vacuser
Well-known member
are they really rare or is this one just something else ? ebay find:$800.00 REALLY ? nice looking kirby with the red bag but not the price.
expensive kirby 518
- Thread starter vacuser
- Start date
Help Support VacuumLand:
dysonman1
Well-known member
There are many people who will try to take advantage of vacuum collectors (especially young ones or those unwilling to do their own restoration work). It's a shame, really. A 16 year old will work a few summer months at McBurger, then buy a fully restored sweeper on eBay. And they will glow with pride when they receive it - all they had to do was unbox it.
I'm quite the opposite. Back in the days of the old VCCC, club members took the time to teach folks how to rebuild and restore old machines. Many of those folks are no long with us, but I remember what they taught me. I do my own restoration, buffing of machines, rebuilding of motors, etc. I really glow with pride when I finish a difficult restoration job at last.
I say "if you have the money and want to blow it", buy a restored machine off eBay. But it's really sad when those same people who buy those 'already restored' machines lose their interest in old vacuums after a few years, and the sweeper sits, unused, once again.
I'm quite the opposite. Back in the days of the old VCCC, club members took the time to teach folks how to rebuild and restore old machines. Many of those folks are no long with us, but I remember what they taught me. I do my own restoration, buffing of machines, rebuilding of motors, etc. I really glow with pride when I finish a difficult restoration job at last.
I say "if you have the money and want to blow it", buy a restored machine off eBay. But it's really sad when those same people who buy those 'already restored' machines lose their interest in old vacuums after a few years, and the sweeper sits, unused, once again.
oreck_xl
Well-known member
In the case of Kirby having the ORIGINAL bag is what skyrockets the value. So many pre-war and early post-war machines have been bastardized by mom and pop vacuum shops as well as the Kirby rebuilders who spoil the originality by changing the trim, the cord and the bag. Even more unfortunate is when they remove the builder's plate. Would I love a prewar 2C or elusive "R" series machine with the original black bag? Of course. Am I willing to pay upwards of $1500 or $2000 for one? Absolutely NOT!
Buying restored vacuums-I wouldn't condemn this all of the way-maybe the buyer doesn't have the tools,shop or the skills needed to restore the vacuum.did he buy it because he appreciates the machine-and if he uses it-so much the better-and he may become a future collecter-later on he may get his own tools and skills needed to restore vacuums.Sometimes people don't have time to do a proper restoration job.Keep in mind cloth and dirt don't mix-Dirt rots out cloth bags-esp if they are not emptied often-like after each use.So,indeed,a dump bag vacuum with original bag that old would be rare.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
I'm 26 and I love buying the worst of the worst and bringing them back to showroom condition. I'm poor middle class but I know what things should and should not cost, and no way I'd pay $800 for a decades old Kirby.
I'm new to collecting and learning vacuum repairs this year, self-taught. I've been buying all the tools, just need to clean my garage for a work area and then get to it. But I guess I'm just crazy?
I'm new to collecting and learning vacuum repairs this year, self-taught. I've been buying all the tools, just need to clean my garage for a work area and then get to it. But I guess I'm just crazy?
fantomfan57
Well-known member
Dysonman..
You wrote:
"I'm quite the opposite. Back in the days of the old VCCC, club members took the time to teach folks how to rebuild and restore old machines. Many of those folks are no long with us, but I remember what they taught me. I do my own restoration, buffing of machines, rebuilding of motors, etc. I really glow with pride when I finish a difficult restoration job at last.".
I wish those guys were still around and I am glad you are still willing to help others.
You wrote:
"I'm quite the opposite. Back in the days of the old VCCC, club members took the time to teach folks how to rebuild and restore old machines. Many of those folks are no long with us, but I remember what they taught me. I do my own restoration, buffing of machines, rebuilding of motors, etc. I really glow with pride when I finish a difficult restoration job at last.".
I wish those guys were still around and I am glad you are still willing to help others.
kirbyrama
Well-known member
The price for that Kirby is around four times what it cost brand new 60 years ago.
These VERY high,ridiculous pricwes are now why I am no longer interested in collecting vacuums of this type unless its offered at a REAL world price to show its indeed a USED vacuum with its inherit battle scars.It is NOT always desireable to make something into showroom condition-example with gun collectors-have a small collection by the way-a gun that was made like 100 or 200 yrs ago would be RIDICOLUS if restored to like new condition-in fact the restoration REDUCES its value!!
madman
Well-known member
"But I guess I'm just crazy?" - huskyvacs
Look at my name. lel
Look at my name. lel
ultralux88
Well-known member
I wouldn’t pay $800 even for this machine! The most I’ve paid for a Kirby is $150, a factory rebuild D80 from a friend (Owen).
crazykirbylady
Member
The most I’ve paid was $400 for an all original and extremely superb condition 512 and $300 for an original 505. The bags n cords are what really makes the price as they’re usually replaced.I looked back on eBay and they’ve dropped the price a bit but still have a reserve. Dollar signs in this guys eyes. I think they’ve gotten inspiration from that complete 510 that went for over two grand.
Good news!!!!!!!!
There are STILL people in the VCCC who teach restoration, repairs, etc. Yes, some members are now gone, (some have even passed away). Just last year, for example, at the VCCC convention, Bill Edstrom took apart a newer Kirby, redid the entire thing, with VERY DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS. I know, because, I was there....and.... I helped!
You'll find several tutoring sessions in the forum here, some by VCCC members. I know, personally, that I learned several things about HOOVERS by my friend, Tom Anderson.
So, it's good to know that some folks still: have the skills, have the interest, AND are wiling to share.
So, fear not. s we've said, over and over, the VCCC constantly is changing, and should. But, the message, mission, purpose is STILL the same. Luckily, some od those changes were for the better. Although, there are other clubs/groups, and that's a good thing.
'Long live The VCCC..the original Vacuum Cleaner Collectors' Club. So exceptions, no substitutions.
[this post was last edited: 4/25/2018-12:48]
There are STILL people in the VCCC who teach restoration, repairs, etc. Yes, some members are now gone, (some have even passed away). Just last year, for example, at the VCCC convention, Bill Edstrom took apart a newer Kirby, redid the entire thing, with VERY DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS. I know, because, I was there....and.... I helped!
You'll find several tutoring sessions in the forum here, some by VCCC members. I know, personally, that I learned several things about HOOVERS by my friend, Tom Anderson.
So, it's good to know that some folks still: have the skills, have the interest, AND are wiling to share.
So, fear not. s we've said, over and over, the VCCC constantly is changing, and should. But, the message, mission, purpose is STILL the same. Luckily, some od those changes were for the better. Although, there are other clubs/groups, and that's a good thing.
'Long live The VCCC..the original Vacuum Cleaner Collectors' Club. So exceptions, no substitutions.
[this post was last edited: 4/25/2018-12:48]
ultralux88
Well-known member
I need to do some videos on this subject. I have a few fairly awful looking machines that need a full restoration. I really miss working on these machines with David Watters, we both learned a lot from each other and learned a lot together working on these things. I suppose I should show this in person too. Not too many collectors seem to be familiar with tearing their machines all the way apart and giving them a the full business... There’s definitely a good few of us that know what we’re doing though! We should do our best to share this with everyone.
