Amazing Trash Find

[sptyks]

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A couple of weeks ago I came across this amazing trash find.  Sitting next to the Dumpster behind my apartment complex was a Kirby G3 vacuum and a package of paper bags.  Sadly there were no attachments to be found.




<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The machine itself appeared to be in fairly good condition so I decided to take it into my apartment and examine it more thoroughly.  When I turned it on it made a horrible screeching sound and then there was the smell of burning rubber.  I immediately turned it off and removed the floor nozzle.  I immediately noticed that the rug plate was missing. The belt had cracks in several places and was severely stretched out.  The brush roll had lots of human hair wrapped around it and then I noticed that it was completely frozen and would not turn.  Both brush roll bearings were seized up.  I then attached the hose from My Kirby Sentria and turned the unit on again.  The motor sounded very good so I engaged the tech drive transmission and move the unit back and forth.  The transmission worked perfectly.  It was then that I decided it would be worth ordering the parts to get this machine up and running.</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When I removed the bag several objects fell out of the emptor.  I encountered two pebbles approximately ½ inch in diameter, a nickel , a dime, and two pennies, five screws approximately 1inch long, six or seven small finish nails approximately 1 inch long, and a lot of course gravel.  When I saw all this junk I decided I should take a close look at the fan.  Shining a flashlight into the fan opening I could see that the dark gray lexan fan was pretty well chewed up.  So I ordered a new fan, brush roll, belt, and rug plate.</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">While I was waiting for the parts to arrive, I decided to get out my Mother’s Aluminum polish and try to shine the machine up.  Other than a few scratches on either side of the floor nozzle, the machine shined up pretty well.</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When the parts arrived yesterday I excitedly proceeded to install them including a brand new HEPA micron filter bag.  When the machine was all put back together, I plugged it in and turned it on.  It sounded much quieter than my Sentria.  I vacuumed all of my two bedroom apartment and the G3 performed flawlessly.</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Now here’s the question I have for all you collectors on Vacuumland:  What would be a fair asking price for this partially refurbished G3 vacuum with no attachments if I were to advertise it on Craig’s list or Ebay?</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I would appreciate all of your expert responses.</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thank you</p>


<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">-Stan</p>
</p>

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I would recommend searching on eBay for completed listings that have sold; this would likely give you a good idea of what the going price for your machine would be.

-Fred

 

[sonnyndad]

Maintenance

Whenever I get a new vacuum, I always thoroughly inspect it to make sure everything is operational. To use your example, the brushroll. If the brushroll is seized, I find a temporary replacement from another machine. Then I move on to the belt, bag, etc. Just a precaution to make sure everything runs smoothly for the first power up. A polished up, nice looking, nice working G3 could easily fetch $200, maybe $250 to $300 with attachments. Good Luck!

 

[bagintheback]

Wow, that is an amazing find! I recently sold a G3 on craigslist about 2 months ago. I would recommend craigslist over eBay with a Kirby since shipping something so heavy can get expensive. With a new pack of bags, I got $40, but I didn't invest anything into it expect a new bag and belt; I wasn't looking for much profit. Still that's about what they go for unless you buy from a well established vacuum shop. Maybe if you live in a more high rent district you could get more, but certainly not $200. Since you put so much work into it, maybe it would be best to keep it. They are really great cleaners. 

 

[sonnyndad]

Here you go

Goodvac.com

http://www.goodvac.com/Kirby_G3_vacuum_p/kirbyg3vacuum.htm

 

[sptyks]

Thanks everyone...

Since I have about $50 worth of new parts in the G3 and my labor as well, I think I will start out asking $150.00 on Craig's List.


If there are no takers, I will probably give the G3 to my daughter-in-law, who has indicated she would like to have it.


 

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Clayton

you can not use a professional like Goodvac as a comparable that is selling the Kirby and expect to get the same amount from an average seller . Below is their process that makes the machines worth what they charge . I doubt Stan has done all of that to his G3 . That would be like me selling two homes next door to eachother one was professionally remodeled and updated the other the replaced a few broken parts polished up a few things with some Pledge and expect to list and sell the home exactly the same price as their neighbors that had a professional remodel.



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This G3 Kirby sweeper was taken apart to inspect tech drive, motor, slide bracket and more.... Aluminum parts were buffed to get rid of scratches. We use a professional heavy-duty buffer so we are able to make it no less than great. Actually some parts come out better than new because they are buffed by a person paying attention to every detail.

This G3 Kirby sweeper also will come with new wheels, new wheel hub caps, new plastic trim, new brush roll and new belt. Outer bag is washed or replaced as needed.
We do this to each and every Kirby G3 vacuum.

Kirby Before Rebuilding We will just use an average looking Kirby vacuum cleaner to give you an idea how they are being rebuilt here. Sometimes they may be much better looking when we get them (as we later noticed mechanically this unit was just perfect) sometimes they are worse.

Kirby vacuums that are ruined - left in flooded basement, used with broken fan for extended period of time so motor has just fallen apart or just incredibly filthy - we use for parts. Over the years we had a few units we had to just discard. There is nothing out there that could not be rebuilt but the cost of parts and labor may be a greater amount than the sale price. Therefore, you can be sure - you will not end-up with a unit that was thrown out of the 18th floor or was raised from the bottom of a lake. It is just not cost effective to rebuild them.

Back to our sample - as you can see the aluminum parts are oxidized and it has a few deeper scratches on the shell . Just an average-looking Kirby before it goes through our rebuilding process.
Kirby Before Rebuilding Bottom view Nothing major on the bottom of the unit. Looks like this one will come out just perfect.
Preliminary Kirby testing We test how the transmission is working by turning the Kirby vacuum on and pushing it back and forth in "Neutral" and in "Drive". This one runs well. Occasionally the vacuum would need a Bracket-Cam (if on Neutral it makes unpleasant grinding noise). Occasionally slide and guide block cleaning and maybe slide bearings replaced if handle seems to "stick" when pushing or pulling.
Bracket may need to be replaced Slide Slie Guide Slide Bearing
As you see the light is working fine here so no new light bulb is needed.
Check the cord We then check all 32 feet of the Kirby cord to make sure there are no nicks and/or exposed wires.
See how Kirby motor should work
Then we test the motor while it is vacuuming. As you see there are no sparks flying so commutator is in very good shape and on this one we will skip checking carbon motor brushes out as judging by the commutator and how motor runs I am 100% sure that they are fine.
Just in case you can not watch the video on the left here is a picture:
Kirby Commutator
Kirby Components to clean So these component parts will have to be vacuumed up (we will not be taking apart this Kirby vacuum any further as the unit was properly sealed and as you can see it only has some dust. Just the front of the motor under the fan blade has some dust stuck to the surface that will have to be removed with a moist paper towel. We usually use some glass cleaner as it loosens dirt better and dries out faster.
Front Kirby motor plate to clean
Headlight lens to replace Headlight lens has a few deep dents so we will replace it just to make Kirby look its best.
Kirby Parts to wash These parts usually have some dirt stuck to them so they will have to be washed. We usually use dishwashing soap.
Kirby parts to buff All these parts will be buffed. Occasionally a headlight cap casting has to be replaced with a new one. This is due to very deep scratches if someone uses kirby upright to vacuum under the bed with metal frame. It leaves very deep scratches.
Trowaway Kirby parts All this goes to the garbage or recycling bin.
Kirby bag The vinyl on the cloth bag is a bit damaged. The damage is very minor so later we will use a bag guard to cover this cut. Tears that go through both layers of the vinyl and are 1/2" or more long are too big and we would be replacing the Kirby outer bag with a new one.
Wash Kirby outer bag Next, the outer bag is turned inside-out. We take it outside and shake it very well and throw it in the washing machine on DELICATE. After washing it we air dry it outside.
Kirby being buffed Then all aluminum parts get GOOD BUFFING

It is done on a professional 2 horse power buffer. It has 2 buffing wheels
1 - (the one in the picture) is cutting wheel. We apply some coarse compound and it gets all oxide and small to medium scratches out.
2 -soft wheel on the other end of the motor and this time fine polishing compound that makes the metal glisten.

Dan

 

[sptyks]

Thank You Dan...

For that in-depth description of the refurbishment process. You are right, I did not do most of the things you described to my G3. What I did do is: 


 


Replaced the rug plate, brushroll, belt, and fan. I replaced the paper bag with a new cloth HEPA Micron Magic bag.


 


While I had the machine partially disassembled to replace the fan, I inspected the carbon brushes on the motor. The brushes appeared to be about 50% worn down.


 


I spent about 2 hours polishing the aluminum by hand with Mother's Aluminum polish.


 


After reassembly I vacuumed my 2 bedroom apartment with the G3 and it functioned perfectly.


 

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Stan

you are welcome . I think your daughter would be very happy with it especially since her Daddy restored it for her

Dan