Kirby Tradition like new rebuild and photo fun!

[bnsd60m9200]

joe i did in fact remove the bumper. anything that wasnt metal was removed for metal work and polishing. including the front axle assembly.

Will

 

[vac_whisperer]

And another question: How did you remove the bumper, and get it back on?

 

[bnsd60m9200]

there are two silver studs that hold the bumper on, on the back of the nozzle. removal is easy. putting it back on is a pain in the a$$. you have to stretch the slit over the circular stud and it takes quite a bit of effort to get the both on. but once you do, putting the rest of the bumper on isnt as hard. make sure you reattach both ends FIRST, then stretch the bumper around the front of the nozzle, or your kill yourself twice instead of just once.

Will

 

[vac_whisperer]

Makes sense. Now I just need to figure out an easy way to get the bag back on. HAha.


 


Well, time to turn in for the night. G'night all.

 

[kirbylover]

Once again looks great Will!

How much did that new bag cost you? I think I will keep the one I have but I do like how the newer bags feel and "puff out" more when not in use. And Will I'm still curious as to the headlight cover with the "Kirby" on it, I've never seen it before not on either of my Trads, Heritage 84, or Omega. Surely not all of them have been replaced?


Here is a shot of my newly acquired Trad. I have just done a basic cleaning and put the new bag and mini-emtor I got from Richard (I'm going to use the sani-emtor with Heritage bag adapter, after I polish it, to keep it looking original). It runs good with that cloth HEPA bag in it! I might change the wheels and trim on it and handle sticker to freshen it up as well. This is a crappy shot with my P&S was too lazy to use my big camera (looks better without the harsh flash!).

 

[bnsd60m9200]

dave the bag is $39.50 from "b0sslady2001" on ebay. has the "over 10 available" next to the buy it now. if you change the wheels, make sure to keep the wheel covers. kirby no longer makes the original "chrome" tradition wheel covers. also make sure to wetsand (i go from 320 up to 2000 grit) and steel wool (0 and 0000) both with mothers/mineral spirits combo before you put it to a wheel. of you'll kill yourself on the wheel.

will

 

[bnsd60m9200]

far as the headlights, go i cant answer that question. all i know is originally they had the kirby logo on them, but only for the trad and heritage.

 

[briguy]

Wil that looks like an awesome restoration! I love the blue color of the Tradition. My sister had one in the mid 80's that I used to love playing with when I was at her house. Sometimes I would get to use it in canister mode to vacuuum out her van which was always a thrill.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Impressive!

And, I'm not a Kirby guy.  I have both the red and blue for sale.