Well...
if you don't want to pay however much it costs to get it factory restored, you can always do it yourself. You will definitely need some good Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish, a buffing wheel with mounted motor, and a lot of time. To get it shining like most of these guys, like James especially, you will need a heck of a lot of time. I still have to find an arbor to fit about a 5/8" axle thing from the motor. Anyone know where I should go to get one? Can I make my own?
And who as tried instrument lacquer? Does it work well? I love restoring vacuums; that is why I would love to get a "coffee can" Hoover. I can paint the enamel, polish the aluminum, and etc.
I hope that gives you an idea. I only have polished BY HAND three Kirby's. I am only 14, too, and most of this I have gotten from friends. Some people use exclusively MMAA polish, while others use only Brasso. I always use MMAA.
James: what polish do you use? And do you get your vacuum bags for the Kirby's dry cleaned or through your washer?
Ok, thanks; I hope that gets you started.
~~Kyle~~