Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 (DS50) - Should I rebuild it?

[matty]

I was visiting my grandparents this past week, and grandma asked me to get something from the attic. I saw her old Kirby sitting in a corner, which as far back as I can remember has always been there (27 years). I asked her if I could have it since she doesn't use it anymore and of course as grandma's always do... she said "yes, the box behind it has all of the attachments." (Ain't it amazing that at 88 she knows where everything is!?!)

So I brought it home, plugged it in and it works like a CHAMP. I brought it to my local vacuum shop for him to look it over, and the motor is in great shape he said, it needs some bearing and a new roller but that was it.

I've kind of become intrigued with this machine... I've always thought Kirby vacs were cool and now that I had one wanted to know everything about it. So I've read every thread on this forum about the DS50 but still have a few questions which I hope of you can answer for me.

I called Kirby and they said that if grandma sends it in it will qualify for an original owner rubild and only cost me $27.50. This seems like a logical choice since it's Kirby that will actually be doing the rebuild, and I really ant it polished.

My concerns are that they will frainkenstein the poor machine and it will look horrible. The woman I spoke to in the rebuild department said they would replace the accessories most liley with black ones -which I'm cool with. I'm mostly concerned about the actual unit itself. On Kirby's site the only bag that they sell for this is tan, I'm not sure I like how that will look, especially if they put a black handle/wheels/ rubber guards etc on it.

Can anyone share their experience with sending their Kirby in for repair? I know if I leave the bag off they'll just charge me for a new one, and I actually really like the original look. I'd even be willing to buy OEM parts for it to keep it looking original. Does Kirby still have the original colors in stock? I saw online a black corduroy bag, if they replaced all the brown parts with black I'd be ok with that too... but would the emptor still be brown?

I'm thinking of asking the person at Kirby to leave all the trim and bag alone, and just rebuild the innards. If anyone can share if this is wise or not let me know.

Finally, I read someone on here who sent in an older vac like mine and the moror was replaced with something newer like a Heritage motor. Is there any differences in motors that Kirby uses, and should I want one over another?

The vacuum shop said to restore it with only what needs to actually be done (roller brush, the belt, cord and bearings) would cost me $92. I know it's more money, but at least it's local so I can keep an eye on what's being done.

Thank you for any input on what to do, I greatly appreciate it and look forward to becoming an active member here on vacuum land!

~Matty

 

[marks_here]

Keep it local... If you send it to kirby, no telling what colours you'll come out with. Keep it all original. Get the bearings done & find the cord on ebay & compare prices for the brushroll there & on ebay too.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

except for bumper trim, EVERYTHING will be replaced with BLACK. bag, cord, emtor tray etc. they also DO NOT replace attachemnts for machines that old. they dont make them anymore. ive also heard stories of people asking for original parts back, and not getting them back. best to learn to polish the aluminum yourself, take your time, and know it will keep its 100 original look which is has, sans a replacement plug on the male end of the cord.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

I wouldn't send it to kirby at this point. you will get a frankenkirby returned to you and it may come back damaged.. the one I have was not sent back in great condition - in polishing it, Kirby destroyed the red Kirby logo insert in the headlamp cover and the surface polish was not great. I 'might' send in a G series, but not anything older than that without removing anything I wanted to save first and I would never let them get their hands on a D50 that is as perfectly original as yours is... it just needs a polish and a new cord and you can find them in tan... Kirby will replace everything with black and it will not be the collectible it is in it's current state.

 

[matty]

Thank You

Thanks Guys, I really appreciatee your quick replies! I was looking online last night and found almost all of the tan parts that I need to make this looking brand new!

How would you suggest to polish the actual unit itself?

I was able to find a new handle, the rubber trim pieces, lower emtor ALL IN TAN!

I'm having a hard time finding a tan cord.

I found wheels online ($40 for a set), I was thinking of just cleaning really well the ones that I have... thoughts?

 

[electrolux137]

~
~

The more parts you can keep original, the more sentimental value -- and, ultimately, collectible value -- it will have.

You have a rare thing here: A vintage appliance with provenance. I'd suggest you get your grandmother to sit down and write out a little something about it (in long-hand if she can) -- where she got it, when, etc., whatever she can remember about it. This kind of documentation will greatly enhance its nostalgic value -- and, again, ultimately, collectible value.

Curiously, the cord is from an older model, one of the later 500-series machines. I wonder if she had an older Kirby before she got this one. You really shouldn't have too difficult a time in getting a matching tan cord for it.

I will say that $92.00 just for a roller brush, belt, cord and bearings seems pretty steep. You might find out what the guy will charge just for the bearings (most likely only the front bearing will need attention), and get the other stuff elsewhere, e.g., eBay.

Good luck with it; it's one of my favorite "later" Kirbys!

 

[suckolux]

Prob my favorite model, just a nice machine, love the tan

 

[rugsucker]

Matty in NJ--

--if you are near Trenton area you might call Ben in NJ(whose grandmother also had Kirby)as he just had a NICE older Kirby on EBay that he serviced and polished.609-424-2366-leave message or text.
Good advice above to not to rebuild at Kirby.It would work like new, as it may now with simple service, but would no longer look original or vintage.
Happy Vacuuming,Jimmy(who also still has a Grandmother vac-Royal tank)

 

[matty]

Handle

Oh I completely forgot to ask about the handle. It doesn't stay up. It doesn't lock when in the upright position. Is this they way they are, or is there a way to remedy it?

 

[fairfax88]

Matty.....

Please call me about your Kirby,I will give you some really good news!!
~David 407-583-9514.

 

[a007kirbyman]

Matty & Kirby parts...

Hello Matty.

If you haven't already acquired the Kirby parts you want elsewhere, shoot me an email & I will provide you all of my contact info.

The prices you've mentioned above seem high. If you have, keep me in mind next time as a source for your Genuine Kirby wants & needs. I'm sure I will be able to save you substantially.




EXAMPLE:

~~~~~> Tan (Genuine Kirby) wheel(s) = $4.20 ± each vs. "... ($40 for a set)..."

(I'm not at the office @ the moment.)




When I may be of assistance with your Kirby wants & needs, let me know.

I appreciate being to be able to help save you guys & gals on your Kirby items; for both restorations & everyday consumables usage.


Cheers & hagwknd all,

Bill

0178

 

[matty]

THANK YOU

To everyone-

I'm really very pleased with this forum. Everyone has been so helpful to a new Kirby guy, and assisting me to keep my grandmother's vacuum as original and beautiful as it can! Thank you for welcoming me into your circle.

Being in New Jersey there

~Matty

 

[matty]

UPDATE

Got my DS50 back earlier, click the link below to see how it turned out!

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?26348_0