My Gsix Restoration Project

[wyaple]

Hello All,

Last week I acquired a very beat up Kirby G6. It may even still be a lost cause with the parts I have to buy but I do love restoring things. To date, I've done a Heritage 2 Legend, G4, Lux Olympia One, Rainbow D4 SE and now the G6.

The outer bag needs replacing (actually has a hole in it), the power cord was spliced together and had black tape on it and the wheel shaft assembly clicks down four notches if you aren't careful. I had a new fan, headlight bulb and belt in stock. All those things aren't so bad (and not too expensive), but the big let down was the transmission. Even after much fiddling, cleaning, greasing, etc., it "stutters" when engaging. Push it really slowly or like you're in race and all is well, but at regular back and forth speeds, it stutters.

So, I'm at somewhat of an impasse. Along with the machine was the full set of standard tools and the shampooer. They looked and smelled like they were stored in a barn.

I paid $25 US for the lot.

If anyone has some transmission advice, I'd love to hear it as the cheapest new tranny I can find is about $95 shipped.

Enjoy the before and after pics...

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Bill

 

[human]

To begin with, you've done a great job cleaning it up. I always love to see a shiny Kirby. But it sounds like you've got an expensive fixer-upper on your hands. I went through that with my G5 last year. I paid about $45 for it and had about $125 in it by the time I was finished. What I ended up with is by far not a showpiece but I had fun fixing it up and it's a good workhorse.

With all that's wrong with that one, it might almost make sense to send it off to Kirby for a complete $300 overhaul and get back what is essentially a new machine. The cheapest alternative may be to find another G-series Kirby that has a good transmission but needs some other stuff and then build one good machine out of the two.

 

[wyaple]

It's Too Bad Kirby Doesn't Sell Individual Tech Driv

That would make transmission repairs cheaper and easier.

So my total cost to fix this puppy now looks to be around:
Transmission = $95
Power Cord = $20
Outer Bag = $30
Wheel Shaft = $20

Total: about $165 (including purchase price $190)

If I look up a clean used G6 with all my previously listed attachments, they seem to sell for over $200 fully loaded as it were.

In order to send a machine off to the factory, you have to be the original owner with the original receipt (last time I checked), neither of which is true in my case. And I believe I'd still have to pay one way shipping charges as well.

The original owners replaced this G6 with a Dyson Big Ball. I wonder how many years they will get out of that setup.

Bill

 

[human]

I agree. It's a shame Kirby doesn't sell a rebuild kit for the Tech Drive transmission. Once you get it all fixed up, you will essentially have paid full retail for the machine. You could save a few bucks if you can find a good used transmission, but that's always a bit of a crap shoot. One thing's for certain though, that Gsix will be running for a long time after the Dyson that replaced it has found its way to the landfill.

 

[miskini]

I agree

Send it back to Kirby. You don't have to be the original owner.

 

[pr-21]

You can call the Kirby Rebuild department. Leave a message about what you want rebuilt and that you are not the original owner. They will call you back with a quote. I have done this several times over the years. They come back looking great. It will take a few weeks, but well worth it. You will have to pay shipping to and from. Here is one of mine. Just a note. The older models usually come back in a tan color as they chose this as their trim color for older ones. You might want to ask about the trim color when you talk to them.....


PR-21
Bud

 

[wyaple]

Got a quote back from Kirby

Rebuild = $350 (non-owner)
Shipping both ways = $70
Tax on $350 = $23.63

Grand Total = $443.63

I can fix this puppy up for $165, so it's a no-go on HQ doing the rebuild. BUT, it was nice to know that non-original owners can get a rebuild. Thanks for the heads up Bud!

Bill