What do u guys think?

[04gtojustin]

So i completley stripped down my model 66 convertible the hood handle and bag an everything on this machine is completley original but the white base got all scuffed and really scratched up im about to paint the base what does everybody think?

Justin

 

[kirbyvertibles]

If it's done right, it's very rewardnig. I have done it and have had it done. I am NOT at all sorry I did it. I would only have it done if it's really bad.
Here is a before and after shot of the first one I ever did myself.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

after

love this machine

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I will say this I DON"T enjoy painting but like I said very rewarding. I gave it up and now have other members here do it for me. They are so much better than me.
Thanks guys.

 

[eurekastar]

Phillip, that looks really nice!  I've always wanted to restore a vacuum with a painted finish.  I have a Convertible that I may tackle some day.  Did you remove the bumper and motor when you painted?  It looks like the bumper just stretches onto the rivets like a Kirby bumper.  I sometimes wonder how much an auto body shop would charge.  I'm sure they would do a much better job and the paint and finish they would use would probably be more durable too. 

 

[04gtojustin]

thanks an amazing job on that 33 u did! did u remove the bumper when u did the painting im just so worried that im gonna mess something up, i meen im very skilled with things like this its just been along time since ive done this and well its my all time favorite machine!

 

[Jeanette]

I had a convertible exactly the same for my first apartment. I repainted the white base. MY mother let me have it after I unclogged it and tuned it a bit. I tossed when I bought and Oreck in the early 90's was really stupid of me to throw it out I worked fine.

I kick myself for tossing it out all the time with other quality things I used to own now must things are junk.

 

[04gtojustin]

i know what u meen but i do have a couple metal based convertibles a u4003 and a 1070 if you would be intrested in wanting another metal based convertible that are in extremely great condition!!

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I cheated, I didn't remove the bumper because I didn't know what to do about the rivets. I taped it.
I did remove the motor though.

 

[04gtojustin]

hahah ya i think im possibly gonna leave the bumper on too!what types of paint an what procedure did u use???

Justin

 

[kirbyvertibles]

well I went to Sherman williams and got a cheap air compressed ( like hairspray can) with a glass jar that you put the paint in and spray. The paint I used ( I forget the name of it ) was metal paint, they should be able to get you the right paint. You want to sand the base down real good with a light sander,
BEFORE you do that take it in and match the paint. This would be better if you can find someplace with a laser matching thing. Remember it's not just WHITE. That early Convertible is Perl White and the later white Convertibles from the late 70's are Oyster white ( much brighter ) See if you can find another early machine to compare with while painting. Stand them side by side but remember it might be a little brighter than the example machine as it is after all NEW paint.
You want to do this outside and not on a windy day. Make sure you don't paint to thick in one spot and to thin in the other. Remember if you mess it up sand it back off and start over. AND MOST IMPORTANLY,,,,TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES because I want to see it lol. Good luck dude!