Right side body part plastic tab repair - any advice?

[GSMetal]

I have learned that my used GT, which I just bought, has a missing front tab on the right body panel (battery side) by the headlight - see photo.

One photo shows the missing tab, and the other photo shows what the tab should look like from the left, opposite side, panel. Later a metal screw clip (not shown) inserts so the screw has something to screw into.

Apparently, this is a common breakage issue as people manhandle the piece off.

The has to be repaired or the panel will rip off in the wind - from the high speeds the scooter is able to accomplish.

Is there anyone who has done this repair and can offer me words of advice before I come up with some type of half assed solution?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Delray]

It's not clear if you have the tab and attaching hardware that broke off, or if you're starting from ground zero. If you don't have it, I'm guessing a dealer would.

I've used this stuff specifically for broken tabs, including the exact one you're talking about (I had the piece that broke off). You need to hold it in place for a few minutes until it sets. You are 100% right about the front panel blowing off. A few years ago I bought a GT a few hours away, planning to ride it home. I noticed that bolt was missing and asked the seller for duct tape. I duct taped the sh#t out of the panel to make sure it arrived home with me.

 

[GSMetal]

It's not clear if you have the tab and attaching hardware that broke off, or if you're starting from ground zero. If you don't have it, I'm guessing a dealer would.

I've used this stuff specifically for broken tabs, including the exact one you're talking about (I had the piece that broke off). You need to hold it in place for a few minutes until it sets. You are 100% right about the front panel blowing off. A few years ago I bought a GT a few hours away, planning to ride it home. I noticed that bolt was missing and asked the seller for duct tape. I duct taped the sh#t out of the panel to make sure it arrived home with me.

View attachment 5608View attachment 5609

I’m starting from ground zero. There is no tab there at all. I’m completely starting from scratch.

 

[RollaCosta]

The same ordeal happened to me, but luckily on a test ride of a bike i was thinking to buy.
Panel blew off on a highway at para-legal speeds )
I put it under the seat and returned the bike. Duct tape won’t do well there.
I think he sold the bike shortly after, perhaps to an unsuspecting buyer.
Take care to look at the front beak when assessing a used GT.
For giggles and fair trade, i had called the dealer to ask for a new panel. They told me it was A$700, unpainted. Plus A$600 to paint. But the seller was not into discounts ) ha ha

 

[GSMetal]

* I have no photos of the repair at this time *

Well I have a temporary - hopefully permanent - fix to the panel.

I took the cap of a TUMS anti acid bottle and fashioned a tab - it was the right thickness for the metal retaining clip that holds the screw. Then I went to Harbor Freight and bought a plastic welder ($18) and ‘plastic welded’ the newly fashioned tab into place. You have to be careful not to ‘burn’ the paint on the panel, that plastic gets pretty hot so I had to work carefully.

After everything was in place, I went to the BMW and bought the metal retaining clip and the screw ($6 each - roll eyes here).

It’s all in place and I forgot to snap pictures of my repair. We’ll see if it holds up!