The Kirby sisters of Springfield

[mattshaver]

Hey everyone, I could not wait to share this with you and I thought today would be best. My maternal grandmother has been known to use Kirby vacuums since the 1960s when they bought a home with wall-to-wall carpet. They are on their third one as the Tech-Drive G6 they have suites them just right - they love how it just glides across the carpet.

Knowing my grandfather, who does not throw anything away, I asked them if they would give me their original Kirby DS50 from 1967. Sure enough, he went out to the shop, pulled it out of a box and gave me attachments and all. Plugged it in and told me he's cared for the vacuum cleaner and it's just to hard for your granny to push. Fair enough, I ran, not walked, and loving put it in the trunk of the car.

I got it home, put it together and took some pictures of Freda (the Sentria) and Gerry the DS50. I've not started restoring it yet as I'm stripping down another DS50 for parts right now. However, my grandparents think they can find the original paperwork to the DS50 and if they can, I may just send it back to them in my grandparent's name for them to restore. (Thoughts on that).

But I had to share these two pictures and how HUGE the Sentria looks next to the DS50. Actually, I was surprised how light the DS50 was compared to the Sentria.

Well here's the pictures you've probably not been waiting for...LOL.

Matt

 

[mattshaver]

Here is pict #2

Running as usual, the house was filled with the Kirby singing choir...LOL. Personally I like how the DS50's light shines downward and the Sentria's light shines out. This is one thing I would have liked changed in the Sentria's design.

 

[thunderhexed]

paperwork

Matt,

If they can find the paperwork.. SEND IT BACK! I sent the Dual Sanitronic 80 back that my grandparents let me have and total WITH shipping included was less than $50.00. The vacuum looks showroom fresh. I had it shipped back to my grandparents house and they were AMAZED at the condition it was in. It's well worth it! The only difference I could really tell is that it sounds like they put an upgraded motor in it.. it sounds just like a Heritage model... a little more powerful sound to it. If you do decide to do it, let me know and I will tell exactly what I did to have it done..

 

[mattshaver]

What do my grandparents have to do?

Hey what do you have to do? If my grandparents don't have the original paperwork, I know it was registered in their name. Do they need to call Kirby? Thoughts? I'm excited...Matt

 

[swiveltop]

save the bag

It looks nice, If you send it for a rebuild,I would keep the bag,the originals with the close circles are hard to find,I would keep the cord and trim also as it might come back a different color. Mark

 

[thunderhexed]

rebuild

if I read a post correctly from the past.. if they can't find the paperwork, maybe Kirby can look in their archives via the serial number of the machine? You should at least have your grandparents call and give it a shot.

 

[mattshaver]

I'm going to call Kirby customer service tomorrow.

Has anyone had any dealings with Kirby customer service in the past? What are they like? Thoughts? Matt

 

[hoover1060]

Matt

I've had two Kirbys rebuilt, its reasonably painless, and the end result is a NEW old Kirby.

First, do not call Kirby Customer service, you'll need to call the rebuild department. A lady has answered the phone when I called, you may also leave a message. They will want the serial number off the Kirby, and take your info. In a few days you'll then receive a letter from Kirby with shipping directions.
Send back whatever you want fixed/replaced. The Dual 50 should come back in its original colors. What you will need from your grandparents is the serial number page from their owners manual, so you can send a copy along with the machine.
It takes about 2 weeks, the end result is spectacular!

 

[clarkecombi]

Id keep the orig bag matt...cause i sent a classic omega back for my aunt and it came back with the wrong replacment not the origional. Id just watch about sending it back. keep it to preserve it and be safe..hard to find one with the origional bag.

 

[xraytech]

I was thinking about sending grandma's Classic back for a rebuild also. Is it often a problem getting the kirbys back with the proper bag/ Also how much does it cost for a rebuild?