My first Kirby Refurb

[charleskirby66]

I can't believe I've never shared this on Vacuumland!

This is my first ever Kirby refurbishment, a Kirby G4. It was in okay shape to start. I really just had to clean it out internally.

I did wet sand the aluminum and polish with a small polishing wheel on a drill. It's not as good as my later and more current refurbishments using a grinding wheel and the advice of Charles Richard Lester.

I was able to get the standard attachments for this G4 and foster it out to a friend, who loves it and is now a Kirby fan!

 

[human]

Nice job. Looks like you got about the same satiny sheen on that one as I did with my G5 last year, using barkeeper's friend, followed by Mother's. I'm thinking of tearing it down and doing it again with some super fine sandpaper.

I'm glad your friend is enjoying the machine but why are they running the machine without a bag on it in the last picture. They appear to be in mid-sneeze, which is understandable, given the amount of dust that would be spewing into the air.

 

[electrolux137]

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Very lovely! I'm glad you found a home for it.

 

[charleskirby66]

Thanks guys!

@human-  If you look closer, there is a Kirby Dirt Meter on the exhaust.  I gave her a full Home Demonstration.  She absolutely loved it, she was giggling giddily when I snapped this picture!


 


@electrolux137-  Thank you!  This is my first G4 refurbishment.  I just finished the one you gave me this weekend, but I have had friends express interest already!  My only thing is if it goes to a new home, I want them to treasure it as I would.  Each Kirby I have fostered has gone to a loving home.  That's my requirement.  

 

[sptyks]

Edgar, 


 


Photo #17 in the original post shows the Kirby running with a DirtMeter attached to the exhaust port. The DirtMeter is the salesmans tool that shows you how much dirt is left in your carpet after you vacuum with another vacuum. 


 


You insert either a white or black pad depending on the color of the dirt you expect to pick up. You then make one or two passes with the Kirby and then remove the test pad to see how much dirt the other vacuum left behind. 


 


You can get your own Kirby DirtMeter online for $18.00 - $20.00. A small supply of pads is usually included.

 

[suckolux]

I think the Kirbys are fun to work over, simple design and robust, makes working on them with dicey fingers easier than some with lots of little bits or plastic that will cut right through my skin.

 

[charleskirby66]

They are fun to work on! The vintage Kirbys scare me cuz I know parts are scarce, but truth be told, they are probably just as easy to work with. The best part (for me) is welcoming a new member into the Kirby Family!

 

[kirbyvacsandmor]

The Older Kirby's are easier to work on in my opinion.

Thanks

 

[human]

Agreed. I like the fact that Kirby's machines are DESIGNED to be worked on. That's the very epitome of quality, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[fantomfan57]

Seeing the torn down machine reminds me when I took a G6 apart to replace the transmission switch for a friend. I still think she jammed down too hard on that piece and/or it was already loose. You can imagine my horror when she dragged it while stuck "in-gear" across the floor to show it to me.