Kirby 508 Renovation

[charles~richard]

(Consciously, carefully using the word "renovation" instead of "restoration")

For my next Worshop project, I decided on a Kirby 508 I recently won on eBay.

http://www.137.com/kirby508

 

[camelotshadow]

Ooohhh

Isn't it a lucky vac!

Thanks for the step by step pics

Been buay here
Got an vacant apt to clean & vac.

Hjmmmm
now which vac should I use?

LOL

Berber carpet
new just the fuzz & carpet remants

I generlly use the hoover elite or kenmore progressive to deal w the work

but I think I may give one of the kirbys a shot

maybe the Heritage

LOL

 

[luxg]

Charles, I am really enjoying this. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this up. Can't wait for part 2!!

 

[arh1953]

Coffee table gouges

What did they do, pick the Kirby up and beat the table with it? I didn't think the light housing was so thin. I can't wait to see the finished results either, such meticulous attention to detail.

 

[vinvac]

Charlie,

I have that same vacuum that was my mothers. It is pictured on the Presidents tab on the forum. I love that vacuum. I wish I could find one in original condition before a rebuild. My mom's has been rebuilt 4 times. The last time it came back as a 509....go figure!

I can't wait to see the rest of this rebuild. I did have a newer bag in that color....I gave it to RJ two years ago to build the quilt that his partner made. I may have another, if I do, I will send it to you. Kirby asked the last time it was rebuilt to remove the bag and throw it out. I think I may have kept a couple of them.

Morgan

 

[vacuumkid3]

Charles, you always do a fantastic job! Can't wait to see the final product! I have a 519 that I will painstakingly restore. It needs some polishing and some cleaning, but it'll look nice. I am going to shoot you an email about some parts I need soon!

~~K~~

 

[charles~richard]

Hi Morgan, that would be GREAT if you could send me your mom's replacement bag, but not to use on THIS machine as the bag is still in excellent condition (after being deodorized, that is). It would just be nice to have it as a memento.

Thx!

 

[hygiene903]

Nice 508, Charles

You're sure putting forth a painstaking effort on this one! But I'll bet the end result will make it worthwhile. Ca't wait to see it!
Jeff

 

[clarkecombi]

Hey Charles when is this thing gonna be done...Im excited to see it

 

[lux1521]

What a coincidence! I was just checking out 137.com for updates as I do from time to time and I already read the artical earlier tonight before this thread showed up. I didn't realize how new it is. I really liked it. The details are good and having lots of images is always a plus. Knowing how Charles' web site is, this is no supprise.

It will be very interesting to see how nice it turns out and how it got that way.

I'm going to be doing some Kirby related restoration starting sometime next week and I'm tempted to do a simmilar documentation of it. I think these kind of documentaries of restorations should be done more often and by more collectors. They are very informative and are good for inspiring people do do their own restoration work.

Charles, keep up the good work!

 

[charles~richard]

Hi, I am going to *try* to get to the restoration this weekend. But if "more important" stuff comes up I'll have to keep this on hold.

Thx,

 

[clarkecombi]

Good Luck Buddy...I know you can do it ur good at restoring Kirbys....Say..How much would u charge a guy who would send you some parts to Buff out...Of course id pay the Shipping. There and Back

 

[clarkecombi]

Did u ever git-r-done..lol

 

[charles~richard]

No, the project is still on hold... "Life is in session."

 

[clarkecombi]

life does suck sometimes......i hope you can get some freee time