Picked up a couple planes that are pretty dirty with a few tears and small holes int he monokote. Whats the best way to clean the monokote? should i patch or re-monokote?

Windex (or Simple Green) and paper towels do a wonderful job of cleaning planes.

As for patching or recovering - Will the patches be numerous AND obvious ? Is their a lot of graphics involved where the patches need to go ? Are these going to be "every day fliers" or "beater planes" (you really won't care if they take a "dirt nap" ) ? Are you unhappy with the present covering scheme ?

The bottom line (as it always is) is: It is up to you.

Yep, a good window cleaner is excellent. I really like the stuff from Sprayway that comes in the aerosol cans.

If you do patch the monokote, be sure to really clean the area of the patch with denatured alcohol or acetone to remove any fuel residue, waxes, oils from fingerprints and so on.

eh not too many holes. a few near graphics. One wing needs to be recovered and the tail sections of both. thanks for the help!

Avoid cleaning with paper towels, as they will scratch the covering causing it to dull over time.

Also avoid ammonia based window cleaner as it can cause problems with electrical conections.

Clear "moneycote" is a favorite of mine for patches.
Rounding off the corners of patches decreases corner lift later[8D]

Patches are also know as badges of honor!

If the covering is really dirty, I use dish washing liquid in warm water. I use a cloth towel to wipe it down. I would patch the covering to see if the model flies well. If the model flies well and the covering is not to your liking then I would recover the model. One thing when you recover a model you can expect some oil soaked wood you might have to correct and contend with before you recover.