60's Kirby

[sudsmaster]

Hi,

I'm looking into a 60's Kirby with a "beige" cloth bag. Lots of accessories. Anyone have any advice? Was a paper filter bag adapter available for 60's Kirbies?

 

[bisonian]

Flip it upside down

There should be a plate on the bottom with a model number on it. The Kirby experts can tell you more about it if they know which model it is.

Personally, I like the older, smaller Kirbys (the 500-series up through the DS80) They're so much less bulky than the later Classic and Omega machines.

 

[sudsmaster]

I will flip when I get to see it. Right now I'm still waiting for the "invitation" to come to come see it. The price is very reasonable so I'll probably buy it unless it's in really bad shape. Plus it comes with a lot of accessories including shampooer which is nice.

I have a classic 3 and yes it's heavy. But I do like the polished cast aluminum base on these machines.

 

[bisonian]

Yeah, if the price is reasonable, you probably can't go wrong.

As for the paper bags, there is a converter kit that will let you use Eureka F&G bags. I paid $30 for one for my 519 at a vac shop last summer.(more than I paid for the vac itself) It's just a heavy vinyl bag with a zipper up the back and a fill tube inside. It takes the Sani-Emtor off the right side of the machine, so it lightens it up a little more too.

 

[sudsmaster]

I got some photos of it in email today, and am planning on picking up the vac tomorrow. It looks to be in very good condition, but the aluminum probably needs some TLC/polishing. Plus the various accessories (several boxes of them) look to be mint and very shiny. I'll post the photos after the deal is sealed.

This will be my first complete vintage vacuum purchase. I have a couple of others (Electrolux Model 30) that I acquired in the course of other transactions, but they are hardly as complete as this one seems to be. I have a Kirby Classic III that I picked up at a garage sale a couple of years ago, but it's pretty beat up and not exactly pretty.

 

[sudsmaster]

It's a Dual Sanitronic "50"

The vacuum is in pretty good shape. Bag is clean with no tears, handle spring works fine, motor is loud but sounds like it's in good shape (no rattling or vibration that would indicate bad bearings).

There are a lot of accessories, including the warranty and instruction book:

Handi-butler (mint)
Crystalator
Suds-O-Gun
Spray gun
Handle for portable use
Shoulder strap
Massage cup
Floor nozzle
Floor duster pad
Rug renovator kit
Extension hose (ribbed plastic)
Hard floor "Power Polisher" (complete, mint)

Pics to follow

 

[sudsmaster]

Photo of Dual 50 with accessories. As you can see, the main motor body needs cleaning and polishing, but it's generally in excellent shape.

 

[sudsmaster]

Photo 2. Another shot of vac and accessories

 

[sudsmaster]

Photo 3. The hard floor "Power Polisher". Looks mint.

I think the box also contains some massage cups, wheel pads, and maybe the Crystallator.

 

[sudsmaster]

Photo 4. Box contains Rug Renovator kit, Suds gun, Manual, Floor nozzle.

 

[sudsmaster]

Handi Butler

This looks to be mint, although some of the polishing pads look used. The grinding wheel is mint. I'm quite amused by this accessory. I work as a machinist and it kind of blows me away that anyone would think of using a vacuum cleaner as a grinder/polisher. But then, back in the days when these were made and sold, electric motors were not as inexpensive and common as they are today. And there's something to be said for making multiple use of the same appliance.

 

[sudsmaster]

Another shot of vac

 

[tommymilan]

beautiful!
I'm really sad that in italy the first kirby model imported was the Classic III, I really wish these older models were available over here...

 

[vacuumkid3]

Well, Rich! That is a great find! Just to let you know, you have 2 sets of attachments. One seems to be to a Kirby 508. The other is definitely original to the vacuum. Good finds!

~~K~~

 

[sudsmaster]

Thanks

What's "missing":

Two wand extensions (I have two gray ones what will probably work)

Upholstery brush nozzle ("duster brush)

Crevice tool (again, might have gray version)

Utility brush nozzle

Utility nozzle

Handi-waxer

Flexible shaft


However, the vacuum is usable as is.

 

[vacuumkid3]

And Rich! I would say you hit the jackpot with the 508 Handi-Butler! It looks in really good shape! I seem to know where to get a full box, or at least close to full, of 508 attachments. I didn't bother with them because I don't have a 508. Well, anyway. You ought to polish her up! All three of my Kirbys are polished and shining beautifully. Now if only I could find a Kirby Classic Omega bag and the entire handle unit...

 

[sudsmaster]

Any idea of the year of manufacture of the DS50? The seller first said '50's, and then updated that to '60's, but I have no idea which is correct.

 

[sudsmaster]

PS-The seller also had an original Hoover Constellation model 86 in the barn, but it was pretty beat up. No power cord, no hose, etc, just the base globe. It is yellow.

 

[thunderhexed]

DS 50

Congrats on the DS 50! I have one I won off of ebay about 4 years ago for 35.00. Its in remarkable condition. I hand polished the aluminum by hand and it almost looks brand new. I installed an new bag, and a 4 row brushroll on it and it made all the difference in the world as far as performance goes, it almost effortlessly glides across the carpet and it grooms the carpet beautifully. Having the smaller head on it makes it very easy to use in my small apartment. It works wonderfully on rugs too, doesn't always try to suck them up but thouroughly cleans and freshens them up. I'm always amazed at the amount of "crud" that little unit pulls from my carpets. In fact, I had a friend tell me over the weekend that he has noticed that whenever he comes over to my place, his allergies stop bothering him. That impressed me even more with my Dual Sanitronic! I also place a small piece of tissue soaked in Kirby's oderific in the sani emptor and it keeps the bag smelling fresh and clean. Makes the air smell nice after a good vacuum. I use mine at least twice a week. The only issue with mine is that I have been unable to locate an actual tan kirby stock bag for it, the one I had to buy is a knock off bag. It's tan in color and I have noticed its alot bigger than original kirby bags. Hopefully i can find an actualy kirby bag one day.