1951 Kirby 511 w/ Handi Butler

[westieterrier]

Hello Forum Members,

I am new to this site and to Kirby ownerships,, so I thought I would introduce myself and my project, and ask a couple of questions. My unit is a 1951 Kirby 511 with the Handi Butler option. I bought it from the the family of the original owner. It still has the original black rubber handle, original manual, and I believe that almost everything with it is original (see photos). The bag is from a 1960s model it seems.

First, while the bumper and headlight trim are gray, ALL of the vacuum attachments and the Handi Butler are a deep red. I have to imagine that she bought the whole system together as one purchase, in 1951, esp. considering the attachments and hose are needed to do everything else with the unit. My issue is that all of the 511s I’ve seen are not red, but gray. Is it likely that these attachments are original to the vacuum?

Second, I am missing one very important part, the Suction Coupler (Kirby Part No. K-2100). I can’t seem to find one in all the usual places. Does anyone have one with which they wish to sell? Is there a later Coupler that might work with some modifications? Anybody have any ideas?

Thank you so much for any insights.

 

[hoover300]

Ahhh,this one was rebuilt in the mid 70s, going by the bag and trim. The Handi Butler and attachments are off a late 50s Kirby, the handi butler and hose connector won't work on this. Grip is original, but ruined. I have a coupler to a 508 somewhere, it will still work though. Email me if you are interested.

 

[hoover300]

Almost forgot

[email protected]

 

[lesinutah]

Handi butler

If you look at my photo it's a 510 has a 513-515 belt lifter. The 510 is identical to the 511. In late 509 510 was when the handi butler was introduced. I have a said to be first edition of the handi butler never used.

 

[westieterrier]

Thanks!

Hi Kieran, thanks for your reply man. Yeah, I suspected the Handi Butler and all the beautiful tools in the cabinet were bought later as the couplings don't fit; the little portable handle doesn't fit; and I just can't seem to get the Handi Butler fitted on the unit. There's like a 1/4" snag on the retainer button that prevents it from snapping in place. It otherwise looks like it would go on.

Why would Kirby make such a minor change like that in a short time? I'm also confounded as to why the original owner bought the 1950s tools and Handi Butler if it didn't fit. Why would she keep it all those years? Seems odd.

Yes, I am very interested in getting a Suction Coupler and Blower Coupler from you. Those pieces would really make the unit useful. Without them, all I have is a (very nice) upright vacuum. I will email you.

Your info. here has been very helpful. I plan to remove the motor to inspect the bearings, etc. What do you think of the cloth hose? Is that original to my 511? I appreciate all your advice, thanks man. Patrick

 

[lesinutah]

Hose

I'm pretty sure the hose is correct. They didn't have cloth hoses after 512 or somewhere around there. The kirby changed twice from 1951 to 1959 when the attachments probably were made. The 505-512 part had the 3 amp motor. The first part of 513 had 3 amp motor and later had 4 amp. The 4 amp motor used a different power switch and the nozzle shifted with the motor . The motor was in 513 -515 so only two years. Then 516 the motor changed to a different 4 amp motor used to sanitronic 7. The entire machine changed and the power button was plastic push button and headlight was attached to front motor housing and not removable. The 511 was an early machine. It changed 3 times in 4 years is the simple answer.