OK, all you restoration gurus, what's your secret? I found a Kirby 511 at a flea market last year that looks like it came straight from the factory, polished so bright I can almost see my reflection in it.

I have a couple of other Kirbys that I'd like to get looking the same way, but I don't have a clue where to begin. What cleaners or polishes do you recommend? Any specific techniques? Do I need a buffer?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Rick

One of the best things I've found so far is Mothers chrome cleaner. Rub it on, wipe it off and the shine is amazing. To protect that shine follow up with Mothers mag and wheel polish.
Another trick if you have one, is the Kirby Handi-Butler. A buffing pad over the polishing disk works great, I suggest using the Flexable-Shaft for the power plant.

That helps me too!

Rob C. taught me this several years ago, I hope Rob wont mind me sharing this with you. I feel it cleans and polishes nicely. I have never tried Mothers chrome cleaner but I will. Rob taught me to take a chrome cleaner called Flitz it comes in a tube and is made in Germany.

You then take some very fine steel wool and softly, in a swirl motion, on the machine, you will notice the black oxydization like silver polishing starts to come off Then wipe off with a soft cloth. Then buff it with another towel or soft cloth. I think this does a great job. Alex's other idea of the Kirby handi-butler works very well, I have done that as well.

I hope this gives you another idea

David

As I demonstrated at the Club meeting here in Los Angeles, the ONLY way to get that FACTORY SHINE is with a high-torque electric buffing wheel.

Pastes and compounds will only remove some of the surface dirt and do a minimal job of polishing while not removing the dulling tarnish. In order to get down to the gleaming metal you have to use lots of heat, friction and brute force!

These are machines made specifically for this purpose. They are used in all facets of metal polishing businesses - auto, industrial, vacuum cleaner, etc. I prepared and gave out a very comprehensive article outlining the procedure. If anyone wants it, I can publish it on my web site.

Now, if only someone could come up with something that would preserve the finish! That's partly why I don't spend a lot of time buffing all my machines (other than just not having time to do it) --- in 6 months they are just dull again. There is a clear lacquer spray made for brass musical instruments but I have never tried it on aluminum. It may not work, and likely will turn yellow with time. Anyone want to experiment? Go to your local musical instrument store and you can buy it.

Thanks for all the tips. I'm looking forward to trying them out to see how my 519 shines up.

I haven't managed to find a Handi-Butler yet, but I'm keeping my eyes open.

Charles-Richard, I'd love to see that article detailing the procedure you use. It would be a great addition to your already terrific site.

I second that!

Tuned