Cessna Skyhawk 172N Pilot Operating Handbook page 156

CESSNA
SECTION 8
MODEL 172N
HANDLING, SERVICE
&
MAINTENANCE
job. A thin, even coat of wax, polished out by hand with clean soft flannel
cloths, will fill in minor scratches and help prevent further scratching.
Do not
use
a canvas cover on the windshield unless freezing rain or
sleet is anticipated since the cover may scratch the plastic surface.
PAINTED SURFACES
The painted exterior surfaces of your new Cessna have a durable, long
lasting finish and. under normal conditions, require no polishing or
buffing. Approximately 10 days are required for the paint to cure com­
pletely; in most cases, the curing period will have been completed prior to
delivery of the airplane. In the event that polishing or buffing is required
within the curing period, it is recommended that the work be done by
someone experienced in handling uncured paint. Any Cessna Dealer can
accomplish this work.
Generally, the painted surfaces can be kept bright by washing with
water and mild soap, followed by a rinse with water and drying with cloths
or a chamois. Harsh or abrasive soaps or detergents which cause corrosion
or scratches should never be used. Remove stubborn oil and grease with a
cloth moistened with Stoddard solvent.
Waxing is unnecessary to keep the painted surfaces bright. However,
if
desired, the airplane may be waxed with a good automotive wax. Aheavier
coating of wax on the leading edges of the wings and tail and on the engine
nose cap and propeller spinner will help reduce the abrasion encountered
in these areas.
When the airplane is parked outside in cold climates and it is necessary
to remove ice before flight, care should be taken to protect the painted
surfaces during ice removal with chemical liquids. Isopropyl alcohol will
satisfactorily remove ice accumulations without damaging the paint.
While applying the de-icing solution, keep it away from the windshield and
cabin windows since the alcohol will attack the plastiC and may cause it to
craze.
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 assure
long, trouble-free service. Small nicks on the propeller, particularly near
the tips and on the leading edges, should be 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 Stoddard solvent.
1 July 1978
8-13