Christmas find Kirby model 2C

[vacuumheaven05]

Hello. I bought this from eBay for $300 plus shipping, what an amazing find. I got a Kirby model 2C from 1937 for Christmas, with the factory original bag, bottle cap Kirby belt cap and the complete set of attachments with original box. I tested it, it does work fine but needs parts like an original headlight hood trim, bumper from an old 505 which will work on my 2C. Most importantly it desperately needs an original wooden Handel with angled piece, wooden grip. it can be from a model C or 2C. It also needs an original cord for a 1C, 2C, with a round Bakelite receptacle, fitting into the foot switch. The one it came with is for a 513 and does not fit. If anyone out there has a model C or 2C for parts, repair or one without a bag, that would be willing to trade with me for one of my other antique vacuums, like a 1920 hoover baby model 103, please let me know ASAP. I can also privately buy it in an offer from you if you want.
Thanks so much

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Liam,

These pre-war Kirbys are getting so much harder to find now! I do wish you all the best on getting all the right trim parts for it. I am sure you might be able to get in touch with Jim (VacMadMan), for he is pretty much the early Kirby guru here.

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

I

Know someone got a 505 cord to fit a 1c. The handle is weird having wood with power running through it. My vacuette electric and 1c I use to have had the wooden handle.
You should take pics of your vacuum. Congrats on your new vacuum.

 

[vacuumheaven05]

Kirby model 2C update in photos

Hello. Here are all photos of the situation I'm stuck in for 2C parts. I cannot use the vacuum until I can get an original Handel and proper cord. When I got the 2C for Christmas, it never came with a proper Handel and incorrect cord. Note, the nozzle has a bumper but it's from a 508-512 model Kirby. It's not a proper one. Original bumpers for the 2C were black, identical to ones off of a 505. All pictures are below.

 

[lesinutah]

I'd

Say a 505 tube would fit this and upper handle but it likely doesn't. If you try a handle off a pre 513 kirby it might fit.
The cord you could cut a 512 cord idk I'd use a new black one until an older one can be found. If you have extra kirby wheels paint them black and put them on this when you use it because those wheels chip and chunk way too easy.
They sale belden cords with bell ends but cloth cords.
It's a very nice pickup.

 

[vacuumheaven05]

side note

I actually have a 513 or early 500 series Handel tube. I tried it but doesn't fit. That's why I need a proper wooden Handel from a C or another 2C. Does Jim, the (VacMadMan) have any spare parts like wooden handles, cords or other parts for model C's or 2C's, even 505's? I would like to talk to him if possible.
Thanks, From Liam

 

[vacuumheaven05]

side note

Hi. Would any one be interested in selling a Kirby model C or 2C wooden Handel and grip part, as well as an original cord. eBay would work best for me as long as I can get it for a fair price. If anyone has a spare model C or 2C that needs work, repair, restoration, I would love to buy it upfront, for a fair price, to use the parts I need for my 2C. It's in desperate need of parts. Mainly a Handel first and accurate cord. If anyone has a factory original 505 cord in mint condition, it might work for my 2C. Trim parts can come later unless someone has spare trim for a 505. Even a unrestored 505 or one that doesn't have a bag and or cord, I would like to get for my 2C's trim, if one is available. As long as it has original trim and the trim is in good condition. I'd like to talk to Jim but Ben, I don't know how, through Vacuumland. If he is able to meet with me or just sell the parts I need, that would be terrific. Please see if he is available for me, I heard you say he is a great vacuum guru. I love to communicate with him or anyone else, that has the parts I need.
Many Thanks, Liam

 

[vacmadman]

2C wheels

Liam,

It looks like you also have the wheels from a 505-515. The wheels on the 2C were narrower all the way around like the Kirby C. They can be hard to find but the later wheels do look good on it. Good luck to you finding the parts you need to complete it.

Side note: in picture 4 you can see the three wheel types. The one on the left was used on the front of the Kirby 4C which was a wider wheel with the narrow one in the rear. The wheel in the center was used from the 505 through the early 515. The one on the right was used on the Kirby C and the 2C front and rear. The Kirby C through the Kirby 508 also came with washers on the wheels.

Jim[this post was last edited: 1/20/2023-11:22]

 

[vacuumheaven05]

side note

I do have an original like 2C wheel, it's actually from a Scott Fetzer vacuum motor that I have. I only have the motor and the straight suction nozzle, nothing else. It's an early one with a single rear wheel axle. Will that wheel look good on my 2C. I also have a early health mor sanitation system that does not have a bag, cord or Handel grip. The front wheels on it, look good enough and they are thin, just like on a Kirby C or 2C. I do plan on getting a complete health mor with an original bag, cord and the complete set of attachments, soon in February as my valentines gift, for a fair price. Could early Health Mor front wheels fit on a Kirby model 2C and look nice? I'm all into trying it out, to see if they fit.

 

[vacmadman]

Kirby 2C parts

Liam,

I would stick with Kirby parts and not use parts from other vacs, but that's just me. The 505 type wheels work, look good, and are Kirby parts as well. Any of the later handles 505-515 should fit on the 2C until you can find the wooden one. I do have all the parts you need short the cord. 2C nozzle with the trim, the light cap with trim, and the wooden shaft and handle grip, but I have been sitting on them as spare parts for some time now.

Jim

 

[vacmadman]

Kirby guru

Ben,

Thanks so much for your comment about me being "the early Kirby guru here". What a nice complement, but I don't think of myself as Sutch. I have learned a lot here at Vacuumland about Kirby's with the help of great people like you and Les. You both are far more knowledgeable than I overall when it comes to Kirby's.

One of the great things about Vacuumland is that we can work together and share what knowledge we may have about a common interest that we all share and love. Thanks again Ben.

Jim

 

[electrolux137]

Handel.

 

[vacuumheaven05]

like it

Terrific job, I should reward you with giving you one of my antique vacuums, that I'm not very attached to. I do have a hoover baby model 103 from 1920, that needs a little repair, but has been polished and somewhat serviced. the only thing wrong with it is the foot switch is broken. It turns on and runs good, besides that. I got it from an antique store in PA. I'm not very attached to it unlike my hoover 541, which has sentimental value to me. Could I trade my hoover 103 with you, through the mail, for the 2C parts that I need. Or may I simply buy the parts that you have for my 2C upfront on eBay or Facebook marketplace. eBay would work best for me. What would you like to do, as far as selling it to me or offering it to me? I am open to any offering as long as the price is fair. Not $200 or higher. Between $80 and $150 would work best for me. What do you think and prefer? You know these are hard to find pre-war Kirby parts, that's all I'm saying. You are in Colorado, I live in Maryland. Oh, one last thing, I may be able to fit a classic iii cord into my 2C for the time being. Being the fact that I have a proper original 2C Handel fork but nothing else, I have a 505-515 Handel tube and tried it, but it doesn't fit into the handle fork.
Many Thanks, Appreciation from Liam

 

[vacmadman]

Charles,

Nice picture of George Frideric Handel German-British composer well known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti Grossi, and organ concertos. I'm not sure the point of it but OK whatever "floats your boat".

Jim

Side note: Charles I must say your profile picture fits you very well, you are indeed a "Mrs. Kravitz" at heart.

 

[hoover300]

I think thats because Liam said Handel instead of Handle.


Great looking 2c! Do you have a pic of the attachments and box?

 

[bikerray]

Handel

It's because someone keeps spelling Handel instead of handle.

re: Cord I know that the cord from a 509 will not fit the 1C or 2C, the diameter of the 509 plug it slightly larger.

My 1C and 2C were both gifts from friends.

I have the original bag for the 2C but just made a similar bag so I don't damage the original.

 

[vacuumheaven05]

I meant

I meant handle. Anyway, all I need are individual parts, maybe not an entire machine but just the parts only, that I need for my 2C. How about that? You know I do love 17th, 18th century music composers, especially Mozart and Beethoven, Bach is good too with his scary D-minor.

 

[vacmadman]

great gifts!

bikerray,

Thanks for sharing the picture of your 1C and 2C. The 2C was the first Kirby to have the new nozzle design which gave it that classic Kirby look. What wonderful gifts.

Jim

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

VacMadMan

Jim,

Whereas, the subsequent 3C (1940-41) marked the introduction of the improved motor shell housing, improved front bearing plate assembly and the wider body Sani Emtor.

~Ben