Kirby Generation 3

[vacfanatic]

I picked this up today from a local seller. I got a good deal on it, and it's really just in need of a few replacement pieces, and some TLC on the buffing wheel. This will be cake compared to the last G3 I restored. It's still got the original fan, has never been serviced that I can tell, and the rear wheels are totally worn down to the plastic. They are so worn, the wheels spin out on dry carpet. Everything sounds good, but I'll give it a complete overhaul as normal. This is going to be a project for late fall probably.

 

[vacfanatic]

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[vacfanatic]

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[vacfanatic]

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[vacfanatic]

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[vacfanatic]

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[vacfanatic]

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[petek]

What is it with those rear wheel grips wearing off anyways. You would think they'd have devised something better and more long lasting.
How does it sound, ok and ok on the back and forthing?

 

[vacfanatic]

A OK!

Yep transmission sounds fine. It does have a weak handle spring, so I'll replace the assembly with one of the self centering rigs that I believe was on the G4 and later. The transmission sounds just fine, bearings sound fine also. I'm 100% certain this machine has never been cracked open. Even the mini-emtor appears to have never been removed, there was so much dust and crud caked between it and the side of the machine! It was some old guy who owned it, and he passed away so his son inherited it.

 

[vacfanatic]

Preview

The metal will polish up just fine. This is with mothers aluminum polish and a microfiber cloth. I'll end up taking it to the buffing wheel though... Ahhh such a rewarding sight to see after 3 minutes of elbow grease!

 

[cart1531]

That Kirby is starting to look better already! You'll be able to restore it to like-new condition. I just got a G3 a couple months ago that I love.

 

[vintagehoover]

Wow...it's amazing what a quick session with your polishing-muscles can achieve! I can't wait for the final results!

 

[shag]

In the first picture it looks like rust on the metal.
Looking at the cord, it looks like it belonged to a smoker.

 

[vacfanatic]

Corrosion

The lighter colored cords on these older Kirbys tend to turn this dark yellow color. I've seen many of the G3 cords in this same condition for some reason. It didn't come from a smoker, because the vacuum would surely reek of smoke and be yellowed all over. There isn't any rust on the Aluminum, it's just oxidized/corroded really bad. It will polish out with a bit of work.

 

[cart1531]

The cord on mine has discolored into this almost avocado green-ish color, I plan on getting a new cord for it eventually.

 

[vacfanatic]

First Polishing

I decided to work in the garage a bit tonight after an attempt of a nap failed. 30 mins later, the top shell looks a lot better!

 

[thunderhexed]

OMG!!!

Looks fantastic!!!!