Well, it's another beautiful hot, rainy day in New Orleans. At least I have all the lube I need right there in the Gulf. My '96 BPA500 has been down for 3 months. I finally can afford the parts to get it back up. I couldn't find any used parts so I am ordering what I need today. My question is about the wear plates. Can I just flip them over? I have hear yes and no, depending on who I talk to.

Not likely, as they are not going to fit tightly on the back against the bare metal due to the wear on the 'front'.

It will probaly work, however make sure there's no way grout can get behind the wearplate, or it will shatter.

Learned that one the hard way.

Yeah, never mind, go for it. You always have the time and money to do it right the second time. Just make sure not to take on any jobs where you might have to buy 7 or 8 loads of concrete. SHEESH!!

Pumpjockey, it's a valid question. With only a few jobs a week and kids in college, I need to watch my dollars. I didn't see why it couldn't be flipped. It's symmetrical. I am glad to learn that I need to fill the grooves in. I didn't think metal that thick would shatter. Thanks to everyone who replied. It is all good info.

There is a reason why new parts (at least good-quality OEM stuff) start out straight and flat. The part about not setting yourself up to buy loads of concrete because you cheaped out on new parts still holds. You never get a second chance to keep a good name for your business. Good luck.