OK, I'm a convert! New toy ...

[nycwriter]

Just got it from a guy on eBay who did a phenomenal job in restoring it (even including an adapted bag for disposable inserts).

I had forgotten what a REAL machine sounds like!

I had forgotten about those "tracks" left in the rug! 17 years of using a Fantom (and yes, most recently even using my Aerus Platinum Guardian), and NO tracks showing me that the brush roll has properly *groomed* the fibers.

All those complaints about how "heavy" and "bulky" the Kirby is ... the Dual Sanitronic 80, at least, is even more diminutive than my Fantom Thunder. (The model 80, of course, the last model with the smaller brush roll -- in 1969 the brush roll grew to 16 inches, making it not quite as easy to navigate through smaller rooms).

I should have gone Kirby YEARS ago.

 

[kenkart]

Once you see!

How much dirt this pulls behind those new machines, you really will be converted!!

 

[electroluxxxx]

beautiful kirby!!!

That machine is a great powerhouse! Lightweight and easy to maneuver it will last forever!

p.s. Is that a Kenwood setup I see in the background with a pair of vintage advents??

 

[dustin]

I agree the older model Kirbys are far easier to maneuver, I have 3 of the larger models (Classic-1972, Classic III-1976, and Heritage-1983), and find my 517 (1957) far lighter in weight and easier to navigate through small rooms. I think they actually have about the same cleaning power as well, so I tend to prefer the 517. Your D80 is beautiful and I'm sure it works as well as it looks!

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Wow I love

it great choice the year I was born that machine was out .

Who is the eBay seller ? I want to get one .

Dan

 

[kirbyguy]

Very nice find.

I have several D80's in my collection and its one of my favorite models.

I was just surfing eBay a little while ago and there's a seller with several D80 avacado attachemnts & shampooer unit that he's selling as a lot for $15.00 if your interested.

Enjoy your D80

 

[stricklybojack]

Rightious machine...

It's nice not to have to pull out and set up a canister all the time.
If someone here knows, is that a Heritage II bag?
And if so, is this the usual way to adapt an older Kirby to use paper inserts?

 

[nycwriter]

Only one problem ...

The plastic handle wobbles a bit inside the metal arm.

Anyone know how to remedy that problem?

 

[super-sweeper]

Yes!

That is a Heritage II baggie. And yes, this is the easiest and most common form of adapting a Kirby to disposable baggies (Keeping the original for display).

 

[nycwriter]

And Mike ...

... yes it IS a Kenwood setup.

1975 amp, tuner, and tape deck.

1967 Garrard 40 MKII turntable.

1983 Advent speakers.

 

[cb123]

Alas, you've seen the light through the Kirby lens-cap, and about the handle, don't worry about it, they always wiggle a little, or if you really want you can tighten the top screw which holds the cord - that might do the trick. You have a great Kirby there, and the sound system is pretty cool too!

 

[gsheen]

Congratulations on the fantastic purchase

This Style of Kirby's are my Favorite, I have a older model 506, I cannot understand why kirby went so heavy. I am hoping the new one will be back to this shap I may actually buy one if it is.
We all wish company's made vacuums like they did years ago and the one company that can is Kirby. There is nothing stopping them from going back to a streamlined slim design. The technology will remain the same, it always has been the same Just weight has been added and to cope with the weight powerdrive, Remove the weight and you can remove the bulky powerdrive ( Its the no one reason we see Kirby's in our shop)

G

 

[electroluxxxx]

not to be off subject

but...

those systems did have a very unique look to them that set other units apart like YOU KNEW it was kenwood! Some of their units looked just very basic. hope to see more pics of it in the household forum

 

[tolivac]

Now we have another Kirby man!Welcome to the Kirby Family!Wobbly top handle-make sure the screws holding the upper plastic handle are tight to the lower metal section.Very nice Kenwood Hi-Fi system and Kirby D80!Have a few D80's will have to drag them out and use them for awhile.One came from the Filter Queen trade in pile when there was a FQ dealer here-other came from a vac shop that went out of business.I also have a D50-the D80 predecessor.The bag assembly on your machine should allow you to use any of the "G" series bags including the Filtrete ones.Since you live in an apartment house the disposable bags would be a better option than the original dump bag.Use the orig dump bag for display.Remember years ago when I did live in an apartment-High rise-was dumping my Kirby dump bag down the trash chute-and out of the chute heard-from the floor below-"COUGH-COUGH!!!Stop dumping that vacuum bag!!"Listened and finished when the other trash patron was done in his trash room below mine.After that found the disposable bags easier.

 

[jfalberti]

Nice Kirby and stereo system

I have a D-80 I bought from ShopGoodwill.com for $20.00 (plus shipping).  It needs a spa day, and a new front fan casing, but other than that, it is in very good condition.  I was afraid the fan was going to be busted and/or bearings would be shot, but both are in very good shape.  I really lucked out.  Just need to find hose and attachments for it.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Good choice!

The D80 is my favorite Kirby... I love the color, the small nozzle, and the handle grip. Congrats on your beautiful new toy! Did you get any of the bazillion accessories that Kirby's can be fitted with, or at least a set of tools? I upgraded mine to a 4-brush brushroll with a knurled belt.. It's a mean carpet cleaner!

 

[tolivac]

Another thought--when you use your Kirby in your apartment-the person living in the apartment below you will think you are driving a tank across his "roof"!Had a complaint from a person below me--She would say "There must not be a SPECK of dust on your floor at how much you vacuum!"Kirbys really do shake the carpet and flooring!

 

[nycwriter]

LOL ...

... actually it came with a complete set of what appeared to be barely-used attachments in their original box!

 

[tolivac]

Good-thats even better it came with its attachments and unused at that!More Kirby fun!