Kirby model C help

[rivstg1]

I’m considering trading work for this model C....I’m advised it must be a transition model between the ‘sanitation model’ and the mode C w/headlight. Can any of you experts here help me with info....is it challenging to find the missing center cap and rug plate ( missing)? Also, I know it’s rare, but is it that valuable in this condition? Would it better to restore it? No gouges in the metal amazingly , fan not chipped in any way, spins nicely, cord looks to be replaced, wheels look great too. Bag isn’t original, is someone making replacements?

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Parts
I don't know what I'm saying is factual it's based on what I have seen.
The cap is rare I have one from my 505. I know of a person who has some but Ill not divulge more for personal reason. If you find a 508 belt lifter is identical to 505 and model c caps. The red is black on 508 the grey is red and it can be painted. If you found a 508 you could drill out rivets holding belt lifter on. Take lifter off reassemble is as close as it gets. I Know original but rare and people who have aren't selling.
Inside where brush roll goes the 2 screws on model c we're same siz. The 505 to 512 nozzle should be same if not very close.
The handle was wooden and those exist but I don't know where. If anyone has them it would be a fellow members.
Your emtor is original as it's narrower than 505 with metal emtor tray instead of black plastic on 505.
You can paint trim to match original. I believe it has same 3 amp motor coil and power switch as 505 to 512.
The wheels are original but the screws don't look right as I believe they had washers built into screws for wheels.
That's what I believe to be true but I could be wron. I have done a good amount of research and this is my best guess.
Les

 

[odavid123]

What you have there is an extremely rare model C as it wasn’t even designated a model C . The serial number suggests it was manufactured in 1934 having only 4 numbers .good find ! The belt cover for this model would be a gold cap cover but I suspect this one didn’t even have that but rather just a plain metal cover .
If you’re interested in selling it let me know

 

[vacmadman]

Interesting

Kelton,

I noticed the two notches on the nozzle of yours one at 1 o'clock and the other at 5 o'clock. My model C with the light doesn't have any notches for the first black belt cap? Picture 4 shows another model C with the notch at 12 o'clock and I believe it also has a notch at 6 o'clock what's the difference and how many combinations were there? Mine came with the first brass Kirby belt cap which doesn't require any notches to be put or held in place. Could the nozzle on yours come from a later model C??

Jim[this post was last edited: 7/5/2023-13:49]

 

[odavid123]

I think these notches were made by a repair center or shop in the 1950s to accommodate a belt lifter . I’ve see it on other C models I actually have a 3c that it had been done to.

 

[vacmadman]

David

If that's the case, then sadly it has been altered, having said that it appears to have been done at the factory. It's hard to tell without getting a closer look at it. I'm sure there would be some kind of tool marks on it if it had been done by a vacuum shop. The notches are in the right place for the 505 belt lifter so with that in mind you could be right. Interesting indeed.

Side note: I believe the Kirby 1C through the 4C with the first black belt cap all had notches at 12 and 6 o'clock

Jim[this post was last edited: 7/5/2023-15:26]

 

[odavid123]

Here is the 3c I was talking about . It was very common to do on old machines after the belt lifter was introduced . Regardless I’m going to check my C models I have around 5 different ones to see if any had marks. But this C he has here is definitely a rare find bc of how early it was made

 

[vacmadman]

David your right!

There is no doubt this was altered these early Kirby nozzles did not come this way originally. For such a rare find it's too bad that it got updated to use the belt lifter. Nice find Kelton!

Jim

 

[odavid123]

Jim

Amazing polish job !

 

[odavid123]

Here are the 2 pictures of early and later model c . The later model C like Jim said have the 12 and 6 notches, the early model c none . Yours on the other hand was most likely done by a repair shop .

 

[rivstg1]

good discussion here, thanks odavid123....I bet you may be correct on it being altered....I was amazed at the serial number as well....its the oldest I"ve seen so far. I'll let ya'll know on selling it

 

[odavid123]

Email address

Hi Jim the email address isn’t posted on your profile I just checked

 

[lesinutah]

The

Early model c had the gold belt cap that slid over it similar to commercial royals. The belt black belt cap.on later 1c had the notches. If that's what your referring too.

 

[vacmadman]

it is now

David,

I fixed my profile to show my email address, but I'm glad you found the trim you needed.

Jim