New to forum! New old finds - Kirby 512 Advice Please!

[wmd]

I was recently cleaning out a home and found a Kirby 512 that seemed in great condition (seems to be all original on the unit - bag and all). Took it home, put a new belt on, tested it thoroughly and found it works very well. There was a plate that said it was overhauled by an 'authorized' party in 2004

I am used to the newer model Kirby's as former junior distributor, so I am a big fan of Kirby trivia and knowhow (of which I have very little on the earlier models apparently)

I do find that this model is not as strong as the newer models for suction power that I can remember - my interest is more in performance than collector items (although antiques that are better than modern tools is my true hobby - which is why I am choosing this as my daily driver)

My main questions for my new 512 are regarding maintenance:

1.) At what points will I be losing suction? The main head has no gasket to the housing (normal I believe), there is a gasket between the bag device and the main housing (I managed to find one in good condition on the blower attachment which solved some leaking issue with dust evidence), and the emptor plate has the felt gasket which I have not replaced. I ran it extensively and found no dust evidence once I used the aforementioned gasket, so i think I'm good at peak performance!

2.) Where is the best place to get replacement parts? (i.e. gaskets, switches, electrical components etc)

And as a kicker, I did find a handheld old Montgomery Ward that I would like to find parts for (with unsuccessful search of) as it is need of some maintenance and has some strange issues

I get exited to talk about Kirby's as they are fantastic machines, and I spent several years of my live living the Kirby adventure on the road, slanging chrome, and training 'demo specialists' - thank you for having this site!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

wmd

Will,

That Montgomery Ward handheld you have was made by Royal... it is similar to their 501.

~Ben

 

[wmd]

Thanks for the info on the handheld! Any idea for a good place for parts? Needs a new brush roll and cord!

Can I wash the bag easily? It is very stiff

Thank you!

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

You can get belts, brush roll bags etc on eBay for a royal 501. Cleaning bag you can put it in the washer but the metal ring will wreck some havoc. If you wash it in the sink would be best.
The Kirby check nozzle area for build up on the brush. Use finger check inside fan chamber. Also check the shakeout bag. If you unlatch emtor put vacuum on a newspaper or disposable area. The content of the bag are to be shook out. The vacuum motor is based on a 1930s Kirby motor. It's only 3 amp but with it running good there are few vacuums that can out perform it today. 512 was made in 1952. Model 505 was 1945-1947 and model 508 was made in 1948 etc.
Les

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

wmd

Will,

These are the replacement parts you need for your Wards handheld:
1-157260-001 or 1-232240-001 - belt
2-050221-000 - brush roll

Belts are easy to find; but it is the brush roll that will be harder to find, though. You may be able to find a decent used one from a Dirt Devil hand vacuum of the '80s/'90s (e.g. models 103, 500, 503, 523 and 533).

~Ben[this post was last edited: 12/6/2018-19:52]

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Welcome to the site and congrats on your new old vac!
There is no gasket between the nozzle and the housing. The conical shape on the nozzle is supposed to make a somewhat-seal to the housing as long as the mounts are not worn to make it sloppy when it is fitted. If it is sloppy, then you may need to do some creative repairs. I had to do this to my 505, which is wearing the same color scheme as yours. Mine was prolly rebuilt by a vac shop. None-the-less, below is the link to its complete resto - hope it can help you with yours.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?34158_27

The bag can be washed in a bucket to get the worst of the crud out, then put in the washer (if it is a kind that uses water...)

Check to see if you have a Kirby repair shop in your area - they could be worth a good try as I have a great one near me. Also ebay is a good place. KIRBYFANS is one dealer I would recommend - combine ships and has very fair prices and has new and old parts.
Keep this thread updated with your progress - I enjoy watching these!