Replacing body parts on a Buddy scooter

BuddyPamplona50 · Post by **BuddyPamplona50** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:53 pm

My 2009 Buddy Pamplona was involved in an unfortunate run in with a sign recent and I need to replace some body panels. Does anyone know of any good websites or videos that will help instruct me on how to replace these panels? I am planning on purchasing them from Scouterloungeonline, unless there are any better suggestions.

I need to replace these items:
- Front windshield
- Cover front lower
- Upper and Lower handlebar cover

Thanks for your help!

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:30 am

Me too, my recent attempt at a F1 style turn left my Buddy needing the: 1. headlight cover
2. front lower cover
3. upper handlebar cover
4. lower handlebar cover
5. side cover
6. rear body cover
7. windshield (scratched by a shopping cart at WallyWorld)

I can remove all of the above panels except the front lower cover, I can't figure it out.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:10 am

If we're talking about the plastic that's just above the front fender, below the "windshield", it's a bit tricky. You need to remove the front tire and the "windshield". Ideally, you should also remove the front fender, but it can be done without doing that. Once you have the tire and windshield off, remove all of the screws. There are a couple under the floor mat, so don't forget those. From there, you should be able to finesse it off. If the front fender is still on, you'll have to work if off and you might scratch the fender in the process. But it can be done. Really, none of the front end panels are too difficult with the possible exception of the lower handle bar cover. I haven't done that one, but I'm assuming you need to remove the handlebar. For the rest, just locate all of the screws, remove them, and then carefully pry the parts off, taking care not to damage the tabs that snap them together. If you take some screws off and the panel seems like it's not budging, look for more screws in the area that's giving you problems.

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:11 am

Keep track of your screws - and where they go - digital pictures taken as you remove the body parts and screws can help.

We did a complete body swap - yes every single plastic panel. It would have been better if we had the new parts laying there ready to install instead of removing all the parts then waiting almost two weeks before re-assembling the scooter. Our swap was with another Buddy owner on the other side of the country so we both had to wait on the mail to arrive.

We did figure it out yet more detailed shots would have been a big help. The lower handlebar cover was a pain – yet with a few tips from our local shop was not as bad as it seemed without their input.

BuddyPamplona50 · Post by **BuddyPamplona50** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:29 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. Any ideas on how to take the front wheel off and putting it back on?

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:49 pm

First, you need to remove the brake caliper. There are two bolts holding it onto the fork. Just ease it off of the disk once you've undone those bolts. You might have to do this in conjunction with dropping the wheel. Undo the main bolt in the middle of the wheel and slide it out and the wheel should come right off. Put something under the body of you scooter to hold it up while you're doing this. I put a floor jack under the battery area with a piece of wood on top of it and jack until the tire is a couple of inches off the ground. Be aware that the first time you use your front brake after reassembling things, it might not work at all. The caliper is self adjusting, so just squeeze the front brake lever a few times until it starts grabbing properly. Don't squeeze the brake while you have the caliper off the disk as it might close up tight, preventing you from putting it back on.