jrjames85
New member
My parents purchased this Kirby in 1989 or 1990 in Alexandria, Louisiana. I use it now and it still works nicely, I have no plans on parting with this wonderful vacuum.
Kirby Heritage II Legend from 1989 or 1990
- Thread starter jrjames85
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wyaple
Well-known member
I acquired a 1987 Heritage II Legend, ready for the junkyard, a little over a year ago. Decided to do a full restoration/upgrade and absolutely love it! It's more difficult to push than a post 1990 (Tech drive) Kirby, but the sound the Heritage makes is very pleasing to the ears.
Are you aware you can do these upgrades:
1) Kirby HEPA bags (pre-F Type)
2) Sentria II white fan
3) New chevron style brushroll.
With these upgrades and some polishing, you can have your Heritage not only looking great, but performing very similar to the newest Kirby's.
With the weblink, you can see what parts are available for your new machine.
Bill
http://www.vacpartswarehouse.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2826&Click=688943
Are you aware you can do these upgrades:
1) Kirby HEPA bags (pre-F Type)
2) Sentria II white fan
3) New chevron style brushroll.
With these upgrades and some polishing, you can have your Heritage not only looking great, but performing very similar to the newest Kirby's.
With the weblink, you can see what parts are available for your new machine.
Bill
http://www.vacpartswarehouse.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2826&Click=688943
human
Well-known member
I have a 1983 vintage Heritage 1HD that's on permanent loan to my girlfriend. It's a beast. Indeed, it does require a bit more effort to push than the later Generation/Sentria/Avalier models, but not that much. They're highly dependable machines with less to go wrong than on the newer ones.
suckolux
Well-known member
Its one of my favorites, but I think my back has gotten too old for it!
jrjames85
New member
I don't find it's too difficult to push or pull, and it's not super loud like some vacuums. I will keep the upgrades in mind, but I think I want to try to keep it as original as possible. I may polish it someday though, that's not a bad idea.
suckolux
Well-known member
I have the upgraded fan on mine, was that way when I got it. In all fairness I am getting up there in years and have a bad back, so...
will1986gsix
New member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2015
- Messages
- 2
One of my All-Time favorites!
This was the exact model that started it all for me. My Godmother had one and I was always fascinated with it. She bought it new with all the optional accessories in 1989. I would have been only 3 years old. Every time I would go to her house it was the first thing I went for. I just loved taking the nozzle on and off and playing with the ZippBrush and Rug Renovator. When I got older I would borrow it every chance I got. It was a trooper of a machine as she wasn't the most gentle with it. The only "problem" it ever had was actually user error. One Christmas it had a "fight" with tinsel and lost. One replacement fan kit later and it was back on the job. I finally got my first of many Kirby machines when I was about 12 or so. I found a gently used 1989 Legend II for an astonishingly low price of $17.00, albeit without any attachment. I then found a complete set of standard attachments, Reno Group, ZippBrush, and Turbo Accessory Kit on eBay for about $40.00 including shipping in all the original boxes. Best And toughest machine I ever had. Even though I acquired several more machines, mostly Kirby units but numerous others, I kept that Legend II and used it regularly until 2013. I met a man through the owner of a local vac shop that was interested in buying a couple of the vacuums I didn't need or want anymore. I ended up being talked out of the Kirby I loved for little of nothing. I have regretted that sale ever since. I'm ready for another functionally and aesthetically beautiful burgundy Legend II. I bought a Gsix 2001 Limited Edition in October of 2001 at only 15 years old. Its still all original save the belt that I replace bi-annually and the "Allergen Reduction Filter" HEPA "cloth" bags I replace as needed. Even the brushroll is still original...only now it's on Setting II. I have plenty more machines than I could ever need, but there is still going to be an empty space in my arsenal until I fill it with another Legend II. Take care of that Kirby and it will serve you very well indeed. Also, I do agree very much so with the suggestion of a good polishing of that housing. Its surprising what a difference a little elbow grease, steel wool, and polish makes. It not only better preserves the finish, but it looks awesome as well. When a Kirby has it's mirror shine maintained or restored, it seems like it even performs better during use. Not to mention it looks a heck of a lot better than a dingy, pitted, or corroded machine. Good luck on your 'Kirby Adventures' and enjoy your envied Legend II.
This was the exact model that started it all for me. My Godmother had one and I was always fascinated with it. She bought it new with all the optional accessories in 1989. I would have been only 3 years old. Every time I would go to her house it was the first thing I went for. I just loved taking the nozzle on and off and playing with the ZippBrush and Rug Renovator. When I got older I would borrow it every chance I got. It was a trooper of a machine as she wasn't the most gentle with it. The only "problem" it ever had was actually user error. One Christmas it had a "fight" with tinsel and lost. One replacement fan kit later and it was back on the job. I finally got my first of many Kirby machines when I was about 12 or so. I found a gently used 1989 Legend II for an astonishingly low price of $17.00, albeit without any attachment. I then found a complete set of standard attachments, Reno Group, ZippBrush, and Turbo Accessory Kit on eBay for about $40.00 including shipping in all the original boxes. Best And toughest machine I ever had. Even though I acquired several more machines, mostly Kirby units but numerous others, I kept that Legend II and used it regularly until 2013. I met a man through the owner of a local vac shop that was interested in buying a couple of the vacuums I didn't need or want anymore. I ended up being talked out of the Kirby I loved for little of nothing. I have regretted that sale ever since. I'm ready for another functionally and aesthetically beautiful burgundy Legend II. I bought a Gsix 2001 Limited Edition in October of 2001 at only 15 years old. Its still all original save the belt that I replace bi-annually and the "Allergen Reduction Filter" HEPA "cloth" bags I replace as needed. Even the brushroll is still original...only now it's on Setting II. I have plenty more machines than I could ever need, but there is still going to be an empty space in my arsenal until I fill it with another Legend II. Take care of that Kirby and it will serve you very well indeed. Also, I do agree very much so with the suggestion of a good polishing of that housing. Its surprising what a difference a little elbow grease, steel wool, and polish makes. It not only better preserves the finish, but it looks awesome as well. When a Kirby has it's mirror shine maintained or restored, it seems like it even performs better during use. Not to mention it looks a heck of a lot better than a dingy, pitted, or corroded machine. Good luck on your 'Kirby Adventures' and enjoy your envied Legend II.
wyaple
Well-known member
will1986gsix,
Funny you mention that the H2L started your vacuum affection. In January 2014, a co-worker said she had an old H2L and couldn't push/lift it anymore and was going to throw it out. I said to throw it my way because it was Winter and I wanted a project to occupy some time. So it sat in my basement until May of 2014 and then I cracked it open. I started researching Kirby's, remembered that my sister had a Diamond she bought new and that was that. I was hooked on restoring vacs.
After I spent 100's of hours researching how-to videos and locating parts suppliers, I restored/upgraded my H2L and made it my main vac, retiring a 2012 Hoover Tempo Widepath ($80 new). The H2L picked up a lot more hidden dirt.
Then I restored a G4 that was in even worse shape than the H2L. Lastly, I was within minutes of tossing my 1980 Electrolux Olympia One (family owned since new), and my wife said to go ahead and restore it.
Bill
Funny you mention that the H2L started your vacuum affection. In January 2014, a co-worker said she had an old H2L and couldn't push/lift it anymore and was going to throw it out. I said to throw it my way because it was Winter and I wanted a project to occupy some time. So it sat in my basement until May of 2014 and then I cracked it open. I started researching Kirby's, remembered that my sister had a Diamond she bought new and that was that. I was hooked on restoring vacs.
After I spent 100's of hours researching how-to videos and locating parts suppliers, I restored/upgraded my H2L and made it my main vac, retiring a 2012 Hoover Tempo Widepath ($80 new). The H2L picked up a lot more hidden dirt.
Then I restored a G4 that was in even worse shape than the H2L. Lastly, I was within minutes of tossing my 1980 Electrolux Olympia One (family owned since new), and my wife said to go ahead and restore it.
Bill
toastermike
Well-known member
I have 4 500 series Kirby's, a restored 509 and D80, an excellent original 560, and a D50 to be restored. I never had any interest in the later models because they just seemed too big and heavy. A few months ago I found a beautiful Legend II with all of its tools, caddy, zip brush and original documents at my local Goodwill outlet store for $20.00. The beautiful burgandy color caught my eye and I couldn't pass it up. After polishing it I realized it was in lightly used excellent condition. I decided to keep it and since found the matching Reno set and sander. The sound it makes is relaxing and I enjoy using it once or twice a week. I am now using the Kirby poly cloth bags.
Mike
Mike
wyaple
Well-known member
BTW, here's a pic of my H2L that I restored about 1 year ago.
Bill
Bill
The Kirby Legend II was the final model to have the shake-out bag (with the old Sani-Emtor) and 13" nozzle options. The latter option is said to better generate suction than the standard 16" nozzle. Both are rather hard to find these days, but you can do it if you search the right places.
I actually have one of these but for a Heritage II.
~Ben
I actually have one of these but for a Heritage II.
~Ben
Miss Mercy
Well-known member
Jason I live in Ruston, LA! We're close!
suckolux
Well-known member
I love their color combo, wish I could buff mine up again and push it
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