Where have the 7" pads gone?

[davisinla]

Hi.

Maybe I'm going blind or just being dumb, but in looking at Meguiarsdirect.com, I can't find the 7" pads (#W8207) for my old DA.

Are they still available?

[The Guz]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

The newest foam discs replaced the old foam pads.

[STRIFE]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

Autogeek has them

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-soft-buff-2-pads.html

Edit....only the cutting pads are available....

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

The newest foam discs replaced the old foam pads.

Thanks, but I'm not sure I understand. Will the "foam disk" work on my old PC? Do you happen to have a part number?

[The Guz]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

Here's the link to the new foam pads.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?61956-NEW!-DA-Foam-Discs-and-Backing-Plates

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

Here's the link to the new foam pads.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...Backing-Plates

Very much appreciated.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

Assuming you've been using our (now discontinued) W68DA backing plate with the Soft Buff 2.0 pads - and you really should have been since they were specifically made to go together - you will need a new backing plate to use the new thin foam discs. It is possible, however, that you've also got an older 5" backing plate that you stopped using when you started using the W68DA for the 7" Soft Buff 2.0 pads. If not, definitely pick up a new DBP5 backing plate along with the new thin discs.

Here's the thing with the new thin foam discs, though - they'll transform your DA into a much smoother, more responsive, and faster correcting tool. Even an old school PC7424 feels totally different with these discs, in a very good way. By making the switch you'll be gaining the fast cut and great finish of the cutting disc, and the improved finishing of the finishing disc (yellow polishing foam remains the same foam construction as before). The thinner construction and smaller diameter give you a lot more punch when removing defects. They are a huge step up and you're gonna love 'em!!

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

Assuming you've been using our (now discontinued) W68DA backing plate with the Soft Buff 2.0 pads - and you really should have been since they were specifically made to go together - you will need a new backing plate to use the new thin foam discs. It is possible, however, that you've also got an older 5" backing plate that you stopped using when you started using the W68DA for the 7" Soft Buff 2.0 pads. If not, definitely pick up a new DBP5 backing plate along with the new thin discs.

Thanks, Michael.

I never actually had to deal with a "backing plate". My PC DA (I've probably had it for 10 years) has a 5" Velcro disc which accepts the 7" pads.

How difficult is it to change the backing plate on my old DA? Will I need to take the Velcro off? Do there happen to be instructions posted anywhere?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

Thanks, Michael.

I never actually had to deal with a "backing plate". My PC DA (I've probably had it for 10 years) has a 5" Velcro disc which accepts the 7" pads.

How difficult is it to change the backing plate on my old DA? Will I need to take the Velcro off? Do there happen to be instructions posted anywhere?

If you've been using a typical 5" backing plate on a Porter Cable DA along with our Soft Buff 2.0 7" pads, you've technically been using the wrong backing plate all this time. A 5" plate on those pads won't give anywhere near the support needed to make full use of those pads, and can easily lead to premature pad failure as a result of a typical 5" backing plate digging into the back of these larger pads. In fact, this was the single most common cause of pad failure with the Soft Buff 2.0 pads, especially for those who used the burgundy cutting pad with the wrong backing plate. And this includes our very own W67DA backing plate - the one we recommended for use with our microfiber discs.

Don't get us wrong, we're not trying to beat you up over this, rather we're just trying to help people understand why backing plates are as important as they are - and more important than a lot of people give them credit for!

But it's all sort of water under the bridge for you at this point. It sounds like you have a correct backing plate for our thin foam discs so you're probably good to go. And if you've been using a 5" plate with our old 7" pads, you're seriously going to be thrilled with the increased performance you'll get with the new thin foam discs!!

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

If you've been using a typical 5" backing plate on a Porter Cable DA along with our Soft Buff 2.0 7" pads, you've technically been using the wrong backing plate all this time.

So, just to clarify, the foam disk will just attached to my existing buffer. If that's the case, great. I'll give it a try.

BTW, not to get to nit-picky, but I'm sure you realize that the buffer and pads I have been using for probably ten years was what was demonstrated to me at a Meguiar's workshop and sold to me by Meguiar's. If I've "technically" been using the wrong backing plate, then Meguiar's "technically" sold me the wrong backing plate.

See post #8: http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...b-at-Meguiar-s


Thanks again. I appreciate your time.

[The Guz]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

What backing plate is on the machine? Part number? Brand?

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

As I said above, the unit is a Meguiar's branded Porter Cable purchased about 10 years ago. I've never changed the backing plate which is a 5" disk of Velcro.

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

BTW, I attended three Saturday classes a number of years ago.

Here's one:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?2359-SoCalm-Miata-Club-at-Meguiar-s/page3

(I am with Mike Phillips in the first picture of post #16.)

To see how the DA buffers looked and were demonstrated back in those days, see the picture in post #24.

[The Guz]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

If the hook and loop measures at 5 inches you are good to go with the new foam discs.

[davisinla]

Re: Where have the 7" pads gone?

If the hook and loop measures at 5 inches you are good to go with the new foam discs.

Thanks, Guz. I'll give it a try.