Modern Vespa

I dropped my 2007 BV500 in my driveway. The plastic cowling around the front hatch is cracked, and a 3" piece popped out (which I saved). I'd like to replace the part with OEM, but dealers tell me they are not available. Any suggestions as to where to look?

Alternatively, I could take the plastic piece (I think it's ABS) to someone who can "weld" the crack and refinish the exterior surface. Does anyone have experience with welding Piaggio body parts? Any cautions you can bring to my attention will be much appreciated![/img]

As it's ABS, just get hold of some ABS cement (used on drain pipes etc) and stick it together yourself! Very easy.

I do this all the time. I start with perforated metal off air filters and JB-Weld on the backside. Then dremel out a V on the side that does show and fill with PC-7. Finish with Bondo, spot putty, primer and paint. This headset had a 3" crack all the way through and 2 broken tabs. The paint is a sample of house paint matched to a body panel ($6.00 at Home Depot) and Rustoleum enamel clear gloss rattle can.

That sounds totally OTT for ABS - which is so simple to repair!

I agree with jimc. If you buy pipe cement get the small can, use it and then wipe off the threads on the can, tighten the cap really tight (I use a Channel Lock pliers) and store it upside down. If you do that the can might last a little while before it all hardens; otherwise it will be trash fast.

Great and all, but never tighten things too hard. You can always back it off....

Done many miles on a Buddy 150. To and fro to work. That engine will run forever.

Thanks very much for helpful responses! Very impressive work, Abner! I realize my next challenge is to learn how to get the cowling off the bike to work on it. I know there have to be secret screws, so I might be reaching out again soon. Thanks again.

If there's a motorcycle dealership nearby that sponsors track days, they usually have a connection to someone local who repairs plastics. There is nothing inherently unique to the plastics on a Beverly 500 that requires you to find someone with experience repairing the plastics on that particular model.

Thanks Moto - good suggestion. I'm going to a motorcycle show
https://www.motocraftshow.com/ next week - Hopefully I'll get some advice there.

Whether or not I get help or try a repair on my own, I still have to get the part off the bike. I've found nothing so far in the BV 500 service manual on removing plastic body components. If this has been asked and answered on ModernVespa.com, how do I search for the topic?

I believe the body is the same for a same year BV250, so you can search for a service manual for those as well.

The indexing for the manuals is lousy, but if I remember right the plastic panels are addressed in the "Chassis" section, about page 325 of the overall manual pdf file.

I will send you a personal message.

BV250 manual at:
https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Beverley/BV250%20USA/
(Chassis from page 254)

BV500 at:
https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Beverley/BV%20500%20E3/
(chassis from page 325)

BV500ie Cruiser at:
https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Beverley/BV%20Cruiser%20500%20i.e/
(chassis from page 297)

You guys are amazing. Thanks you.