Kirby 512 - What did I just buy?

[disreguardian]

This is my first post so please go easy on me. I was looking for an inexpensive Kirby on my local Craigslists and came across this unit. I wasn't considering something so old but the fact it was still working and had a bunch of original accessories piqued my interst. It was advertised as a model 512 which after some brief research (mostly on this forum) seems likely.

It does indeed turn on and the brush spins. The suction isn't that great, my cheapo Bissel defintely out performs it. To be sure I'm shocked it works at all considering its age. I'm sure it's likely it needs to be cleaned or otherwise refurbished in some manner beyond my capacity.

So, what do I have here? If I put some time and/or money into this vacuum can I expect to use it as a "daily driver?" As it stands my cheapo bagless Bissel and Dyson DC33 (which I really don't like) crush it in terms of cleaning ability. Or, should I simply cut my losses and sell it to a collector (assuming one would be interested in such a piece)?

 

[eurekastar]

First, welcome to the Forum!  Second, you probably know by now that the Kirby you have is from 1952, making it a 62 year old vacuum.  The fact that is still running is testament to its durability and reliability!  Long after you've tossed your Bissel and Dyson in the trash, the Kirby will still be going.  With a little bit of TLC, you'll have a good vacuum.  One of the things that will greatly improve its cleaning performance is a new brushroll that's properly adjusted.  Other than a new brushroll, I would certainly service the motor.  That should put some new vroom into an old and very reliable vacuum! 

 

[firebirdman55]

Its worth putting the money into. I have a 517 that I use regularly. I love the shakeout bags because I despise disposable ones...too costly. Beautiful vacuum. Kirby is the best. You cannot go wrong.

 

[caligula]

Hi disreguardian.

You have a very old Kirby, the power switch assembly is that of a model 512 which dates back to 1952. The cord is not correct, at the machine end it should be rounded not flat, and the bag is wrong too it belongs to a 1960's model. I'd say you have a fan or motor problem, because a Kirby will suck the carpet right off the floor. Take it to a repair shop, and don't let them try to sell you a new one, this is a collectors item. From that picture, I see a lot of rust which tells me it's been left outside, or in a damp basement/garage, and the brush roll is rusted, and I don't see a drive belt.

The hose you posted in the pictures are not Kirby, nor are the metal wands, but the tool case, Handi-Butler and power polisher all match the early 1950's date, but as the tool case is open, these fit a 512.

What you have is old, and valuable, get it to a repair shop, you have a great vacuum cleaner.

Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi disreguardian.

What part of New England are you from? I was born and raised in Wallingford, Connecticut in 1950, and am curious, what state do you live in?

Glad I could help.

 

[MikePdx]

Get the motor serviced, make sure the fan is okay, and get a new belt and brush roll on it and I think you will be delighted with how well it performs.

If necessary, change out the cloth bag but don't retrofit it with a paper type; it kills the performance. Plus Kirby models are very easy to empty and clean. Shake the bag, open the sani emtor over some newspaper, and you're ready to go again.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

That original Dual Sanitronic 50 bag is for Stan Tyks (sptyks).

~Ben

 

[tolivac]

Get your "new" Kirby serviced as others point out and you will find that your Kirby will "crush" the Bissel and Dyson!And with the Kirby dump bag you can use it as a "bagless" vacuum-dump the bag after each use-don't store debris in the bag.And make sure the gasket on the Sani-Emptor isn't worn.If it is the machine will leak dust and the suction power will be decreased.And that Kirby is TIMELESS-will outlast Bissels and Dysons many times over.Even a Kirby from 1952!

 

[Anachronism]

As the others have said, it's a KEEPER! As for old, we still use one from 1934- it was refurbished by Kirby around 1960, keeps up with any competitor at age 80.

 

[MikePdx]

DEFINITELY a Keeper!

I forgot to say "welcome" in my last post. So hello and welcome!

I have a 560 model. Other than belt and brush roll, it is mostly original, down to the metal fan. Same with my Classic Omega. I also have a Bissell Powerforce upright. Both of the Kirby machines will outcclean the Bissell on carpets. The Powerforce is three years old and starting to show its age. The 54 year old 560, the 40 year old Omega, and my 27 year-old Heritage 2 are all going strong. Get it fixed up and you will love it for carpets.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Welcome to the forum! Great find and an incredibly good vacuum. With a little investment, either in $ at a repair shop or in your time with help from the many Kirby enthusiasts on this board, you'll have a true piece of American craftsmanship that will easily out perform most vacuums on the market today. Before you know it you'll be as crazy about your find as we all are, and likely looking for the next addition to your family. I could never imagine collecting vacuums, let alone using an old vacuum as a daily driver - then I inherited Electrolux vacuums from my Great-grandmother and Grandmother and with a little cleaning and very minor work they were out cleaning my then brand new Dyson DC14... I've never looked back. I now have a small collection of mostly Electrolux vacuums, but I'm always watching for a vintage Kirby in my area... I have my heart set on a DS50, and once I find one I'm sure I'll add more Kirby's to the collection. Great vacuums then, great vacuums now.

 

[disreguardian]

Thanks all for the replies. I think I'm going to take it to a local shop. I haven't been there before but the guy's voice lit up when I told him about the 512 the phone. He said a basic clean and fix up would probably run me $50 but he really needs to see it to determine what else it needs.

@eurekastar - I'll ask about the brushroll.
@caligula - Thanks for the info, especially about the hose. I was going crazy trying to figure out how to connect it with the brushroller housing off. I'm in eastern mass BTW.
@MikePdx - I was thinking of washing the bag as it reeks of that old musty pine air freshener in the picture, I was wondering if it would hold up in a gentle cycle in the wash.
Gr8DaneDad - I totally "get" the vintage vacuum cleaner thing. There's definitely some je ne sais quoi about a simple motor, all metal construction powerhouse of a vintage vacuum. I'd like to get this thing working to original spec because thus far nothing has cleaned my carpets to my satisfaction.

 

[MikePdx]

<a name="start_25250.283832"></a>"@MikePdx - I was thinking of washing the bag as it reeks of that old musty pine air freshener in the picture, I was wondering if it would hold up in a gentle cycle in the wash."


 


It wouldn't hurt to try. They still make the cloth shakeout bags that will fit that machine, and if it disintegrates (unlikely) it isn't the original bag anyway. They can be tricky to get back on the emptor.

 

[sptyks]

Disregurdian,

Welcome to the forum from another Eastern Massachusetts member (I live in Woburn).


 


Removing the bag from the emptor can be done with a flat blade screwdriver. You can wash it on gentle cycle and then let it hang to air dry.


 


Re-attaching the bag to the emptor I found to be a challenge. I used a pair of vice-grips to hold the bag on while I used a flat blade screwdriver to stretch the spring back over the emptor.


 


I have a Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 made in 1965 and have it mostly restored to like-new condition except for the correct bag which I so far have been unable to find. Your 512 has a Dual Sanitronic bag on it. Should you ever decide to replace your bag with the correct one for your 512, I would be willing to purchase the one you have provided it is in good condition. I would even drive to your location to get it since we both live in Eastern Mass.


 


Feel free to contact me anytime if you need any help with your 512. My email address is in my profile.


 


Here are a couple of pics of my DS50: 

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Love, Love, LOVE that DS50

My favorite of the vintage Kirby's... I know it's silly, but the lit up Kirby logo just does something for me.