Kirby 511 - Factory Rebuilt in April 1967

[ray511]

I have a factory rebuilt Kirby 511 from April 1967.

The silk screen markings on the tan corduroy bag are very strong & complete. A tiny hole on the bag top and slight staining near the emptor.

The cord with Kirby logo on the plug is a dark grey and has the circular female end. No rips or tears.

Gray wheels, red handle grip, metal fan. My question is whether to part it out or sell it as a whole machine on Ebay.

Will post some photos soon.

 

[danielsand]

Pics would be nice. Depending on condition, you might be able to get more for it in parts. I guess the question is,....how much do you value it? There are few vintage machines on Ebay for some ridiculous money, and they are not selling (as I'm sure you are aware of!). Market is limited, and the general public has very little interest in these cool looking, retro, fully functional machines.

Another option is to fully restore it (buffed out to brilliance!), and consign it with an antique store. It'll take a while to collect the cash, but it will sell.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

I too would love to see pictures of your 511.

~Ben

 

[ray511]

The 511 will be on Ebay at 9a PST with a low reserve. Attached is a few photos of many that will be on the listing.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Ray,

The nozzle on your machine appears not to be original despite the fact it does fit the safety switch type, since the rug plate extends the entire width of the nozzle casting.

Up to the 512, the rug plate only runs in the middle, and the brush roll also was open-ended. The 513 was the first Kirby in which the rug plate runs the whole width of the nozzle.

~Ben

 

[electrolux137]

~
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That's also a replacement bag, rather faded; and the lettering looks odd, as if someone hand-painted over the logo. (Reminds me of the bag log paint jobs that David Watters did a few years ago.)

 

[ray511]

Regarding the nozzle- it's entirely possible the factory was randomly using 513 nozzles on 511 rebuilds done in 1967. This machine came from a non-collector and I really doubt it they would have had the graphics hand painted. If it does not sell as a whole machine I will just part it out.

 

[tolivac]

Kirby 511-the vacuum my Dad and Mom bought the same year I was born from the DTD salesman doing the "Van Campaingn" and knocking doors.They bought the machine.My Mom told me about it.Currently looking for one of these machines.My Mom told me a story of how my Dad used the vacuum to spray varnish on some wall panels in a remodled basement.The machine was covered in the stuff.Mom got furious at him.So Dad took the machine right to Kirby-they lived near the main site of Kirby in Ohio.While he waited-they gave the machine a rebuild.Good as new.On the way back to the house Dad then stopped at Sears and bought an air compressor to spray with.Everyone now happy!