Kirby 561 restoration progress (Advise needed)

[stunnerable]

Well here it is! I finally purchased a 561 to restore. The bag I purchased separately a month ago from eBay for $20. I bought this Kirby along with 5 others for $50. Most are in pretty shabby condition but a few have some potential. Let me know if anyone has interest. Models: 508, 519, Dual Santronic 80, Santronic VII and Heritage. The Heritage and Dual 80 are in pretty good shape actually.
Obviously, I have some work in front of me. Needs gray wheels, red on/off switch, older style red hand grip and a complete disassemble/cleaning and polishing/reassemble. It has the original metal fan and it's in really good shape.
To all you experts out there, what else should I look for? Any advise would be fantastic. I want to focus most on the motor to make sure it's up to par. It runs well but I read somewhere I need to replace the brushes. Here are some pics.

 

[stunnerable]

Another

 

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Another

 

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Another

 

[stunnerable]

Last one.

 

[gsohoover]

So are you planning to sell the others?

 

[stunnerable]

Yes I am.

 

[normvac]

I want the Dual 80 !

I would be interested in the Kirby D80 !!
Please contact me directly. So we can
talk price and shipping, OK! Thanks
Norm Brown
[email protected]

 

[gsohoover]

How much do you want for the 519?

 

[ohio_tuec]

Does the 508 have the original bag? If so, I would definitely have an interest.

Karl

 

[stunnerable]

No the 508 is done entirely in the beige. It's in pretty good condition other than that.. no deep scuffs. Could be polished to a gloss.

 

[electrolux~137]

Well, you have the original bag and cord -- two of the hardest things to find!! The bag looks to be in fabulous condition.

When I cleared out my garages I threw out a whole box of gray Kirby wheels. There were probably 50 of them. They were made in three different styles btw. The first ones were smooth on the sides and looked very much like the older vulcanized rubber wheels. The next ones had faint ribbed lines about 1/4" apart on the sides, and the last ones, which were the same style used until the Classic, had deeper ribbed lines that were spaced very closely together.

As for the handle, I'd just look for a complete original handlegrip. Should not be too hard to find.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Kirby

Hi Joe Nice looking Kirby I love those 500 series. I would say if your Kirby works well and the motor sound good leave it alone no need to change brushes. Take care Doug

 

[stunnerable]

Thanks guys! I found the handle. YEY! Also, I took the wheels off an old Kirby that died.. (I try to save them all but this one was done) it was a 519. It had the gray wheels with the faint groovs. I'll have to update my pictures.

 

[kenmore81]

Nice...Yes mor pics pleeese