Why Preserve The Shine?
If it gets dull, it's a good excuse to pull it apart and buff it!
Seriously, once it has the final polish, it gets a sort of hard skin. Takes longer for the elements to oxidize it. I guess the molecules get burnished on the surface. Makes it more impervious to scratches too. And, buffing and polishing is easy. It's the sanding that takes time, and sweat. You could slow down oxidation by keeping it in an air conditioned environment. Only way to really stop oxidizing would be a clear coat, which would have to be preserved itself.
I really don't know what to do with it now. I was going to gift it to my in-laws, because my mother-in-law's mom, "Had one just like it!" Turns out the one her mother owned was a Kirby. In the process of fixing it up, I grew attached to it. It doesn't perform as well as our 9700, but basically, it's just a little slower. It has its own advantages with the lighter weight, and quieter motor. Kind of pleasant to use, even if it takes longer. Not as hectic I guess.
It's a mighty 2.8 amps with a perfect 6 blade fan. Cord was replaced in the 60's I believe. Balance is original. I don't know, maybe I'll list it at a high price and enjoy it a while. Might end up keeping it, as well as the 9700. But, that would make me a collector, wouldn't it?
