Barn find Kirby G5

[turbo360]

This abused Kirby G5 was found in a barn I haven’t plugged in or tried it yet but it’s in pretty bad condition my question is is it worth putting the money into it to restore it.The G5 seems like a pretty good vacuum

 

[gottahaveahoove]

That's a relatively new model.

I'd go for it!

 

[lesinutah]

Help

Texaskirbyguy has has resto thread on g6. I myself don't like red so I wouldn't but if you do jump in.
If you use a Mr clean scrubbing sponge gets most the scuffs out. If you use a heavy duty cleaner like bar keepers friend I had success using a brillo pad. I have done a g3,g4 2 g6s a g7 and 3 sentrias. They are actually very easy to clean. The biggest pain is if the bearings behind the fan are bad.
If you take off the top vacuum piece hood and the nozzle you can sand and polish very easily. I say easily because it's flat surfaces and doesn't tear up a sander.
If you do post it and lots of people will help but texaskirbyguy g6 thread is the best advice.
Les

 

[jo]

I’d test it out first

If it doesn’t work may not be worth any effort and could sell for parts or donate.

Jon

 

[human]

Restore it!

Kirbys are remarkably resilient. That machine probably has a lot of life left in it yet. Strip it down, give it a good cleaning and see what what you've got. The nice thing is they're designed to be rebuilt. But the very worst case scenario is you've got a good parts donor to bring new life to another machine.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

I know I would go for it!

The G5 is the last Kirby on my 'want list'! I love the dark-cherry color - very elegant.

Don't question 'can it be done', but treat it like a challenge, as 'it CAN be done'! I did that with my 505 long ago.

Plug it in and see what it does. If nothing, then it it probably a bad connection from corrosion. Let us know what it does or does not do.
How is exterior? Hard to tell from pictures if there are heavy scratches, breaks, rodent damage, or such.

I have seen machines that look this bad but the motors and electrics were in excellent condition.
I have a G6 parts unit should you need anything you cannot find online at a good price. I have some extra trannies, too.
Bearings are easy as in all Kirbys. I believe you are local to my area so I can change them for you if you'd like (while you wait).

Looking forward to the resto!

Thanks Les for the kudos - I will have to look for that long-forgotten thread!

 

[kirbyklekter]

Wow, it doesn't get any better than that,

If texaskirbyguy is encouraging you to go for it on the G5 and even offering help on bearings etc. I would say that's all the push I would need. I don't have personal experience working with him, but I can read and I've read a lot of his posts and have learned a good deal from them. For what it's worth, I'd go for it.

 

[louvac]

Simply

Turbo360...

Simply use quad-grade (0000) steel wool-DRY first as though you are polishing it. It will remove several layers of dirt. This is for the aluminum parts only. [It will make for easier polishing later.] Then use an air compressor if you have one or a blow dyer or exhaust end from another vac and blow the dust from it. You will be amazed at how much better it will look and you will get a truer picture at what condition the metal is in.

Also, when you remove the rug nozzle, grab the shaft (ok guys! LOL) and wiggle it to see if there is ANY play in it. If there is, it may indicate there is a bad bearing which you can confirm when you turn the machine on. If the bearing is bad you will hear it in the sound of the motor.

Post more pictures!