Kirby Factory Rebuild

[dandagreer]

@huskyvacs Yes! That’s really the main reason why I wanted to send this one back to Kirby. Their polishing skills are second to none! And I agree; I have a bench grinder, wheel, and sticks too, but mine never seems to come out as good. I think it’s because they start by sandblasting the castings.

@gottahaveahoove Absolutely! I’ll post them below. I’ve always wanted to visit the Kirby factory. I even applied for a job there once. But, I’ve never visited.

@kirbyg6 Yes sir! I’m really excited to see it come back all shiny. Then I get to make it cosmetically look like it should from 1945!

 

[lesinutah]

Polish

It takes a 11 or 14 inch high speed buffing wheel. It's not really a skill you can acquire. You can polish as nice but not in the same manner. I have a 9 inch buffing wheel my tradition nozzle and body where connected but nozzle wasn't hooked on.
The nozzle flung against the house took a chunk of stucco off. The housing flung I'm guessing 50 feet across the yard like a bullet.
If they use an 11 inch under control. It would be using a hose with flow of a fire hydrant.
There polish is unmatched.
Get some sunglasses because it's going to be bright.
Nice score on the belt lifter.
Les

 

[dandagreer]

She's all finished

She came back from the Kirby factory on Saturday, and I've had a fun time making her look like an original 505 from 1945. All told, I'd say the whole process of sending back to Kirby and getting it back in about 5 weeks went pretty smoothly. A little expensive, but considering what they did, I'm pleased.

 

[lesinutah]

Wow

Congrats.
That thing looks better than brand new.
You don't get better than that.
Les

 

[human]

Simply stunning...

'Nuff said.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

WOW!

Stunning work, by Kirby and from you!
Do you have pictures of how it looked direct from Kirby? I suspect different trim and bag colors. Would be helpful for others see what it would look like from the factory.
She is good for another century!

 

[madman]

Looks pretty sharp. Was the trim originally black, or is that just what they happened to chang it to?

 

[lesinutah]

Change

The 505 handle and headlight trim is 3 piece black and a little inlay design on the sides of the grips.
Nine of mine shine like that. I imagine they put a 4 amp motor. They probably put amodel fan. I'd ask if you changed it back but I'm guessing no.
Les

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Beautiful

Congrats!!!

 

[rivstg1]

Les

so you've got nine of your Kirby's that shine like that? dang, you've improved your polishing skills!! show them off!

David, looks superb, I've got a nice one but I now envy yours!!!! h congrats!

 

[Deleted member 3733]

Now I want a Kirby. Thanks for that.

 

[dandagreer]

Replies

@texaskirbyguy - I do! I'll post them here. It came back exactly as I suspected - tan trim, tan wheels, black bag, bag guard, and cord. Through the magic of car dash board paint, all said tan trim became black, as it should have been! And I sewed my own lookalike 505 bag.

@madman - The trim was all tan, and has now been special vinyl painted black

@lesinutah - They did change out the fan to amodel and it now has the 4 amp motor. Its weird - it now sounds like a Heritage. It lost that characteristic whine from the old motors

~~Pics below are as it returned from Kirby

 

[KirbyCollector01]

May we

See a video of it running? I am curious as to how it sounds and runs on video.

 

[dandagreer]

@kirbycollector - Sure thing. I've uploaded it to my Youtube channel.

 

[lesinutah]

Edit

Nine meant to say none.
If you look at my avatar that's my ability showcased.
I have quite a few pieces like emtor, nozzle motor housing. There are some here some there.
The good thing is the motor and coil are strong. The fan isn't metal but it's more efficient. You could put a metal 11 blade metal fan but 6 blade is only in 3 amp motors. The fan housing is sealed and the amodel fan is better for longevity.
Other than hmc's 505 this is the nicest I've seen.
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Another

I have another option. I'm going to show my bag topper. It's a rubber cover.
You could paint topper black or get a royal back topper that is black.
The 505 wheels had small washers behind them. I'm told they were painted red. I'm wondering if the screws were red too.

 

[crazykirbydude]

Wow! What a nice looking 505! I have a bunch of random Kirby G3 parts, and I wonder if I can send them in to be rebuilt into a like new Kirby if I pay them enough!

 

[kirbyklekter]

She's a real looker!

Did they return it with the newer ball bearing brush roll? Just curious if you noticed any difference. Enjoy your new #505!

 

[dandagreer]

@kirbyklekter

I don't think this is a ball-bearing brush roll?

 

[lesinutah]

Dan

Check to see if height adjustment screws are the same on both sides. If they are not they were originally.
Dang a mint 505 awesome bag everything is mint shape. You have a new factory 4 amp motor, new bearings, amodel fan. You can get an LED light too.
Les

 

[kirbyklekter]

Looks like you've got

the original style roller which is just fine. Nice and new! Period correct as they say. You have a nice looking machine there!