Recently, I was made redundant after 17 Years with the same employer. When I left a few months ago I decided to take a few months to myself to travel and concentrate on my hobbies, one of which is restorations.
I usually restore Radios and Record players, but having a deep love and appreciation for vacuums since I was a child, I decided to turn my hand to a new thing.
I first decided to restore some Kirby's and picked my 2 favourite models the Tradition and Heritage II. I then set about finding some cheap examples on eBay which were in need of some TLC. I actually ended up with 3 as I found a Legend II that was in pretty poor shape and couldn't bare the thought of it rotting away so it ended up with a new home too. These 3 together complete with all their tools etc cost me no more that £50.
I then set about systematically stripping each one down and making a note of any new parts needed. Quite a few new parts were required but once sourced these cost no more than £100. In fact, for the Legend II, I ended up buying a whole new Motor Body as it was cheaper than the parts.. LOL
I then started on each one replacing the parts and cleaning all the metal back to its former glory. Rather stupidly, I did this by hand which was a momentous task as the Tradition in particular was Very very badly corroded..
I am pleased to say that I have now finished all 3 and I am extremely pleased with the results. Each one is now nice and shiny once more and is working as good as the day its came out of the Ohio Factory.
I have attached an image of the 3 lovely shiny Kirby's together in their new loving home where they will be used and regularly maintained and polished..
Please let me know what you think.... Dickie..
)
I usually restore Radios and Record players, but having a deep love and appreciation for vacuums since I was a child, I decided to turn my hand to a new thing.
I first decided to restore some Kirby's and picked my 2 favourite models the Tradition and Heritage II. I then set about finding some cheap examples on eBay which were in need of some TLC. I actually ended up with 3 as I found a Legend II that was in pretty poor shape and couldn't bare the thought of it rotting away so it ended up with a new home too. These 3 together complete with all their tools etc cost me no more that £50.
I then set about systematically stripping each one down and making a note of any new parts needed. Quite a few new parts were required but once sourced these cost no more than £100. In fact, for the Legend II, I ended up buying a whole new Motor Body as it was cheaper than the parts.. LOL
I then started on each one replacing the parts and cleaning all the metal back to its former glory. Rather stupidly, I did this by hand which was a momentous task as the Tradition in particular was Very very badly corroded..
I am pleased to say that I have now finished all 3 and I am extremely pleased with the results. Each one is now nice and shiny once more and is working as good as the day its came out of the Ohio Factory.
I have attached an image of the 3 lovely shiny Kirby's together in their new loving home where they will be used and regularly maintained and polished..
Please let me know what you think.... Dickie..
)
