1934/5 Kirby Model C Restoration

[myvacsrock]

Here are the after photos! Working on compiling the progress photos.
Enjoy This one was a labor of love (with a few curse words here and there)

 

[myvacsrock]

Glam shots

Had to acquire many, many pieces for this restoration. All in, this restoration was more like a fabrication. I had to do many things, including tapping new holes for completely shredded motor housing threads. Sad, but the machine has been saved... and it even sounds good when all powered up!

 

[panasonicvac]

That is the best looking model C I've ever seen, well done Kyle! Question, how do you wash out your vacuum parts? Do you do alot of it by hand in the sink or tub? What solutions and brushes do you use? And do you ever use a dishwasher or pressure washer?

 

[myvacsrock]

Hi Alex!

Thanks so much for your kind words on the Kirby

Re tools and washing. If something is really gritty or bad, im not opposed to breaking out a plastic tub of a few inches of warm water with some dawn. That is usually for things that need to soak off (so not aluminum lol) or if something is just really nasty. Otherwise, I am pretty liberal with my use of Spray 9 (Home Depot) and 90% isopropyl alcohol. I use the absolute hell out of that on almost everything except colored, or dark plastic.

I'm not a dishwasher user for vacuum parts, personally; both of my homes only have one single 18" dishwasher, and I would not be so unkind to my husband in bringing vacuum parts to the kitchen...though it has been a passing thought, lol.
Pressure washer, and leaf blower, yes. Pressure washer is great on vinyl hoses with nooks and crannies. Leaf blowers for very soiled old shake out bags before washing.

 

[panasonicvac]

Very nice!

And what do you do for washing the outer bags? Do you do them by hand or do you put them in the washer? And what detergent do you use?

 

[vacmadman]

WOW!!

Kyle,

That is an absolutely stunning model C! You have outdone yourself and I didn't think that was possible. Thanks for sharing. It's been a while since we have seen your work here. Thanks again.

Jim

 

[kwalsh97214]

Beautiful!!!

It is so nice to see an early Kirby vacuum return to its original splendor.

A labor of love to be sure.

 

[hoover706]

Very Nice Work!

I was wondering if you could tell me how you took the fan off of the machine. I am trying to disassemble the motor from my Kirby model C but I don't want to ruin it. Mine also needs new bearings and I was wondering if you could tell me what type it uses.