Kirby refurbishment

[oldskoolguy]

I’ve got an old dual sanitronic 80 that has been running a little loud for the past few months, and I’ve been trying to polish it myself at the same time, but I can’t get to the inside since the fan is somehow stuck on there (not even the shaft would come off) and the oxidation is pretty bad along with some bleaching and scratches on the metal that is making efforts to restore the shine more difficult (although Flitz polish has been VERY helpful. I’m hoping to get it refurbished back to how it was when it first rolled off the assembly line. I know Kirby charges $350 I think for a non original owner, but with the Aluminum fan being replaced as part of the process, I figured that was definitely out of the question. So my question is: does anyone know somebody that is able or willing to restore my old dual 80 (I’ve probably spent more time than I should have with trying to get it looking better, so I think I need a break)? I will pay for the cost of shipping and the cost to refurbish it.

 

[human]

If you scroll down a bit in the Vintage section, you'll find a thread from a month or two ago where 'dandagreer' sent a vintage Kirby back to the proverbial mothership to be restored. Knowing that the original versions of some parts were no longer available, he substituted junk parts he didn't mind losing and then reinstalled the original parts he wanted and repainted some of the trim pieces after it came back so that it would be as original as possible.

The thread is very instructive in that he carefully documents the entire process, beginning with his first inquiries into having the machine restored, right through his receiving the restored machine back and making the final adjustments.

 

[lesinutah]

Regurbish

I can get your d80 back to better than the day it rolled off the assembly line. I have done 6 d80s in the last 2-3 years. I have a good amount of d80 parts.
If you need advice just ask
The fan sticks but can be removed. If it's loud in could be the coil. If you are trying to get the fan off make sure you leave the carbon brushes on. The armature slips when trying to take off the fan.
Les

 

[hmc1981]

If you could post some photos of the machine so I can see it’s exact condition, that’d be very helpful. I’ve restored several machines of different makes but mostly Kirby. I don’t like to say yes to a project if I cannot see what I’m getting into first. You can email me at: [email protected]

 

[oldskoolguy]

Pictures

Here are some images of the dual 80’s condition. If you want specific photos, please let me know

 

[vacman1961]

This guy does great work.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirby-Vacu...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[lesinutah]

Yes

I bet he does. I'm not going to brag but I'd do a better job than anyone on here. I'm jk I have and could do yours excellent.
You live in Orlando . Chris is alot closer. I can share with him a few things. The money Chris might be your best bet.
If you have questions for me let me know.
[email protected].
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Pics

Bag off top of the emtor, bottom inside of the emtor, safety switch.
D80 didn't have wide wheels they were narrow.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Nice D80! Looks like that should be a pretty easy resto from what I see so far.

It is easiest to remove the fan after the fan case is removed. Locking tool in armature hole, grip fan with hands at edges and give some hard twists clockwise. Metal fan is all one piece.

The noise is most likely bad bearings - worn and running in petrified dirty ex-grease. Insist on two new genuine Kirby bearings during resto and it will purr for decades to come. I never rebuild a Kirby without changing bearings.

I do understand exactly how you feel about not doing the job yourself; I have done three or four Kirbys this year already and I am wore out myself. The polishing is the hardest, even with power tools. I have a D80 and 1CR left to restore but I will save those for next year; I need a break!

 

[madman]

If you're in Chicago, I wouldn't mind taking a whack at removing the fan.

 

[rodknock95]

fork

Does that one have the wrong fork on it?

 

[kirbyklekter]

Fork,again

It looks like that fork came off a ds50?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

kirbyklekter

Billy,

That could be from anything between the 516 and D50, but the handle grip also has the stationary non-swiveling top cord hook (used on models 505 to early 513).

~Ben

 

[luxlife]

Are Kirby refurbs usually cosmetic only, or do they involve the mechanics of the vacuum as well?

 

[lesinutah]

Refurbs

If you send your Kirby it gets you more than likely a new armature and a new or rewound to new standards. Example the 505-513 have the toggle power switch. If rebuilt they put a 4 amp.motor in it.
If a person is doing it for you most likely what you want and can afford.
Les

 

[oldskoolguy]

Turns out I’m now in chicago with family (Came in last week). Decided to bring the old Kirby with. So if anyone in chicago wants to take a stab at it or if anyone out of state wants me to ship it to them, let me know, and we can figure something out.

 

[kirbyklekter]

Just a reminder:

MadMan said he wouldn't mind taking a whack at your fan and he lives in Chicago! I'd give him a call in a" New York Minute" if it were me,just sayin'.

 

[oldskoolguy]

My apologies for not getting back to anyone. COVID-19 kept me busy with other things. Still looking to get the d80 looked at (it’s been thought about but put on the back burner one too many times).