Does it cost a lot to get a Kirby refurbished by the dealer? That is if it needs a new cloth bag, new wheels and a good polish?
Kirby Refurishing
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air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Kirby
You can have some rebuilds done through some Kirby service centers with various results. They can always get wheels, bags, cords, brushrolls, belts, etc. and do some polishing.
However, you can get a superb rebuild done through the Kirby Company in Cleveland, OH. They have a separate address and facility where the rebuilds are done. If you are the original owner and have the owner's manual that goes with your vacuum, you remove the handle, (unless you want it buffed too), and pack it up and send it to them. The rebuild fee is published in the back of the owner's manual. Depending on what model you own will depend on the price. The age of the vacuum is a factor.
A model 510 from 1950-51, can be rebuilt for $12.50, whereas a model Classic III from 1976-79, can be rebuilt for $47.50. The price does not including shipping in either direction. Another thing to keep in mind is that Kirby NO longer has the original colored trim, wheels or bags for models before the model 562. Sooooo, if you send off a 561, let's say, it will come back with tan trim, cord, wheels, bag, bag topper, and bag guard thus making it not totally correct for the purist but still a wonderfully rebuilt vacuum. This why we see so many "mix and match" on ebay and at vacuum stores.
If you do not have the original owner's manual, (they request you send a photocopy of the last page with the model, serial number, dealer's name and date purchased), there are ways to get around that too.
I see in your profile that you are a young man so you may want to have one of your parents help you with this. No disrespect intended but minors can't enter into a business contract and you would indeed be contracting with Kirby to do a rebuild if you chose this avenue.
I hope this makes sense and please feel free to email with any questions. Fred and I have sent many vacuums to Kirby for rebuilds and can help you with this is you would like. I am getting ready to send in a 510 and Classic III to be rebuilt by them. The great thing about having Kirby do it is that all origianl factory specifications are met and all genuine Kirby parts are used as opposed to "bojack", meaning replacement but not original nor genuine. Plus, the polishing they do is fantastic!! I done a lot of hand buffing and even using different polishing compounds and power buffers, you never get the shine that the Kirby factory puts on them!
Hope this helps!
You can have some rebuilds done through some Kirby service centers with various results. They can always get wheels, bags, cords, brushrolls, belts, etc. and do some polishing.
However, you can get a superb rebuild done through the Kirby Company in Cleveland, OH. They have a separate address and facility where the rebuilds are done. If you are the original owner and have the owner's manual that goes with your vacuum, you remove the handle, (unless you want it buffed too), and pack it up and send it to them. The rebuild fee is published in the back of the owner's manual. Depending on what model you own will depend on the price. The age of the vacuum is a factor.
A model 510 from 1950-51, can be rebuilt for $12.50, whereas a model Classic III from 1976-79, can be rebuilt for $47.50. The price does not including shipping in either direction. Another thing to keep in mind is that Kirby NO longer has the original colored trim, wheels or bags for models before the model 562. Sooooo, if you send off a 561, let's say, it will come back with tan trim, cord, wheels, bag, bag topper, and bag guard thus making it not totally correct for the purist but still a wonderfully rebuilt vacuum. This why we see so many "mix and match" on ebay and at vacuum stores.
If you do not have the original owner's manual, (they request you send a photocopy of the last page with the model, serial number, dealer's name and date purchased), there are ways to get around that too.
I see in your profile that you are a young man so you may want to have one of your parents help you with this. No disrespect intended but minors can't enter into a business contract and you would indeed be contracting with Kirby to do a rebuild if you chose this avenue.
I hope this makes sense and please feel free to email with any questions. Fred and I have sent many vacuums to Kirby for rebuilds and can help you with this is you would like. I am getting ready to send in a 510 and Classic III to be rebuilt by them. The great thing about having Kirby do it is that all origianl factory specifications are met and all genuine Kirby parts are used as opposed to "bojack", meaning replacement but not original nor genuine. Plus, the polishing they do is fantastic!! I done a lot of hand buffing and even using different polishing compounds and power buffers, you never get the shine that the Kirby factory puts on them!
Hope this helps!
Thanks a TON!!! I will definelty look into it!!!
I bought three Kirbys from a dealer that went out of business-they were a G3,G4,and a G5, Kirby did a beautiful job on them-even included new handtools with them.The dealer wanted to resell them-they were trade in machines she had them refurbised.Dealers sometimes do that with Kirbys traded in toward new ones.there is NOTHING Like a Kirby polishing job-they have the equipment and know-how to do it!
What about?
So suppose you are not the original owner and you don't have the owner's manual? How you do you go about having a vacuum refurbished? Will they still do it for you? Do they charge more since I'm not the original owner? Tim
So suppose you are not the original owner and you don't have the owner's manual? How you do you go about having a vacuum refurbished? Will they still do it for you? Do they charge more since I'm not the original owner? Tim
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
Kirby rebuilding tips
Okay, I'm going to let the cat out of the bag but if ever asked I will deny it with my hand on the bible!
If you can obtain an owner's manual, any manual but the one that is CORRECT for the vacuum you want to rebuild this is what you do. It does require some very good slight of hand work so BE CAREFUL or you could wreck it for all of us!!
On the last two pages in the back it should have the rebuild price, dealer's name, date sold, model and serial number. Place that portion on a copy machine and make a copy of both those pages.
Then, CAREFULLY white out the serial number and make sure you do it thoroughly. Now, make a new copy of that page and adjust the brightness/contrast appropriately. Take the now NEW copy and write in the serial number of YOUR vacuum matching the handwriting. Make one more new copy of that and adjust the brightness to make it look totally original. You will need to include this copy with the vacuum that you send.
Call the Kirby rebuild number and get their address. You usually have to leave a message and they will call you back and give you instructions. The number is: 216-433-7797. Two women run the phones there and are very nice. Follow their instructions and PLEASE don't make mention of what you have read here!! Act like you have know idea of what you are doing. But if they say take off the handle, bag and cord--but you want those replaced and/or buffed, include them anyway.
REMEMBER: they only replace what you send and it has to be genuine Kirby parts on the vacuum. If you send a Kirby with a replaced bag, you WILL NOT get a new bag from them. If you send a Kirby prior to the model 562, (1962), it will come back with tan trim, bag, bag topper, wheels and cord.
If you send later models ie: 562, Sanitronic VII, Dual 50 & 80, Classic series, Tradition, etc., they will come back with the correct colors. They will also replace "broken or cracked" attachments but the colors may NOT match as they are using up old inventory and not reproducing the original colors. If they do not have the original colors they substitute black.
PLEASE be careful doing this as I mentioned above, DON'T WRECK IT FOR THE REST OF US!! I have two I am sending off in 2006 and I would prefer not to have the "plug pulled" so to speak. In addition to the price in the manual you will be responsible for shipping fees to them and back. They add it to the rebuild price for the return shipping part. They will send you a bill and you can pay by check or credit card. Of couse you will not get the vacuum back until it is paid for.
Okay, now you know what to do. Just don't send too many too soon from the same address!!
Okay, I'm going to let the cat out of the bag but if ever asked I will deny it with my hand on the bible!
If you can obtain an owner's manual, any manual but the one that is CORRECT for the vacuum you want to rebuild this is what you do. It does require some very good slight of hand work so BE CAREFUL or you could wreck it for all of us!!
On the last two pages in the back it should have the rebuild price, dealer's name, date sold, model and serial number. Place that portion on a copy machine and make a copy of both those pages.
Then, CAREFULLY white out the serial number and make sure you do it thoroughly. Now, make a new copy of that page and adjust the brightness/contrast appropriately. Take the now NEW copy and write in the serial number of YOUR vacuum matching the handwriting. Make one more new copy of that and adjust the brightness to make it look totally original. You will need to include this copy with the vacuum that you send.
Call the Kirby rebuild number and get their address. You usually have to leave a message and they will call you back and give you instructions. The number is: 216-433-7797. Two women run the phones there and are very nice. Follow their instructions and PLEASE don't make mention of what you have read here!! Act like you have know idea of what you are doing. But if they say take off the handle, bag and cord--but you want those replaced and/or buffed, include them anyway.
REMEMBER: they only replace what you send and it has to be genuine Kirby parts on the vacuum. If you send a Kirby with a replaced bag, you WILL NOT get a new bag from them. If you send a Kirby prior to the model 562, (1962), it will come back with tan trim, bag, bag topper, wheels and cord.
If you send later models ie: 562, Sanitronic VII, Dual 50 & 80, Classic series, Tradition, etc., they will come back with the correct colors. They will also replace "broken or cracked" attachments but the colors may NOT match as they are using up old inventory and not reproducing the original colors. If they do not have the original colors they substitute black.
PLEASE be careful doing this as I mentioned above, DON'T WRECK IT FOR THE REST OF US!! I have two I am sending off in 2006 and I would prefer not to have the "plug pulled" so to speak. In addition to the price in the manual you will be responsible for shipping fees to them and back. They add it to the rebuild price for the return shipping part. They will send you a bill and you can pay by check or credit card. Of couse you will not get the vacuum back until it is paid for.
Okay, now you know what to do. Just don't send too many too soon from the same address!!
westytoploader
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
Thanks A LOT for the information Charlie; I'll definitely keep this in mind when I eventually come across an older Kirby. Do you know if they can rebuild the commercial Kirbys?
With my machines (1998 G5, 1988 Heritage II Legend, 1983 ComVac 1300), I'm just going to go through a local Kirby dealer as they just need a thorough cleaning/polishing; not enough to warrant a complete rebuild IMHO. Have they even started rebuilding the new models?
With my machines (1998 G5, 1988 Heritage II Legend, 1983 ComVac 1300), I'm just going to go through a local Kirby dealer as they just need a thorough cleaning/polishing; not enough to warrant a complete rebuild IMHO. Have they even started rebuilding the new models?
air-waycharlie
Well-known member
More on Kirby
Austin,
Yes, people are having Legends, Legend IIs, G-3's and G-4's rebuilt. The rebuild department is very successful for Kirby and they stay busy and believe me, make plenty of $$$$$$.
When you send them to Kirby, in addition to the polishing and other items I've mentioned, they put in a new armature, bearings, field coil, carbon brushes, fan, wahsers, etc. You essentially have a new Kirby when it comes back.
The newer vacuums are much more expensive to have done. I had my Legend II done by them without the owner information and it was $350 plus shipping. Since it is my "daily driver" for the first floor, it was worth the money.
Austin,
Yes, people are having Legends, Legend IIs, G-3's and G-4's rebuilt. The rebuild department is very successful for Kirby and they stay busy and believe me, make plenty of $$$$$$.
When you send them to Kirby, in addition to the polishing and other items I've mentioned, they put in a new armature, bearings, field coil, carbon brushes, fan, wahsers, etc. You essentially have a new Kirby when it comes back.
The newer vacuums are much more expensive to have done. I had my Legend II done by them without the owner information and it was $350 plus shipping. Since it is my "daily driver" for the first floor, it was worth the money.
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