 7/8. Much better design than the Meguiar's 3" backing plate. 4" pads are also good to have. I use those as well got applying waxes and certain areas where a 3" pad is too small or where a 5.5" pad I to big.

I will look for that backing plate. Question though... with the 2 7/8 BP can I use the 4" pads or only 3"?

[The Guz]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

This is what I have. You can read about them some more at the provided links.

For 3" pads

http://www.autogeek.net/3inch-dual-action-backing-plate.html

For 4" pads

http://www.autogeek.net/lc-43085da.html

[Chop]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

This is what I have. You can read about them some more at the provided links.

For 3" pads

http://www.autogeek.net/3inch-dual-action-backing-plate.html

For 4" pads
http://www.autogeek.net/lc-43085da.html

Which small size would you recommend? :^) I am not in the the biz just like to work on my cars. I just got a hold of an Meguiars DA (I believe G110 model) and would like to buy 1 small backing plate with maybe a polish and a finish pad. I want these for glass, lights, A pillars, and bumpers where the 7" pads are too big to work with. TIA.

[The Guz]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

I'm not into the detailing biz either so I have both. I would recommend both but try going with the 3".

[Chop]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

I'm not into the detailing biz either so I have both. I would recommend both but try going with the 3".

Thanks! And I thought I had too many pads for just having 2 cars. Mainly I don't think the 1" difference is going to be a big deal for those areas.

I also thought the 3" ones was the better choice if only one choice was allowed. I am assuming the backing plate you linked would fit the G110 (sorry have not read the link yet)

(goes to )

[The Guz]

Re: Using 5" pads for the whole car?

Yeah it will fit just fine. Autogeek and autopia car care just started selling 3" lake country flat pads. I'm using the lake country hdro tech pads as the flat pads were not available at the time. The hydrotech's work good.

Flat pads

http://www.autogeek.net/3-inch-foam-pad-6-pack.html

Hydrotech

http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-hydro-tech-3-x-1-25-inch-foam-pads.html