Care and feeding of a ragwing....

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

Post Reply
User avatar
tshort
Posts: 223
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:45 pm

Care and feeding of a ragwing....

Post by tshort »

Any specific tips / do's or don'ts for caring for a fabric covered airplane?

I have always used wash wax all and a terry cloth towel to clean my skyhawk. The towel is a little too "grabby" for the edges of the fabric and I think will pull edges up over time. Any suggestions for removing bugs / general cleaning and maintenance?

Thanks
Thomas Short
1948 C170 N3949V
RV-8 wings in progress
Indianapolis (KUMP)
User avatar
Bruce Fenstermacher
Posts: 10320
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 11:24 am

Post by Bruce Fenstermacher »

Will I don't have a rag wing 170 but I do have a Cub. If I was to wash it I wouldn't be afraid to use a terri cloth towel. I would use a mild soup like dishwashing soup or even a car wash as well. Of course I don't know your aircraft or the condition on the tapes and covering. Only you can decide. Maybe a sponge would be better.

My Cub is painted with dope. You didn't say what paint was on your aircraft. There is a chance it is automotive paint for the top coat.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!

Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
n3833v
Posts: 857
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 6:02 pm

Post by n3833v »

For washing bugs after each flight, I use a nylon dish scrubbing pad with plain water and dry with a towel. My paint is in good condition and once in a while I will wash with a mild soap and wax.
John Hess
Past President 2018-2021
President 2016-2018, TIC170A
Vice President 2014-2016, TIC170A
Director 2005-2014, TIC170A
N3833V Flying for Fun
'67 XLH 900 Harley Sportster
EAA Chapter 390 Pres since 2006
K3KNT
Post Reply