Thread Number: 18246
Welcome to our new Kirby 519
[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 200356   9/11/2012 at 20:28 (4,216 days old) by LillyLux (Oklahoma City)        

We took a Kirby 519 off of e-bay, vacuum only no tools...but a really authentic and originally outfited upright machine. Has all the original red, the grey cord with red ends, and the only facet that was not original was the bag. It had had a replacement Kirby bag of the Sanitronic era designed for 560's and older. I am not going to try to salvage that bag as it is really filthy. The machine itself cleans up nicely! After initial disenfecting I attached the Kirby black aftermarket bag made by S & F for pre-562 models. Its dark colouring makes it look quite authentic against the original cord and red trim. The headlight socket needs to be re-connected--someone broke off a bulb in it. The magic finger control had a crusted surface like masking tape. As I worked on it I discovered that it was the original "magic finger" factory sticker. After carefully removing it with nail polish remover I find that this belt lifter is completely new! The motor! It could pick up a cinder block! I need to rebuild the brush roll bearings and eventually clean and greese the motor bearings. I would appreciate anyone's advise as to how I could, without too much dissasemlance, bring it up to an acceptable burnish using hand polish techniques. Kirby...not more leisure time for me :) but really enjoyable bring this sweet little old lady back to the future!
Lilly


Post# 200369 , Reply# 1   9/11/2012 at 20:50 (4,216 days old) by kirbykid (Horseheads,New York 14845)        

i use steel wool #000 triple zero and maas metal polish. i just put the polish on the steel wool and scrub the metal. it works great. so does mothers aluminum polish with the steel wool.

Post# 200379 , Reply# 2   9/11/2012 at 21:38 (4,216 days old) by JHGVac ()        

I've had good luck using plain white vinegar as a pre-wash before hitting it with mothers mag and 0000 steel wool.

 

I got the idea reading on-line that an acid wash is commonly used on aluminum trailers to remove the thin cloudy layer of oxidation.  I think the trailer guys use something stronger than vinegar, but pure white vinegar is dirt cheap from the grocery store and mild enough that you don't have to worry about getting it on your skin.

 

Good luck on your restore.

 

Joe


Post# 200381 , Reply# 3   9/11/2012 at 21:47 (4,216 days old) by vacumaniac ()        

JHG... awesome tip on the vinegar!!!! I shall try that!

Post# 200385 , Reply# 4   9/11/2012 at 22:04 (4,216 days old) by kirbykid (Horseheads,New York 14845)        

i will also

Post# 200433 , Reply# 5   9/12/2012 at 15:03 (4,215 days old) by s31463221 (Frenchburg, KY)        
Thanks!

s31463221's profile picture
That's some really good polishing tips, I'm going to have to try them myself!


Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy