Not sure if this is a Kirby~no serial number?
- Thread starter ROSIELEE
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Yasmin,
Yes, this is a Kirby. The serial number plate on yours had since fallen off -- that's why you couldn't find anything about this machine.
What I do know is that this Kirby is a rebuilt unit with bojack parts, so therefore it is a mystery as to what this cleaner model/age may be.
One clue lies in the safety switch, mounted below the air intake opening on the fan case (revealed when nozzle is removed): if it has one button, it will be anything between a model 516 and Sanitronic VII (1956 to 1965). But if it has two buttons it will be either a Dual Sanitronic 50 or 80 (1965 to 1970).
Attached is a picture of my 1969 D80 for a comparison.
~Ben
Yes, this is a Kirby. The serial number plate on yours had since fallen off -- that's why you couldn't find anything about this machine.
What I do know is that this Kirby is a rebuilt unit with bojack parts, so therefore it is a mystery as to what this cleaner model/age may be.
One clue lies in the safety switch, mounted below the air intake opening on the fan case (revealed when nozzle is removed): if it has one button, it will be anything between a model 516 and Sanitronic VII (1956 to 1965). But if it has two buttons it will be either a Dual Sanitronic 50 or 80 (1965 to 1970).
Attached is a picture of my 1969 D80 for a comparison.
~Ben
sptyks
Well-known member
Yasmin, you have what we call a "Frankenkirby". A Kirby vacuum that is made up of parts from several different Kirby models. As Ben pointed out the motor unit is anywhere from a 516 to a DS80 depending on what type of safety switch is on the front of the motor unit but behind the floor nozzle. The handle is from a Kirby Tradition and the bag is totally Bojack since it is missing the Emptor and is connected directly to the motor exhaust.
Thank you! I find this fascinating..I must confess I am a little obsessed..with my "Frankenkirby" I love that title. It Does have a dual safety switch. So is it a Sanitronic? How did it look new? I like fixing things...can I give it some TLC and make it whole Kirby again?
oldkirbyman
Active member
Not Sure
Start over. Much cheeper and easyer.
Start over. Much cheeper and easyer.
Yasmin,
It looks like you have either a Dual Sanitronic 50 or 80 because the safety switch I see has two buttons. I'd probably think it is the latter (like my '69) because of the handle assembly - whenever a Kirby is "bojacked" or "retrimmed" to match the model then on sale (i.e. Classic III, Tradition) most of the pre-D80 models retain their original handle assemblies.
~Ben
It looks like you have either a Dual Sanitronic 50 or 80 because the safety switch I see has two buttons. I'd probably think it is the latter (like my '69) because of the handle assembly - whenever a Kirby is "bojacked" or "retrimmed" to match the model then on sale (i.e. Classic III, Tradition) most of the pre-D80 models retain their original handle assemblies.
~Ben
sptyks
Well-known member
Yasmin, what you have there is the Dual Sanitronic 50 motor unit sometimes also referred to as the power plant as it can accommodate several different attachments. I can tell this is a DS50 because of the color of the wheels. Here is a few pictures of my fully restored DS50.
sptyks
Well-known member
On second thought I noticed your headlight lid does not have the lighted Kirby logo like mine in the 3rd picture. The DS50 has the tan Sirocco trim and is the only Kirby ever made with the lighted Kirby logo on the headlight cap and was made 1965 - 1967. So This means that Ben is most likely correct and you have a DS80 from 1968 or 1969 which has the Avocado green trim.
You can shine up your Kirby with Mother's Aluminum polish available at most automotive stores and Walmart. If you want to make it all original, most of the parts are available on ebay at the Kirby Needs Store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirby-Needs/_i.html?_nkw=D80&submit=Search&_sid=1037610958
You can shine up your Kirby with Mother's Aluminum polish available at most automotive stores and Walmart. If you want to make it all original, most of the parts are available on ebay at the Kirby Needs Store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirby-Needs/_i.html?_nkw=D80&submit=Search&_sid=1037610958
I found this photo of a ds80...is this how it may have looked when is started its life in the 1960's....? How much would it have cost new? And then it was "bojack" to resale it...probably took off the serial number and tried to make it look like the classic or traditional which was newer version 10 years later to get more money for it used? I am just trying to understand? and why someone would take it apart like that. I am so intrigued.
sptyks
Well-known member
That is a D80 but it does'not look new
If it were new it would shine with a mirror finish. I think it would cost around $800 new in 1968. A brand new Kirby today is around $1500.
If it were new it would shine with a mirror finish. I think it would cost around $800 new in 1968. A brand new Kirby today is around $1500.
human
Well-known member
Custom Kirby?
That metal will definitely polish up nicely. You can start with some Bar Keeper's Friend on a damp (but not sopping wet) sponge to remove the oxidation, then polish it with Mother's. When you're done, give it a coat of car wax to retard further oxidation. You'll be surprised at what a difference it will make. I just did this to my G5 and it looks like a whole different machine.
It's a shame the vacuum isn't more original; It kind of reminds me of that old joke about the family axe that's been in the family for 150 years and it's only had four new handles and two new heads. But it does give you an interesting opportunity, if you want to take it, to create a customized Kirby that's uniquely yours. Of course, the flip side of the coin is you could find another Dual Sanitronic that needs some work and use this one as a parts donor. Whatever you decide, keep us updated. We'll be interested to see what you come up with.
That metal will definitely polish up nicely. You can start with some Bar Keeper's Friend on a damp (but not sopping wet) sponge to remove the oxidation, then polish it with Mother's. When you're done, give it a coat of car wax to retard further oxidation. You'll be surprised at what a difference it will make. I just did this to my G5 and it looks like a whole different machine.
It's a shame the vacuum isn't more original; It kind of reminds me of that old joke about the family axe that's been in the family for 150 years and it's only had four new handles and two new heads. But it does give you an interesting opportunity, if you want to take it, to create a customized Kirby that's uniquely yours. Of course, the flip side of the coin is you could find another Dual Sanitronic that needs some work and use this one as a parts donor. Whatever you decide, keep us updated. We'll be interested to see what you come up with.
bikerray
Well-known member
I would say it's a D50 because
1. the D50 didn't have the metal post between the buttons on the safety switch where as the D80 had a metal post between the buttons.
2. NOT ALL D50s had the oval Kirby lens in the headlight shell.
1. the D50 didn't have the metal post between the buttons on the safety switch where as the D80 had a metal post between the buttons.
2. NOT ALL D50s had the oval Kirby lens in the headlight shell.
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