Clean, maintain, fix my windscreen (Sonex A model)
Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:13 pm
I will start by complaining mildly that I don't like looking through the windscreen of my Sonex A model. Flying almost any airplane into the sun is visually challenging and the angle of this windscreen makes it worse. Reaching the geezerly age of 72 has made me less tolerant and more crotchety about such things.
I am hoping that one or more of you knowledgeable and dedicated Sonex drivers and builders has some suggestions that will help me. I did search the general discussion posts and didn't find anything about caring for the windscreen. If someone can point me to a useful post, I will appreciate that.
#1. when I attempt to clean the inside/underside of the windscreen my arm is just barely long enough to reach the front. While in that wiping/washing position I am unable to see if I am helping or making things worse. Does anyone have tools, techniques or products that work.
#2. I have lots of small surface scratches on the outside of the windscreen and for all I know on the inside too. I believe I will have to remove it to really evaluate the underside and work on it. Lots of screws but otherwise not a big deal. I hope to clean both sides to remove whatever is on it down to the surface and to try not to cause more harm doing the cleaning. Are there products / techniques that will work to remove or (fill?) minor surface scratches. The gentleman that I purchased N179ES from last November had replaced the windscreen not too long before the sale. I trailered the plane home from Napa CA. to Milwaukee, WI on an open flat trailer. We removed the wings and prop and I wrapped the fuselage with stretch / shrink wrap from nose to tail. I put "soft" blankets over the windscreen and canopy but I think there was plenty of movement and friction to cause the scratches.
#3. If it just makes more sense to replace the windscreen:
A. recommended source for polycarbonate
B. clear or tinted
C. Do I need a full 4 ft x 8 ft sheet
D. I assume I will use the old windscreen as a pattern
E. How best to mark and cut the material without damaging it.
I do have the plans but I'm not too good at looking at detailed drawings and absorbing all the information and I know that missing a small instruction can lead to ordering new material. I bought an already built Sonex because I don't have the patience and stamina to complete a complicated, long term project.
I am hoping that one or more of you knowledgeable and dedicated Sonex drivers and builders has some suggestions that will help me. I did search the general discussion posts and didn't find anything about caring for the windscreen. If someone can point me to a useful post, I will appreciate that.
#1. when I attempt to clean the inside/underside of the windscreen my arm is just barely long enough to reach the front. While in that wiping/washing position I am unable to see if I am helping or making things worse. Does anyone have tools, techniques or products that work.
#2. I have lots of small surface scratches on the outside of the windscreen and for all I know on the inside too. I believe I will have to remove it to really evaluate the underside and work on it. Lots of screws but otherwise not a big deal. I hope to clean both sides to remove whatever is on it down to the surface and to try not to cause more harm doing the cleaning. Are there products / techniques that will work to remove or (fill?) minor surface scratches. The gentleman that I purchased N179ES from last November had replaced the windscreen not too long before the sale. I trailered the plane home from Napa CA. to Milwaukee, WI on an open flat trailer. We removed the wings and prop and I wrapped the fuselage with stretch / shrink wrap from nose to tail. I put "soft" blankets over the windscreen and canopy but I think there was plenty of movement and friction to cause the scratches.
#3. If it just makes more sense to replace the windscreen:
A. recommended source for polycarbonate
B. clear or tinted
C. Do I need a full 4 ft x 8 ft sheet
D. I assume I will use the old windscreen as a pattern
E. How best to mark and cut the material without damaging it.
I do have the plans but I'm not too good at looking at detailed drawings and absorbing all the information and I know that missing a small instruction can lead to ordering new material. I bought an already built Sonex because I don't have the patience and stamina to complete a complicated, long term project.