
WINDSHIELD-WINDOWS.
The plastic windshield and windows should be kept clean and waxed at
atl times. To prevent scratches and crazing, wash them carelully with
plenty of soap and water, using the palm of the hand to feel and dislodge
dirt and mud. A soft cloth, chamois or sponge may be used, but only to
carry water to the surface. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean,
moist chamois. Rubbing the surface of the plastic with a dry cloth builds
up an electrostatic charge so that it attracts dust particles in the air.
Wiping with a moist chamois will remove both the dust and this charge.
Remove oil and grease with a cloth moistened with kerosene. Never
use gasoline, benzine, alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, fire ex-
tinguisher or anti-ice fluid, lacquer thinner or glass cleaner, These
materials will soften the plastic and may cause it to craze.
After removing dirt and grease, if the surface is not badly scratehed
it should be waxed with a good grade of commercial wax. The wax wiII
fill in minor scratches and help prevent further scratching. Apply a thin,
even coat of wax, and bring it to a high polish by rubbing lightly with a
clean, dry, soft flannel cloth. Do not use a power buffer; the heat gen-
erated by the buffing pad may soften the plastic.
Do not use a canvas cover on the windshield unless freezing rain or
sleet is anticipated. Canvas covers may scratch the plastic surface.
ALUMINUM SURFACES.
The clad aluminum surfaces of your Cessna may be washed with clear
water to remove dirt; oil and grease may be removed with gasoline, naptha,
carbon tetrachloride or other non-alkaline solvents. Dulled aluminum
surfaces may be cleaned effectively with an aircraft aluminum polish.
After cleaning, and periodically thereafter, waxing with a good auto-
rnotive wax wiII preserve the bright appearatlce and retard corrosiotr.
Regular waxing is especially recommended for airplanes operated in
salt water areas as a protection against corrosion.
PA!NTED SURFACES.
The painted exterior surfaces of your new Cessna require an initial
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curing period which may be as Iong as 90 days alter the finish is applied.
During this curing period some precautions should be taken to avoid dam-
aging the finish or interfering with the curing process. The finish should
be cleaned only by washing with clean water and mild soap, followed by a
rinse with water and drying with cloths or a chamois. Do not use polish
or wErx, which would exclude air from the surfaie during this g0-day cur-
ing period. Do not rub or buff the finish, and avoid flying through rain,
hail or sleet.
Once the finish has cured completely, it may be waxed with a good
automotive wax. A heavier coating of wax on the leading edges of the
wings and tail and on the nose cap and propeller spinner will help reduce
the abrasion encountered in these areas.
PROPELLER CARE.
Preflight inspection of propeller blades for nicks, and wiping them
occasionally with an oily cloth to clean off grass and bug stains will as-
sure long, trouble-free service. It is vital that small nicks on the pro-
peller, particularly near the tips and on the leading edges, are dressed
out as soon as possible since these nicks produce stress concentrations,
and if ignored, may result in cracks. Never use an alkaline cleaner on
the blades; remove grease and dirt with carbon tetrachloride or Stoddard
solvent.
INTERIOR CARE.
To remove dust and loose dirt from the upholstery and carpet, clean
the interior regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
Blot up any spilled liquid promptly with cleansing tissue or rags.
Don't pat the spot; press the blotting material firmly and hold it for
several seconds. Continue blotting until no more liquid is taken up.
Scrape off sticky materials with a dull knife, then spot-clean the area.
Oily spots may be cleaned with household spot removers, used spar-
ingly. Before using any solvent, read the instructions on the container
and test it on an obscure place on the fabric to be cleaned. Never satu-
rate the fabric with a volatile solvent; it may damage the padding and
backing materials.
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