Kirby Sanitronic Renovator Question

[kirbymiele84]

Hi All,

I have a Kirby Sanitronic probably 1963 before the dual came out. I was at the goodwill and found a rug renovator for a later model, but because of that safety switch, when fitted to my Sanitronic, it does not work. Is it pretty hopeless to use this feature on an older Sanitronic? I just figured it would be cool to try. Thanks!

 

[bnsd60m9200]

the rug renovator was not introduced until the dual sanitronic 50 in 1965. no model older than this will be able to use a reno. the accessories for it simply did not exist.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Ryan,

Like Will says, the Rug Renovator will not work on machines older than the Dual Sanitronic 50 as that was the first machine to feature that.

Why won't it work on Sanitronic VII and models going back to the 516? Just look at the speed switches on both the D50 and your 562/SVII - they're not the same; the Renovator casting's attaching lug won't jibe with the old single-speed switch, nor will the hose or power polisher designed for the D50. Same thing applies to the Classic Omega and later Kirbys: their arm-type speed switches will not accept motor-mounted accessories for the D50/D80/Classic.

To make your pre-1965 Sanitronic work with the Renovator - you'll have to go the extra mile and convert the motor internals and fan case to the D50/D80 style, which may not be economical for you. So, just buy a D50 and you'll have the right Kirby to go with the Rug Renovator.

~Ben

 

[kirbymiele84]

Hi Will and Ben,

That's as I suspected. I'll have to look to pickup a Dual Sanitronic. There is a complete one on craigslist for $100. I'm offering $75, as it needs a good buffing, but even for a complete model with all accessories, I don't think 100 is even that bad. Thanks!

 

[vacman1961]

You can make a Dual 50 Renovator work on a Sanitronic 7 or older single speed machine, simply by drilling a hole in the center of the Rug Renovator head and screw a screw in there so it comes in contact with the safety switch. This was done to my parents 518  KIrby when the Rug Renovator came out in 1965, I remember them having a Rug renovator on their Kirby and in later years I discovered that a screw was drilled into the back of the head, its not original, but it worked.

 

[Elektrolux]

Kirb Sanitronic 562 + Rug Renovator

I've heard of the screw method being done as well. I seen it done on other models such as a 13" classic head on a Heritage to look like the one offered and jibe the safety switch.

I did some test with various heads without drilling or cutting into the head. I cut lugs of aluminum to glue in place. Modding a D50 to 562 or vise versa is easily done this way. You only need to glue the lug on the correct side to line up. I used JB Weld 2 part mix. It last. In fact, so good, when you wanna remove it you almost need to cut it out and file back down if wanting the original look back.

The photo below shows a wooed peg in place where you would glue the metal lug. Sample here is a Rug-Renovator brush head of a D50 fitted to run on a 562. note the alignment to center. If t was reverse, you simply move the lug to the other side, from center to left, as viewed from front over to top.

 

[Elektrolux]

Kirby Rug-Renovator Mod.

I wanted to add, this modification can be used back & forth between the "2" versions up until where they changed the fan front casing. Somewhere in the 1st Classics era. The center area where this new lug needs to fit in between the "2" safety switches is raised so it will no longer fit this model anymore. I'm speaking of the last runs of the "2" switch models in the 70's

I didn't see any reason to add this casting material in-between the switches. My guess is Kirby wanted us to buy new attachments since the D50/D80 accessories. maybe some one from the good 'ol days can shed light on this.