The Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50

[sonnyndad]

Some say this model was manufactured in 1964 to commemorate Kirby's 50th year, hence the "50". Others say that this model was manufactured in 1965 and that the "50" has no meaning. If an older, more knowledgable Kirby Afficianado could clear this up, that would be very good. I need to know if I should get a D50 or Sanitronic VII to take to Cleveland!

 

[briankirbyclass]

As far as i know, the "50" really has no meaning, BUT the DUAL does.
It was called the DUAL Sanitronic 50 because it was the first Kirby to have a 2 speed motor. Low for regular use, and High for hose suction.
If you notice the Speed Selector Switch, located underneath the Air Intake, and behind the Attaching Bar are 2 little push down type switches. One switch is for low, the other, high speed. All the regular floor attachments will depress the low speed switch,,the hose depresses the high speed switch when attached. The fan will not turn, when neither switch is pushed, and nothing is attached to the front of the Kirby, but the headlight will light. (if the bulb is working)

The Dual Sanitronic 50 is also the first time we are introduced to the Kirby Carpet Shampoo System, in those days called the Rug Renovator.
The DS50 is also the one and only Kirby to have a lighted KIRBY logo lense in the TOP of the Headlight Hood.
This is a sure way you can always tell a DS50 from every other 500 series type machine. (as none of the others have it)

My Grandma bought a DS50 in 1965,,it had a bronze tone to the "Sorocco" tan color that Kirby called it. I dont have the machine anymore but i did save the cord,,and it is a sparkly golden tan color that matched the machine.

 

[briankirbyclass]

Also, the Dual Sanitronic 50, DS 80, and Classic 1CR all have this same 2 sided Safety Switch.

 

[sonnyndad]

Well, that's nothing I didn't already know. I want to know the meaning of the "50", and just exactly what Kirby was made in 1964

 

[electrolux137]

The Sanitronic VII was made from 1963-64.

The Dual Sanitronic 50 was made from 1965-67.

The Dual Sanitronic 80 was made from 1967-70.

None of the numbers in these models -- VII, 50 & 80 -- have any bearing on the year of manufacture.

If you haven't seen it, here's a fun page about the D50 on my web site:

http://www.1377731.com/kirbyd50

 

[sonnyndad]

It's an honor

To have Charles Lester comment on one of my posts! Of course I read the D50 story, your website is what got me collecting vacuums in the first place! I was so fascinated by the rich history of vacuums, there was no going back to my "pre vacuum life". (I hope to finally meet you in Cleveland?)

 

[ncovert]

Actually, the D80 was only produced till late 1969, because the Classic was introduced on January 1, 1970.

 

[compactelectra]

My Dual 50

All the pre-Generation series are my favorites - each one for a different reason.  This thread caused me to bring up my Dual 50 to try out on the new berber carpet.  Here is my Dual 50 - sent back to the factory for a make over.  The made it just like new.  A favorite for a couple of reasons.  First dual speed Kirby, first rug renovator and best of all the only Kirby with a lighted Kirby logo.

 

[compactelectra]

This Was Sent Back

To Cleveland when they could guarantee the original colors.  Bag is a replacement, but close enough.  New hose in the original color and all trim is new and in Sirocco or a close equivalent.

 

[compactelectra]

Had An

Original set of tools and caddy.  Also have the handi-butler, rug renovator and floor polisher.

 

[compactelectra]

All Lit Up

Runs on the berber like a charm.  I like the small head Kirbys as well as the post D80 big head Kirbys for large area carpet cleaning.

 

[compactelectra]

Close Up

Of the logo.  Beautiful.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Fred,

The factory rebuild tag says "S7" for Sanitronic VII. How could they have gotten the model all wrong, when this is a D50?

~Ben

 

[compactelectra]

Ben

Either they ran out of the right labels or the rebuild tech made a mistake.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Fred,

It's probably a simple misprint.

~Ben

 

[Elektrolux]

@ Electrolux137, I read your story & can really relate. I liked your clear memory & attention to detail. I can recall a lot of detail drop some old Kirby experiences. The Dual Sanitronic 50 Is At R He Forefront. I have 1 again after all this time. Turns out 1 was sitting in our family basement.
My 1st Kirby buzz was the original 1962 562 Sanitronic I was given as As a kid for my own room. It was in clean stored conditions in its original box so it felt like new to me . I had already Electrolux as that's what my family always had so this was all new & stylish to me. I wanted to know more about them. I soon picked up the 1st 1 at flea market I got it for cheap but nearly complete. A Sanitronic VII. So I directed it &learned my way around inside so quickly tore down clean & rebuilt my 562 including polishing. It had all the attachments & lifter stockers on it as well.
So yrs later after the family & friends associated me with old vacuum cleaner stuff my dad tells me grandma left an old 2 just like that in the attic but moved it to the garage. I excitedly rushed to go look but after looking realize it was slightly different but cool. That oval "Kirby" logo got my attention. It was dull nut clean . She did use it bit prefer her Electrolux instead. So it was ours. & my mom wanted modern so never got used since. By now I was familiar w/ old Kirby mechanical stuff & already working on the then new generation series. But I always remember my Dual Sanitronic 50.

 

[Elektrolux]

1965 Dual Sanitronic 50 . . .

I can truly relate to that distinctive eye catching lighted logo. I would later learn of its iconic status in the realm of vintage vacuum cleaners.tje motor brings back memories using it today. My recent dog who passed never cared forfor louder sounds compared to our Electrolux but our current dog only knows Kirby & the D50 in particular so when she hears it power up she stands & wants to fallow us around the room or sit & stare.

 

[Elektrolux]

Dual Sanitronic 50 (DS50)

As I said I always had 2, now 3. So I have 1 almost exclusively in the portable mode with carrying strap. I found this 1 of the most comfortable carry around for dusting.

 

[Elektrolux]

Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 + Handi-Butler Mark IV

My 1965 Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 (D50) & Handi-Butler Mark IV kit display. Shown with salesmen Kirby Dirt-Meter in portable handle mode with carrying strap.

The Handi-Butler has to be my most favorite and used Kirby attachment of all the Kirby stuff. I actually do use it. these clean samples are my displays but I have a few for general use. One of my regulars is a Mark III on 518