Kirby Heritage II Rebuild Tips?

[heritageIIhd]

I am working on my parents' old Heritage II, bought new in 1987. I have inherited it since they inherited a newer Kirby from my grandfather when he passed six years ago.

Front bearing went out, and I have it completely disassembled on the bench. Years ago, I replaced the motor brushes and switch for mom and dad. I ordered a number of other parts to replace since the thing has been going for @ 25 years.

I have a new armature, new field, new bearings, etc. I'm curious about a couple of things:

1. How do I press the new bearing onto the commutator end of the armature?
2. Where exactly does the internal speed switch screw into (it was just hanging there when I opened the case)
3. What break-in techniques should I use to start this thing up for the first time?

Any other tips anyone wishes to share will be appreciated. I am waiting on a couple of parts before I can put it all back together, including a new motor bell housing - the old one had to be cut off as the bolts were seized/rusted holding the field into the bell housing.

When all is said and done, I will still be in this vacuum cleaner for less than a decent new one!

 

[heritageIIhd]

Also, I ordered a new front motor housing with bearing. The old one got messed up trying to put the new bearing in the front. Although these are supposed to not be press-fit in, the new bearing certainly needed pressing, and I pinched the retaining clip railing enough to crack a piece of aluminum out.

I really miss my old arbor press!

 

[eurekastar]

The bearing on the commutator side can be tapped on by using an old fan pulley.  Just be sure that you're tapping on the inside race of the bearing.  I always just wrap the armature shaft in a cloth and clamp it down in a vise before tapping the bearing on.  It provides more stability.  Also, it's been a while since I've worked on a Heritage II, so I can't really remember how the speed switch is set up.  I do remember that it is a more complicated arrangement than earlier models.  Can you post any photos?


 


 

 

[heritageIIhd]

I will take a few when I get back down there with everything. Thanks!