Kirby 4C Restoration Completed -- Almost

[eurekastar]

Well, I'm ALMOST finished. Each restoration has its unique issues. I had to install a new headlight socket and the new one doesn't fit in quite the same way. So I'll need to work on it.

 

[eurekastar]

I'm not satisfied with the headlight trim either. I'll need to figure out how to make it fit more tightly and neatly.

 

[eurekastar]

I need to repaint the handle grip too. I messed it up while installing it. Either it needed to cure longer, or the I used can't withstand the kind of force that's necessary to install it. But I think I"ll just mask it off and repaint it on the handle.

 

[eurekastar]

I installed a new cork gasket on the Sani-Emtor but the Emtor still fits loosely onto the vacuum. I'll either have to live with it (since I'm not using this every day), or figure out how to create a tighter fit. But isn't it amazing that a vacuum that's 70 years old can still be going strong! This model was manufactured in 1940 and 1941.

 

[a007kirbyman]

In spite...

...of her minor 'issues' (~~lol~~), she still is a L@@Ker!!!

Keep it up Bill, you'll have the entire line-up sooner than later.

Cheers & hagd all,

Bill

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Very Nice!!

Very nice. You have done a great job!!

Now you can pop over here to the UK and help polish my kirby's)

James)

 

[eurekastar]

James, throw in an airline ticket and room and board during my stay, and I'll be happy come on over and polish up those Kirbys. Just give me some time to renew my passport!

 

[eurekastar]

One of the cool things about this Model 4C is the cast aluminum Sani-Emtor tray. It looks really sharp. Some day, with a better camera and improved photography skills, I'll be able to post better photos.

 

[eurekastar]

One of the things I really appreciate about the early Kirbys is the simplicity of design. However, the foot switch on this model seems to be over engineered. The Bakelite apparatus that runs into the foot switch serves only to connect wires from the safety switch and motor field and channel them into the foot switch itself. I have a Model 510 with a toggle switch and that part of the switch design is eliminated. On that model, all the wiring connects directly into the foot switch.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

THE BEST

Hi Bill What a wonderful job. I would love to have a 505. That is the Kirby that got me started on vacuuns.LOOKS WONDERFUL Doug