danielsand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
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How did I do? Picked up this for $20.- off the Bay (local seller, pick up in person).
Another restoration project!
- Thread starter danielsand
- Start date
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fantomfan
Well-known member
Beautiful find!
It looks to be in very good shape, considering it's almost 30 years old. I have a 1984 Heritage 2 and they are tanks! Excellent price as well. Put a new belt and brushroll in it (If it needs it), and it will be one of your best cleaning vacuums- Mitchell
It looks to be in very good shape, considering it's almost 30 years old. I have a 1984 Heritage 2 and they are tanks! Excellent price as well. Put a new belt and brushroll in it (If it needs it), and it will be one of your best cleaning vacuums- Mitchell
vacuumkid47
Well-known member
Wow!
Very good vacuum you got there. I would put in a new bag (if it needs it, and a new headlight (Just in case)
Very good vacuum you got there. I would put in a new bag (if it needs it, and a new headlight (Just in case)
sptyks
Well-known member
Daniel, pick up some Flitz metal polish and you can make it shine like brand new. I know Flitz is expensive but just a little goes a long way and it works better than Mother's.
Here's a picture of my Heritage II Legend all shined up:
Here's a picture of my Heritage II Legend all shined up:
suckolux
Well-known member
Wish mine looked that good and had the compact head
jaker15
Well-known member
Yay!
The Heritage II is my favorite model! You have just bought one of the best Kirbys ever made! (I think so, anyways.) It will probably only need a quick tune-up; check the brush roll, belt, headlight, bag, and the fill tube. I mention the fill tube because the one in my first HII split open while I was vacuuming, and that was NASTY! I guess they just dry out and crack over time. If yours is in good shape, or even if it has a small tear, a little electrical tape will fix it.
Congrats on your new find!
The Heritage II is my favorite model! You have just bought one of the best Kirbys ever made! (I think so, anyways.) It will probably only need a quick tune-up; check the brush roll, belt, headlight, bag, and the fill tube. I mention the fill tube because the one in my first HII split open while I was vacuuming, and that was NASTY! I guess they just dry out and crack over time. If yours is in good shape, or even if it has a small tear, a little electrical tape will fix it.
Congrats on your new find!
danielsand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
- Messages
- 101
Thank you gentlemen!
It will get white vinegar wash first (with 000 steel wool). Bag will be washed as well (hand washed in mild detergent). It has four row brush with good bearings, hardly any scratches to speak off. After vinegar wash, it will be fully disassembled, electrical washed with the contact cleaner, and the aluminum will get 1200 wet sandpaper treatment, followed by Mothers on the buffing wheel. Final touch with Flitz by hand. New belt will be installed of course, and it needs a new power cord. That's about it.
I was not looking for this model (was on the prowl for G5!), but the price on this one was hard to ignore! And now I have three of them (and my wife is convinced that I went "off the deep end"!)....515 (1955), Omega (1975), and this thing. Not sure if this one is from 1985 or 1986 (was not looking for these years at all), and I wanted G5 from 1995 (to "match" the other two in 20 years intervals, and the year I retired from service (the year my daughter was born as well).
Omega is my "DD", and I just LOVE using it. 515 got a new bag yesterday, and it will be used in the office. Heritage will be outfitted with RR attachment, and used as a carpet shampoo system exclusively.
I think I got my "fill" of Kirbys now, and I won't be shopping for more,.....but you never know! I've been known to buy stuff that I don't "need", but want just as well.
Need to do some scrubbing, and I promise the pics when they are all ready for "show off".
It will get white vinegar wash first (with 000 steel wool). Bag will be washed as well (hand washed in mild detergent). It has four row brush with good bearings, hardly any scratches to speak off. After vinegar wash, it will be fully disassembled, electrical washed with the contact cleaner, and the aluminum will get 1200 wet sandpaper treatment, followed by Mothers on the buffing wheel. Final touch with Flitz by hand. New belt will be installed of course, and it needs a new power cord. That's about it.
I was not looking for this model (was on the prowl for G5!), but the price on this one was hard to ignore! And now I have three of them (and my wife is convinced that I went "off the deep end"!)....515 (1955), Omega (1975), and this thing. Not sure if this one is from 1985 or 1986 (was not looking for these years at all), and I wanted G5 from 1995 (to "match" the other two in 20 years intervals, and the year I retired from service (the year my daughter was born as well).
Omega is my "DD", and I just LOVE using it. 515 got a new bag yesterday, and it will be used in the office. Heritage will be outfitted with RR attachment, and used as a carpet shampoo system exclusively.
I think I got my "fill" of Kirbys now, and I won't be shopping for more,.....but you never know! I've been known to buy stuff that I don't "need", but want just as well.
Need to do some scrubbing, and I promise the pics when they are all ready for "show off".
kirbymodel2c
Well-known member
Hi Dan
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I'm glad you like you new Kirby. I look forward to seeing the pictures.</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">If you wanted a Kirby from 1995 you would of wanted a G4 (1993-1997) as the G5 was out (1997-1999)</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I'm sure you will add another to your pack at some point...lol</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I'm glad you like you new Kirby. I look forward to seeing the pictures.</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">If you wanted a Kirby from 1995 you would of wanted a G4 (1993-1997) as the G5 was out (1997-1999)</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I'm sure you will add another to your pack at some point...lol</span>
<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James
suckolux
Well-known member
Going to guess here, degrease and deodorize?
danielsand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
- Messages
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White vinegar takes the oxidation off the aluminum (also kills bacteria that cause bad odor). I mix it with water (1:1), and use "brillo" pad soaked into the solution to take MOST of the oxidation off. This cuts the polishing time in half (or better). 1200 wet sandpaper takes all scratches out (for deeper scratches, if any,you need coarser sandpaper, to start with, followed by gradually finer one). The more grades you skip in the process, the more time you will spend on rubbing the scratches off.
Did you ever end up with hard water stains on your car (from sprinklers)? And did you end up paying X amount of Dollars to have them removed in the car wash? If you catch them on time, you can take them off with soft sponge soaked in white vinegar. This IS what is used in car wash industry for that. Vinegar will strip the wax as well, and the car needs to be rewaxed. If the water spots are "baked in" by the sun (for several days), you will need to soften them up with white vinegar, followed by the "clay bar", and then polish and wax (gets to be labor intensive/expensive procedure in the car washing business). IF the water spots are left untreated, they WILL "eat" into the clear coat, and it will start flaking (time for the new paint job). You can either do this yourself, or pay the pros to do it. Either way it will cost you time and/or money.
I also use it to remove hard water deposits/sediments from sinks, bathtubs, etc (instead of "CLR" type of chemicals). It works, it's harmless (for pets AND humans), and I use it regularly on dog's/horses water thoroughs and such.
I owned two gas stations, with full service car wash/detail until recently (sold the last one in 2011). There are other "acids" used daily in car wash industry, to wash/prep aluminum wheels, and some of them damage the rims ("burn") pretty bad. I used vinegar for that purpose for over ten years, with excellent results, and no damage claims. Try it next time you get an oxidized Kirby, you can thank me later! LOL
Did you ever end up with hard water stains on your car (from sprinklers)? And did you end up paying X amount of Dollars to have them removed in the car wash? If you catch them on time, you can take them off with soft sponge soaked in white vinegar. This IS what is used in car wash industry for that. Vinegar will strip the wax as well, and the car needs to be rewaxed. If the water spots are "baked in" by the sun (for several days), you will need to soften them up with white vinegar, followed by the "clay bar", and then polish and wax (gets to be labor intensive/expensive procedure in the car washing business). IF the water spots are left untreated, they WILL "eat" into the clear coat, and it will start flaking (time for the new paint job). You can either do this yourself, or pay the pros to do it. Either way it will cost you time and/or money.
I also use it to remove hard water deposits/sediments from sinks, bathtubs, etc (instead of "CLR" type of chemicals). It works, it's harmless (for pets AND humans), and I use it regularly on dog's/horses water thoroughs and such.
I owned two gas stations, with full service car wash/detail until recently (sold the last one in 2011). There are other "acids" used daily in car wash industry, to wash/prep aluminum wheels, and some of them damage the rims ("burn") pretty bad. I used vinegar for that purpose for over ten years, with excellent results, and no damage claims. Try it next time you get an oxidized Kirby, you can thank me later! LOL
danielsand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
- Messages
- 101
Heritage 2 restoration underway
Well,.....now that everything was taken apart, I know why this was such a "sweet" deal! Besides the cord, this thing needs mini emtor, and the fill tube!
Tube was totally shot, and the emtor was glued with PL400 construction glue on the inside! The rim (ledge, or whatever you call it) against which the emtor gasket compresses, was in three pieces at one time. Fill tube was broken at the bottom, and the bag was NASTY.
Any suggestions? Looked up the tube/emtor on the Bay, and it will cost twice as much as I paid for the vac! Without my labor/supplies, I'll be in this thing about 60 bucks (still a decent price), but for that I could've purchased a better unit. Oh well. Is there any other solution to fix the emtor/tube issue?
I am learning, that's for sure. Now I know what to check before I put my money on the table.
Also,.....the thing was serviced in the past (had the sticker from the local Kirby service), luckily it retained the original model # plate, but unfortunately it has the plastic fan (unless that IS what came with these?).
Every "school" costs money, doesn't it?
Well,.....now that everything was taken apart, I know why this was such a "sweet" deal! Besides the cord, this thing needs mini emtor, and the fill tube!
Tube was totally shot, and the emtor was glued with PL400 construction glue on the inside! The rim (ledge, or whatever you call it) against which the emtor gasket compresses, was in three pieces at one time. Fill tube was broken at the bottom, and the bag was NASTY.
Any suggestions? Looked up the tube/emtor on the Bay, and it will cost twice as much as I paid for the vac! Without my labor/supplies, I'll be in this thing about 60 bucks (still a decent price), but for that I could've purchased a better unit. Oh well. Is there any other solution to fix the emtor/tube issue?
I am learning, that's for sure. Now I know what to check before I put my money on the table.
Also,.....the thing was serviced in the past (had the sticker from the local Kirby service), luckily it retained the original model # plate, but unfortunately it has the plastic fan (unless that IS what came with these?).
Every "school" costs money, doesn't it?
jaker15
Well-known member
Aw, man!
I just looove it when someone sells you a vacuum without warning you of all of the broken parts. Then again, if they did that, it probably wouldn't sell. If you want to find a new bag assembly, or even just piece a new fill tube assembly together, check out Kirby Needs on eBay. Kent is a great guy, and he has just about every part you would ever need for your Kirbys.
Oh, and the plastic fan was standard in every model after the Tradition. Just check yours to make sure that it's not cracked or missing blades.
I just looove it when someone sells you a vacuum without warning you of all of the broken parts. Then again, if they did that, it probably wouldn't sell. If you want to find a new bag assembly, or even just piece a new fill tube assembly together, check out Kirby Needs on eBay. Kent is a great guy, and he has just about every part you would ever need for your Kirbys.
Oh, and the plastic fan was standard in every model after the Tradition. Just check yours to make sure that it's not cracked or missing blades.
suckolux
Well-known member
and what color plastic fan?
sptyks
Well-known member
Plastic fan...
The Kirby Heritage was originally manufactured with the grey Lexan fan which was prone to suffer stress fractures with age. If not replaced every 5 years or so, the Lexan fans could fracture and fly apart causing damage to the motor.
If your fan is white in color, then it is made of Amodel which Kirby started using in the G5. Amodel is a high performance polycarbonate similar to Kevlar but 300% stronger and much less prone to breakage. All Kirby replacement fans are now made of Amodel.
In short, if you have a grey fan it is most likely the original Lexan fan and should be replaced with the new white Amodel fan before use. If you already have a white fan, then it has been replaced at some point. Although very unlikely you should inspect it for cracks or missing blades anyway.
[this post was last edited: 1/1/2015-18:09]
The Kirby Heritage was originally manufactured with the grey Lexan fan which was prone to suffer stress fractures with age. If not replaced every 5 years or so, the Lexan fans could fracture and fly apart causing damage to the motor.
If your fan is white in color, then it is made of Amodel which Kirby started using in the G5. Amodel is a high performance polycarbonate similar to Kevlar but 300% stronger and much less prone to breakage. All Kirby replacement fans are now made of Amodel.
In short, if you have a grey fan it is most likely the original Lexan fan and should be replaced with the new white Amodel fan before use. If you already have a white fan, then it has been replaced at some point. Although very unlikely you should inspect it for cracks or missing blades anyway.
[this post was last edited: 1/1/2015-18:09]
suckolux
Well-known member
thankfully mine is white
danielsand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
- Messages
- 101
Thanks Gents.
The fan is white, no cracks, no missing blades. I need a new emtor and tube, new power cord, and it will be a nice unit.
The fan is white, no cracks, no missing blades. I need a new emtor and tube, new power cord, and it will be a nice unit.
danielsand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2014
- Messages
- 101
Just ordered from "KirbyNeeds" (purchased from him before).....cord, emtor and tube (used)....total almost $60 bucks. So I have to do all the work in polishing/servicing, and I'm in about $80! Still a hell of a vacuum for $80, but feel like I was "taken" by the seller (no doubt!).
IF I ever go to buy another one, I'll know better. Three Kirbys, and a Hoover Elite (bagless) is all I'll ever "need" for my cleaning, and "showing off" to friends. I might even sell the Heritage when I'm done with it, and look for G4 (from 1995). The only thing I don't like about newer Kirbys (even Heritage2) is the plastic pieces. Too much plastic on the newer ones, and since the Emtor on the Heritage is plastic too,.....I had to buy another one. I'm sure my Omega will never need another Emtor! LOL
IF I ever go to buy another one, I'll know better. Three Kirbys, and a Hoover Elite (bagless) is all I'll ever "need" for my cleaning, and "showing off" to friends. I might even sell the Heritage when I'm done with it, and look for G4 (from 1995). The only thing I don't like about newer Kirbys (even Heritage2) is the plastic pieces. Too much plastic on the newer ones, and since the Emtor on the Heritage is plastic too,.....I had to buy another one. I'm sure my Omega will never need another Emtor! LOL
