Kirby Model 1C

[vacumaniac]

Well, the opportunity is here to buy this. We of course all know the cord is not original, but the unit allegedly runs and the bag supposedly has no rips/tears. It looks like to logo is pretty intact to.

The question is: How much should one pay for this???

 

[vacconnection]

Kirby 1C

It is nice to find a kirby 1C, but I would ask questions.


When I look at the kirby I can see some rust and it looks like it has been sitting for some time.


It is a good chance you will need motor bearings and a good going over. 


You will need a cord, and maybe a roller brush.


 


As far as the price it depends on how much you know on repairing a kirby.


 


Duane

 

[vacumaniac]

I can rebuild the vac, that is no problem. What I would like to know is an average on what one should pay for this one, as is

 

[bnsd60m9200]

in that terrrible of cosmetic shape, no more than $20

will Hemb

 

[vacconnection]

I am in the vacuum cleaner business and have worked on a lot of Kirbys . 


If you need this for your collection it is worth more. As for me and I made an offer, I 


would offer about $ 20.00 or $25.00 if the motor is running and you have parts.


 


Duane

 

[vacumaniac]

I offered $10 and was shot down. She said she would let it go for $50. I was thinking in the $20-25 range so I am glad you gentlemen confirm that thought

 

[eurekastar]

I personally would pay $50 for it because I've seen bags alone in marginal shape go for $300 on Ebay.  The 1C has a different motor from later Kirby models, so servicing it will be more of a challenge.  But I know you can do it, Derek.  You always do great work!

 

[brandon_w_t]

I agree. For $50, the bag is worth it alone. The machine itself... well I have seen worse restored. It will take lots of agonizing buffing and cleaning, but I think it could be quite rewarding.

Why not.... in the end if the machine isn't salvageable, the bag is worth, like Bill stated, several hundred alone.

 

[vacumaniac]

Good point Bill & Brandon. Of course if I do buy it I will wash the bag first (I AM KIDDING )

 

[brandon_w_t]

Whew! I bout had a heart attack! Be careful of your choice of words around here! We don't want anyone to lose their head! Hehe!

 

[vac-o-matic]

I bought one of those a couple of years ago, it had sat in a storage unit that had little to no seal and experienced a lot of corrosion similar to the one above. I took it to my guy who does my buffing and it turned out great! I did have to order one of the new black cords for it, and I think he might've replace a bearing, but it shows beautifully now, and also has the original bag. I'd say go for it, it will be the pinnacle of your Kirby collection.

 

[vacumaniac]

Well, I have it. Suprisingly the bearings sounded decent. Bag is not ripped and is in decent shape for the age. Will post more pictures soon!

 

[vacumaniac]

Does anyone know if this brushroll will fit this C? The ad says 505-512. If not, what brush would?

Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirby-Vacuu...189?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1b75f305

 

[eurekastar]

Derek, I don't know about the brush roll, but YEAH!!!!!  Can't wait to see it all fixed up.

 

[eurekastar]

The Brush Roll

Derek, you might message the seller.  I've dealt with him before.  He's very helpful and very knowledgeable too. 

 

[vacumaniac]

Here are a few photos.... first... the areas that were rusted. Fortunately it is on the metal hardware and not the motor casing itself.

 

[vacumaniac]

The metal on this is not bad, it appears to be mostly mineral deposits, no gouges at all. With a lot of work, it should clean up quite nice!

 

[vacumaniac]

Bag in nice shape overall too. Of the reverese....

 

[vacumaniac]

My cat Zack of course had to check it out too!

 

[vacumaniac]

A bright spot amongst the ruin...

 

[kc_kirby]

Derek, I have a Kirby 1C and I am pretty sure that brushroll will work. It has open ends just like the 505 does. I believe the original brushroll was made of metal, the one in the auction looks like its made out of wood. So if you need a brushroll, that one should work. I am not sure why Kirby always starts the model range at 505 in their parts catalogs when the 505 was not that much different than the C models and lots of their parts will interchange. To look at some parts catalogs for Kirby's you would think the first Kirby was the 505 but we all know it wasn't the first. Congrats on your Kirby, you should be proud that you found such a rare model with the original bag. Good luck on the restoration!

Chad

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi

Hi Derek, Great find. You made me laugh when you was thinking £50 was on the expensive side when you know if it went on ebay it would go for a few $100 lol.
I'm sure it will look great after it's all been cleaned and polished.
Make sure you take pictures once it's all polished.Your very lucky it still has the rubber hanger cover on it as they are normally missing. I'm also sure off the top of my head the brush roller for the 505-512 will fit the C series. Same for the brush roll adjustment screws if they need replacing.

Great Kirby!

James)

 

[brandon_w_t]

Derek! Trust me, I have seen far worse restored to like new condition!


Congrats on a great find! I am sure you can make something out of it!