Replacing a PX Seat Cover

Vespa PX seats tend to get a rip appearing where the seat hits the indicator switch while refueling (i.e. when it is lifted up). Here's some notes on replacing the cover (rather than buying a new seat). The aim is prevent a wet bum rather than making something for a show bike.

The Seat

First step is to get a seat cover to suit your model and this can be a bit tricky. The one shown below is described as a "Vespa PX125-200/98/MY, black, with belt, with elastic". This did not have the belt clips and any later model cover seemed to be harder to find than earlier model PX's with the passenger handle. This was found for AUS$32 not including postage: http://www.sip-scootershop.com/EN/Products/Seat+Cover+for+Vespa+PX125200_79000100

The Tools

• • thin screw driver (for removing staples)

  • pliers (for removing staples)

  • 7mm spanner/socket (for seat lock)

  • 13mm socket (for removing seat)

  • staple gun (for stapling through plastic - go for "heavy duty" as "mild duty" failed to penetrate the plastic in some parts)

  • oil/crc (lube lock mechanism while you are at it)

  • 4 x self tapping screws and screw driver

The Steps

These steps will be different for different flavours of PX seat but the general principles should be similar

• 1. Remove 3 bolts holding the seat on and place seat upside down on table

  2. Remove 3 bolts holding in seat lock and remove lock

  3. Remove belt buckles holding the seat strap on

  4. Use thin screw driver to pop one side of each staple around the seat edge

  5. Use pliers to remove the staples completely

  6. You will be able to get at most of the staples but the ones by the seat hinge are blocked

  7. Pull off the cover (ripping the staples by the seat hinge)

  8. Remove the foam from the seat base

  9. Pull the new cover over the foam and get it nicely in position

  10. Pull the new cover and foam over the seat base

  11. Stretch the new cover edges over the four corners of the seat base and tack in place with staple gun

  12. Work around the edges stretching into position and stapling

  13. Lube the seat lock and refit (make sure it works, sometimes the act of refitting jams it - hence the lube)

  14. Stretch over the seat strap and screw into place (in this example the seat strap was not the same as original on the scooter so it was simply screwed with self tapping screws under the seat)

  15. Refit the seat

      1. 1. replace the 3 bolts finger tight

         2. put the seat down and move to align it with the seat lock pin

         3. carefully raise the seat, without moving it from alignment, and tighten the bolts with a socket

The Result

Pretty good for ~$35 worth of bits and ~1 hours work!