volvoguy87
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 58
Hi, some of y'all might recognize me from AW.org, (my secret identity there is Volvoguy87). I finally joined Vacuumland, after reading since the beginning, because I have some old vacs in need of love.
My grandparents have a Bissell upright (POS model). I don't know the specific model, but it is one with a clear plastic dirt cup instead of a bag. Anyway, it looks like it has bitten the dust (would someone here please shed a tear, I'm afraid I just can't). The good news is they have a Kirby DS 50 in the basement!
I don't know specifically why they stopped using the Kirby. Possibly because they didn't want to lug that heavy monster around (my grandparents are now 85 years old). I seem to remember something about trouble with the belt staying on, but that could also have been user error. Fortunately, they now have a very nice able-bodied housekeeper who cleans up a few times a month and is quite capable of handling the big Kirby (and she REALLY hates the Bissell).
My questions are: what things should I look at when I dig it out of the basement? To my knowledge, they have owned it since new (or nearly new). They probably have the original paperwork, but I have no idea where to find it. I recall it was serviced in the late 1980s and the original bag was replaced. I have never seen a hose or attachments for this vac either. I believe they intended to have it serviced shortly before it was put away but balked at an estimate of about $100.00. They grew up during the Depression, but for several years have not had a good sense of the value of a dollar (it was a battle a few years ago to get them to replace their broken stove {BOL tract-house model from the late 1980s} because it would cost over $200.00).
The Kirby has been in the basement for at least 5 years (and 2 plastic POS vacs). It is covered in dust and has not been run since it was put away. How should I go about cleaning up this vac? Should I replace specific parts like the brushroll and belt? How do I empty and clean the bag (late 1980s bojac? replacement, so there may be a paper bag lurking inside). Does the DS 50 have a "Sani-emptor" (spelling?)? If it does, what does it do, how does it work, and how do I service it? How does the belt lifter work? How can I inspect the fan? Are there any DS 50 quirks I should look for?
I have never used a Kirby DS 50, and have very limited vacuuming time with Kirbys of other models. I have never serviced a vac, but I am no slouch at the workbench. I grew up with a 1981 Supreme Electro Hygiene (Royal) upright, so I am unfamiliar with Kirbys. I like Kirbys and would like to resurrect the DS 50 to prevent the purchase of yet another ineffective POS plastic vac. Goodness knows, my grandparents could use genuinely clean wall-to-wall carpet for the first time in years. They bought a very good vac 40 years ago and I believe it is still better than its recent competition.
I appreciate all your help. Maybe after I finish the DS 50 I can give some much-needed attention to my Electrolux Super J which is making some bad noises on startup and shutdown.
Thanks a bunch,
Dave
My grandparents have a Bissell upright (POS model). I don't know the specific model, but it is one with a clear plastic dirt cup instead of a bag. Anyway, it looks like it has bitten the dust (would someone here please shed a tear, I'm afraid I just can't). The good news is they have a Kirby DS 50 in the basement!
I don't know specifically why they stopped using the Kirby. Possibly because they didn't want to lug that heavy monster around (my grandparents are now 85 years old). I seem to remember something about trouble with the belt staying on, but that could also have been user error. Fortunately, they now have a very nice able-bodied housekeeper who cleans up a few times a month and is quite capable of handling the big Kirby (and she REALLY hates the Bissell).
My questions are: what things should I look at when I dig it out of the basement? To my knowledge, they have owned it since new (or nearly new). They probably have the original paperwork, but I have no idea where to find it. I recall it was serviced in the late 1980s and the original bag was replaced. I have never seen a hose or attachments for this vac either. I believe they intended to have it serviced shortly before it was put away but balked at an estimate of about $100.00. They grew up during the Depression, but for several years have not had a good sense of the value of a dollar (it was a battle a few years ago to get them to replace their broken stove {BOL tract-house model from the late 1980s} because it would cost over $200.00).
The Kirby has been in the basement for at least 5 years (and 2 plastic POS vacs). It is covered in dust and has not been run since it was put away. How should I go about cleaning up this vac? Should I replace specific parts like the brushroll and belt? How do I empty and clean the bag (late 1980s bojac? replacement, so there may be a paper bag lurking inside). Does the DS 50 have a "Sani-emptor" (spelling?)? If it does, what does it do, how does it work, and how do I service it? How does the belt lifter work? How can I inspect the fan? Are there any DS 50 quirks I should look for?
I have never used a Kirby DS 50, and have very limited vacuuming time with Kirbys of other models. I have never serviced a vac, but I am no slouch at the workbench. I grew up with a 1981 Supreme Electro Hygiene (Royal) upright, so I am unfamiliar with Kirbys. I like Kirbys and would like to resurrect the DS 50 to prevent the purchase of yet another ineffective POS plastic vac. Goodness knows, my grandparents could use genuinely clean wall-to-wall carpet for the first time in years. They bought a very good vac 40 years ago and I believe it is still better than its recent competition.
I appreciate all your help. Maybe after I finish the DS 50 I can give some much-needed attention to my Electrolux Super J which is making some bad noises on startup and shutdown.
Thanks a bunch,
Dave
