Introducing the New Kirby!

[eurekastar]

I call this the "Retro 500". It's actually a Sanitronic VII with a few parts tossed in from a Classic 1-CR and a Classic 1-CB. The handle is from a Classic Omega, but I rubbed off the "omega" symbol with a little acetone to make it look a little more generic. The handle grip, cord, bag top, bag guard, and handle lock button are from a Classic 1-CR. The headlight and bumper are sprayed out in brown SEM paint. The belt lifter is a replacement from Kirby.

 

[djtaylor]

Very nice.

Bill, she's a real looker. Nice work.
Justin

 

[eurekastar]

I have some brown aftermarket wheels and a brown Emtor tray on order. I searched high and low until I found them. But I kind of like this combination. I thought I might use the rear wheels of an Omega, but they won't fit properly. I really like this plaid bag too. Plaids were popular in the 70s, so it works. I have another plaid bag that I'm going to try out. I also have some wheel extension screws, so I'll try the larger front wheels. But I don't think I'm going to like it.

 

[crevicetool]

You know - that don't look bad at all. I like it.

Since you are good at, and are knowledgeable about SEM and other vinyl/fabric dyes - once dyed with the SEM, you can go over it with plastic bonding spray paint. Might work on the wheels and the emptor - just for an added touch.

I really like the way that machine looks!

Rick

 

[crevicetool]

Just read about the cover and wheels......never-mind.

 

[portable]

Bill, it looks great! Classy!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Good job, Bill! Would like to see videos of this on YouTube if you have an account associated with it. Mine is "ClassicTVMan1981X".

~Ben

 

[a007kirbyman]

New Kirby...

Hey Bill.

Nice job on the 'Franken' NEW Kirby!!!

She L@@Ks not to shabby.

Cheers & hagd all,

Bill

 

[MikeKLondon]

Very nice machine, you have, can anyone tell me if the floor polisher on newer Kirby's are as good the last kirby I had was a Legend 11 and the polisher was not bad and also do Kirby still make the refills for the waxer in the UK ?? Currently I am using a FAKIR polisher but I am going to have to replace it soon.

 

[luxg]

Bill, that Kirby is just stunning. I love the darker trim and that bag!!!

 

[twocvbloke]

I think Kirby may still sell the wax, but, you can use any Carnauba wax with the Kirby polisher, as that is what they used...

They also sell a "No-Wax" polish too, I haven't a clue how you use that though, spray on, brush off I guess...

 

[vac_whisperer]

Nice

Very nice... You should try making a combination like, for example, a 513, classic III, and a Legend II.

Thanks, VW

 

[eurekastar]

My new set of brown wheels came in today, so I put the small wheels on the back and put a set of 1-CR wheels on the front using extension screws. I also tried a different plaid bag. I'm not sure I like the large wheels. Any other opinions?

 

[eurekastar]

I'm still waiting from a brown Emtor tray. Although, I kind of like the first color combination. On the late 500 series, the wheels and Emtor tray were always a different color from the rest of the trim (red). So should I stick with the combo in the first photo and go all brown?

 

[twocvbloke]

I think the other bag looked better, not as wrinkly round the base, and the wide wheels look okay, they should improve it's performance in deep pile carpets...

I wish we got Kirbys earlier than the Omega...

 

[vac_whisperer]

You never got kirbys in the UK until the '70s? That bites.

VW

 

[twocvbloke]

Yep, and even the Omegas and CIIIs are rare...

Sad thing is, the Omega, CIII and Tradition all came with a single-speed motor here (not sure about elsewhere), I haven't a clue why, cos they brought out the 2-speed motors with the Heritage, so they could have had 2 speeds in the older machines too really... :S

I keep meaning to convert my Tradition to 2-speed, already managed it with my 1981 Golden Trophy Tradition (No. 20), using a Heritage field coil and a US spec Omega-Trad safety switch, so it's not hard to sort out, just keep forgetting to buy some colour-coded wire to get the job done!!!

 

[northwesty]

It looks like it came right from the factory. Actually I have been wondering if some of these "improvements" made to older machines, aren't somewhat historically interesting and worth saving. for instance - I am looking at a "500" at the moment - I think I got it - but the handle is from a later model though it is the right color. This was probably done 30 yrs ago. Bill I think you called it farmer engineering or something in another thread.

 

[northwesty]

I ment sanitronic 50