A special treat...for me! A Restoration Story

[vacuumkid3]

Well, recently I had the pleasure of going to Wally-World. I immediately went to the automotive section to pick up some Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish. So, now I have two heros: Kyle K. and MMAP! Yes, Kyle, you are my hero! So anyway... I started polishing my Kirby Omega, and it looks good. But I was quicly bored and decided to start off easy. Polishing a Kirby, as some of you know, is no easy task! So, I brought out the white and turquoise Airway Sanitizor 88 Mark II. Yay! And, I have found surprising results! Looking at the next few pictures will tell you exactly that! Good as new; no, but it is far better than what it used to look like. Three things made this project successful: MMAP, the knowledge how, but mainly...ELBOW GREASE!!! I can't stress it enough, as nothing would polished if it wern't for good 'ole elbow grease. Oh, in case you were wondering, I don't have an electric polishing unit. No, I did it ALL BY HAND!!! (I am very pround of myself *blush*...) So, yes, here are the pics.

P.S. In case you were wondering, there are 2 Kyle's: Owen and Krichbaum. I only could dream of being like Kyle K...He is the coolest! Along with some of his awesome friends, Reggie, Corey, Tom, Charlie L...just to name a few!

 

[vacuumkid3]

Pics (before)

Here is one before pic. Notice the extreme oxidation on the swivel head and the surrounding aluminum. The plastic "Air-Way" is like in mint condition!

 

[myvacsrock]

Thank you Kyle!!

Your too much! Your the coolest too! I hope we can meet each other someday! That would be great! I can't wait until the north canton ohio convenation!! Maybe i'll see you there!


Kyle Krichabum

 

[vacuumkid3]

New pics

Hey,

I will post the vac pics later. At school right now Don't worry; they will be there later.

Kyle:

The convention will be sweet! I am most looking foward to that. I hope I'm out of school at that time or have a long weekend, etc. I can't wait to meet you!

~~K~~

 

[vacuumkid3]

I found some more pics

YAY! My pics weren't deleted! They were in another folder. So here they are. These are before pics.

 

[vacuumkid3]

And the new pics!

Yup, here, folks, is what you all have been waiting for! *drum roll* BAM! (ok, sorry 'bout that) But anyway, yes, these are the pics after refurbishing.

 

[vacuumkid3]

Yes, there are more!

Here is another! Stare at it shininess!! haha

 

[vacuumkid3]

Here are more!

Here are more shiny aspects of my Air-Way!

 

[vacuumkid3]

Here is a great pic!

Yes, this has been specially edited by me!

 

[vacuumkid3]

Problems with Air-Way...

Yes, this might be a perfect vacuum...except for 3 things: Rust spots on paint, rusty bottom rail, and a rusty caster (wheel that rotates around). Oh, well. Maybe someone can teach me the correct way? Charlie, Tom, even Kyle?

~~K~~

 

[vacuumkid3]

Rusty Rail

Yup, here is the rail...It is chromed, so I tried some
"TurtleWax Chrome Polish with Rust Remover". The rust remover seemed ineffective. Any advice?

~~K~~

 

[vacuumkid3]

Paint chips/rust...

Here is probably my biggest fear: rusty paint... Well, rusty steel underneath the paint. There seems to be no hope for me. Or is there? Any help to offer a poor child in need? haha

~~K~~

 

[charles~richard]

Nice job, Kyle!

To remove rust, get some #0000 steel wool at the hardware store, and some "Barkeeper's Friend" scouring powder. It's not as abrasive as Comet etc. Wet the steel wool pad, sprinkle the cleanser on it and gently rub at the rust spots. Watch them disappear! To help keep rust from returning, other than the obvious to keep the machine dry, is to wax the chrome with chrome polish (hardware store or auto parts store). As to rust under the paint, I don't know of any way to address that. Best thing you can probably do is just keep the machine away from humidity and dampness.

 

[vacuumkid3]

Yay! I have an aproval!

Thanks Charles! You're awesome! Luckilly, I have some fine steel wool (don't know about rating though) and some Barkeeper's Friend! I used this steel wool for my Sanitronic Miracle Head, so I suppose it will be "ok." It is in a very low humidity environment. Thanks!

~~K~~

 

[charles~richard]

Kyle, I wouldn't take any chances with this.

Steel wool of too rough a grade will etch (scratch) the surface of the metal. A bag of steel wool is only a couple of bucks; I'd suggest you wait until you can get to a hardware store and make sure you are getting #0000, the finest grade which is made for polishing and buffing. Especially if you are going to be using it with Barkeeper's Friend.

 

[vacuumkid3]

YAY! I have #0000

 

[kevin]

Want to be sure I've read correctly ... Barkeeper's Friend and #0000 steel wool is safe for painted surfaces and chrome along with metal?