New to vintage vacs, have three options, don’t know what to choose!

[y’allqaeda]

Hello all! I’m very glad to have found this place!
I’m the type of guy that has a 30 year old whirlpool washer and dryer set that I repair and keep going because they are simply superior to every modern option. So when the time came for a new vacuum I started looking for vintage options.
I found a local guy who has 3 Kirby’s for sale-a Santronic VII (400603), 519 (431597), and a 561 (472654).
All have seen better days but I will likely rebuild myself or send to Kirby to have rebuilt (I didn’t even know that was an option until I found this place.) each for around $100.
I’m not sure which one to pick? Any input on why one would be better than the other?

 

[hoover300]

Welcome!
Those are all the same machine underneath. It kinda just goes off condition, and which one you like the looks of the most.
The Kirby rebuild program from factory I am fairly certain was recently discontinued for non-original owners, or at least they will only rebuild the 80s models and onward now

 

[keldrin]

Ok. Those are 1950s and early 1960s. I have the dual santronic 50 myself. I like it.
That said, a little bit to consider before jumping into this.
First, they no longer make the original vacuum belt for the kirbys 1970s and earlier. They now list the belt for current vacuums as universal. However, the current belt is a stiffer belt than the original belt, and there have been people who had their belt lifters break using them. There's a relatively recent thread talking about it. You may be able to locate older belts on Ebay still. Not sure.
Second. They no longer make the front bearing plate for the motor. Again, you may find someone here or ebay that has one.
Finally, the suction is not as great on the older kirbys, as the later generation kirbys. The kirbys prior to tradition used shakeout bags. Current disposable bags are hepa filtration. There are some who figure out how to convert a older kirby to
use disposable bags.
I know this sounds negative. I do like my sanitronic 50.
But I love my G7 ultimate diamond

 

[keldrin]

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/241312465
Been watching this for the last 3 weeks. It has been marked down twice. Buy it now for $10. Shipping $34. Plus tax.
Legend 2. I want it myself... but I have a filter queen majestic that I bought over the weekend that I'm waiting on.

Anyways, made 1989 to 1990. Uses disposable bags. Pre tech drive, so it's lighter. Many list the heritage 2 and the legend 2 as favorite pre tech drive vacuums to actually vacuum with

 

[keldrin]

Personal policy. 1 vacuum at a time. The last vacuum needs to be cleaned, polished (if applicable), all repairs completed, and ready for use.
I don't want to be a full addict collector.
You know, that guy at the vacuum repair shop at closing time with 3 vacuums already loaded telling the salesman "just one more vacuum for the road."
Trying to be more of a social collector

 

[kirbylux77]

Can I make a suggestion here? If you're looking at these Kirby's because you prefer uprights, I would also suggest buying a decent straight suction canister to go with it. Most vintage uprights from the 50's to the 90's didn't have a hose or tools on board, and only mediocre suction for using attachments. The Hoover Convertible being a prime example here. You will find it MUCH BETTER and get better cleaning results cleaning furniture and floors just using a separate canister. Something like a nice vintage Compact/TriStar, Filter Queen or Electrolux would go well with a vintage Kirby.

 

[keldrin]

You don't have to add a canister immediately. But certainly a good thing to consider. On that note, if going after a canister that has a power nozzle option, try and get a vacuum that includes it. Buying separately can get expensive.