Griot's Garage 5" Orbital Conversion Kit — 5" Vented Backing Plate & 4 Foam Pads for Correcting and Finishing

The Griot's Garage 5" Orbital Conversion Kit upgrades a compatible car buffer to deliver controlled, professional-level correcting, finishing, and waxing with a vented 5" backing plate and four specialized 5.5" foam pads.

If you want tighter pad control, faster defect removal, and cleaner wax application from your random orbital or dual-action polisher, this kit provides the matching backing plate and foam surfaces to get the job done. Designed to fit Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbitals, the G9 orbital polisher, and any polisher with a 5/16"-24 threaded shaft, the conversion kit balances corrective power with finishing finesse so you can move from compounding to sealing without swapping machines.

How does the backing plate improve polishing and correction?

The vented 5" backing plate has a flexible, chamfered edge that conforms to body lines and improves tactile feedback while polishing. Vents reduce heat buildup and the chamfer lowers edge stiction so the pad rotates more freely for faster defect removal.

• Flexible chamfer hugs curves for consistent pad contact
• Vented design helps dissipate heat and keep pads lively
• 5" diameter gives a balance of control and surface coverage
• Compatible 5/16"-24 threading fits common orbital machines

Which pads should I use to remove swirls and light scratches?

Start with the orange foam correcting pads paired with an appropriate polish to take out light-to-moderate defects. Their density is tuned to cut without overly stressing paint, letting you correct faster while preserving clear coat integrity.

• Two 5.5" orange correcting pads for initial defect correction
• Works with any Griot's Garage polish or like-grade compound
• Ideal for removing swirls, oxidation, and light scratches
• Use moderate speeds and overlap passes for even correction

What pad should I use for final finishing and sealant application?

Use the black finishing pad with fine polishes or sealants to refine the surface and reduce micro-marring. After finishing, switch to the red wax pad for smooth, even application of waxes or ceramic sealants that buff off cleanly.

• Black finishing pad for fine-polish refinement and swirl reduction
• Red wax pad for even spread and easy removal of waxes/sealants
• Both pads are 5.5" to match the backing plate’s working area
• Sequence: correct (orange) → refine (black) → protect (red)

Will this kit work with my existing polisher and how easy is it to switch?

The kit fits most dual-action and random orbital tools with a standard 5/16"-24 threaded shaft, including Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbitals and the G9. Installation is straightforward: thread the backing plate onto the machine, attach the pad by hook-and-loop, and you're ready to go.

• Direct-fit for 5/16"-24 threaded shaft polishers
• Quick hook-and-loop pad changes speed workflow
• Vented plate reduces pad overheating during long sessions
• Compact 5" plate improves control on edges and tight panels

Who is this for? Detailers and car enthusiasts who want a compact, versatile polishing setup will benefit most. The kit suits hobbyists wanting pro-level results without a fleet of machines and professionals needing a controlled, versatile option for correction, finishing, and waxing. If you already own a compatible orbital polisher and want improved feedback on body lines plus specialized foam pads for each stage of detailing, this Griot's Garage conversion kit is a practical, space-saving upgrade.