Dream Kirby acquired!

[kirbyman65]

I went to pick up what I thought was a Kirby sanitronic 50 but it turned out to be a 519! I brought it home and turned it on. It doesn’t sound terrible but the bearings could use some grease. If anyone could explain how to repack the bearings that would be great. I’m also heading to my vac shop today to pick up some new carbons. So exited about my dream Kirby! I’ll post some pics later.

 

[centralsweeper63]

I presume the 519is your dream model.

 

[kirbyman65]

I presume the 519is your dream model

Correct

 

[centralsweeper63]

Good you found one!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

I went to pick up what I thought was a Kirby sanitronic 50 but it turned out to be a 519! I brought it home and turned it on. It doesn’t sound terrible but the bearings could use some grease. If anyone could explain how to repack the bearings that would be great. I’m also heading to my vac shop today to pick up some new carbons. So exited about my dream Kirby! I’ll post some pics later.

I have seen many Kirbys from the 516 up to the Sanitronic VII be re-trimmed in the same tan hue the VII used along with the 562 and DS50, so on some of the older pre-562 machines -- especially when rebuilt by local mom-'n'-pop vac shops in an entirely different color such as green (Dual Sanitronic 80), brown (Classic 1-CR), rosewood brown (Classic Omega 1-CB), red (Classic III 2-CB) or blue (Tradition 3-CB) -- it is hard to tell what the actual model number is unless you look at the model plate on the bottom, which is often either removed or had its model number scratched over whenever rebuilt by some of these local mom-'n-pop vac shops.

Many years ago, I used to see a Kirby of this vintage re-trimmed in blue: it had the DS50's light cap with the light-up bezel on the top, but it also had a 562 or VII belt lifter, and a Tradition 3-CB handle assembly; so the actual model number per the main unit remains a mystery.

Your Kirby 519 was built in 1959, originally with mostly red trim but a gray bag with the Kirby logo on the front, with the Em-Tor bottom and wheels being gray.

~Ben

 

[kirbyman65]

I have seen many Kirbys from the 516 up to the Sanitronic VII be re-trimmed in the same tan hue the VII used along with the 562 and DS50, so on some of the older pre-562 machines -- especially when rebuilt by local mom-'n'-pop vac shops in an entirely different color such as green (Dual Sanitronic 80), brown (Classic 1-CR), rosewood brown (Classic Omega 1-CB), red (Classic III 2-CB) or blue (Tradition 3-CB) -- it is hard to tell what the actual model number is unless you look at the model plate on the bottom, which is often either removed or had its model number scratched over whenever rebuilt by some of these local mom-'n-pop vac shops.

Many years ago, I used to see a Kirby of this vintage re-trimmed in blue: it had the DS50's light cap with the light-up bezel on the top, but it also had a 562 or VII belt lifter, and a Tradition 3-CB handle assembly; so the actual model number per the main unit remains a mystery.

Your Kirby 519 was built in 1959, originally with mostly red trim but a gray bag with the Kirby logo on the front, with the Em-Tor bottom and wheels being gray.

~Ben

You’re right, it’s definitely been re trimmed. It looks like a sanitronic 50.

 

[centralsweeper63]

I hope this link helps.

https://collectingdust.com/kirby-model-years-1945-1962-500-series/

 

[kirbyman65]

Well,
I have no idea what I have! Can someone enlighten me?

 

[centralsweeper63]

Very cool.

 

[hygiene903]

Nice find! Definitely a 519, but the handle grip and bag appear to be from the D-50, with a Classic bag guard and bag topper and other trim to match the Classic. The black cord appears to match the Heritage II, but a Heritage II cord would not fit the switch connection on the 519. If you are interested in restoring it to its original appearance, there are people on here who could help you round up the parts you'll need. Good luck with your search and restoration,
Jeff

 

[centralsweeper63]

I thought I saw ds-50 and classic in there somewhere.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Well,
I have no idea what I have! Can someone enlighten me?

Yes, the model number I see appears to match what you say -- a 519.

However, let's have you take a picture of its safety switch. If it's one button only, then the model number would also be correct. But if it has two buttons on it, then it may well be a DS50.

Plus, the 519 was the last Kirby to exclusively use slotted head screws and the red plastic round belt lifter on the rug nozzle (though it would continue being used on the floor polisher nozzle through the 561), for the 560 switched to using Phillips head screws for mounting the motor shell housing and had a new triangle-shaped belt lifter on the rug nozzle. And then the 562 switched to Phillips head screws for the four wheels.

~Ben