What Kind if Kirby is this?

[thebravekirby]

Hello But Forgive me I flat out don't know a thing about vacuum cleaner collecting but find old vintage appliances fascinating I have all ways wanted to collect the appliances from the movie The Brave Little Toaster and Kirby seems like a good place to start any advice on the real world Brave Little Toaster appliances Characters Toaster Lampy Blanky and Radio like brand names or what they are based of off would be a big help . So anyway, I found what I think is a Kirby Dual Sanitronic 30 on Craigslist, the model isn't specified but looking at pictures on the internet it sure looks like one. The guy says it runs great and works better than any modern vacuum I could buy and after some dirt removal it looks grate but is very rough and is in need of a good polishing, but an hour of work I could have this thing looking pretty good it has a paper letter K on the belt remover badge. Also how do I clean and polish the metal what cleaners and polish can I use. I looked every where and cant find any solid advice. So what are your thoughts on this model? Sorry for the newb questions, I really am pretty clueless about appliance and vacuum cleaner collecting so bear with me here.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Rob,

This could be any Kirby between the model 516 and the Sanitronic VII rebuilt between 1967 and 1970. All that trim on it is bojack unless it is a true Dual Sanitronic 80, which it isn't.

~Ben

 

[vintagevaclover]

Brave Little Toaster Appliances

I am wanting to do the exact same thing! That is one of my all time favourite animated movies. A few of the 80s appliances in the new apartment in that movie are pretty cool too. All of the main characters are from the 50s & 60s if I'm not mistaken.

 

[caligula]

Hi KirbyClassic111

Not only Rob, but other people who don't collect vacuum cleaners, may not know the term 'bojak.' You can say this better than I can, so please explain it to us.

Thanks,
Alex Taber.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Here's My D80

Built in 1969.

~Ben

 

[bikerray]

The handle on the Kirby is from a D50 or earlier

If you go look at it

1. turn the unit over and see if there is a plate on the bottom telling you it's a model Dual Sanitronic 80 ( the plate will be a green color)

2. turn the belt lifter counter clock wise to take the belt off the shaft, then lift the headlight hood and turn the lock to the left. Take the nozzle off and look just below the fan opening, the D80 will have a safety switch with 2 buttons (one on each side of the metal protrusion ) if it doesn't then it's not a D50 or D80. If there is just a single button sticking up in the middle it would be a 516 through Sanitronic VII.

Have fun shopping

 

[thebravekirby]

Well I looked closer and it turns out that every one was right in one way or another sadly tho the plate on the bottom telling you it's a model is long since gone it was one thing I did look for. I see the 2 pins on the bottom where it was And it does have a single button sticking up in the middle below the fan opening I just wanted to know what model to call it. It looks very Close to the Kirby In the Film and that's what I wanted I guess its a Hodge podge of parts I got it for 20 since it was rebuilt dose that hurt the value not that I would ever sell it. Tho I cant find a bag that looks like mine and the belt remover badge with the paper letter K still has me stumped it looks and feels a little cheap to me.

 

[bikerray]

If you really want to get technical when you take off the shell over the motor

If it's 516 to 518 the motor brushes will have screw caps

If it's 519 thru S7 the motor will have leads coming out of the motor with a clip
that goes into the top of the brush holder

hope that helps narrow it down a little more

 

[eurekastar]

When you remove the nozzle, you'll see a safety switch on the fan case.  That switch will have either one button or two.  The number of buttons on the switch will help narrow it a little.

 

[thebravekirby]

That Helps a lot I just dont want to start taking things apart are they easy to disassemble and resemble to find the motor brushes? So the bag and belt remover badge are things that are hard to hard to idnetfiy. Also how do I clean and polish the metal what cleaners and polish can I use.

 

[caligula]

The Brave Kirby.

Hi Rob:

I'm no expert on motor repair, but I do know Kirbys. Though they look complicated, are the easist to disassemble. Remember one thing, all componants work off the front or back of the power plant, (Main motor unit.)

By now you should know that the cord unplugs from the motor, and the upper section of cord, plus chain that holds the bag on the handle simply slip off. To remove the entire handle, go to the motor unit, above the on/off switch is a long pin, it's called the 'handle pin,' and if you pull it out, the handle will lift off. Why? so you can attach the small handle, known as 'the lifter grip." Snap it in place with the pin, fold the bag, attach the cord and you have a hand vacuum for mattersses, and so on.

The floor nozzle is easy to remove if you follow these 4 steps. 1, raise the nozzle to the highest point by stepping on the lever in front of the power switch, 2, raise the part where the flood light is located, 3, rotate the belt lifter counter clockwise, and 4, turn the attachment lock to the left. The nozzle will now move forward, and simply move it aside. If however, the belt is not lifted off the drive shaft first, the process isn't as easy. The belt lifter is designed to raise and lower the belt on or off the drive shaft.

There should be a tab near the drive shaft, that's a safety switch, the motor will not run unless this switch is depressed by the various tools over the shaft.

Now simply attach the hose by resting the lugs on the bottom bar, push up, with the shaft through the hose coupling, and move the lock to the right.

The bag connector is called the 'Sani-Em-Tor,' and there are 2 parts. 1 the tray on the bottom, and 2, the connector to the power plant. It's best to remove the dirt from the bag and em-tor first. Place the Kirby on a sheet of newspaper, have the nozzle raised to the higest setting and unlock the tray moving the lever forward, now swing the tray, and let the dirt fall into the newspaper. To remove the entire assembly, unhook the bag from the handle, letting it rest on the floor, then with one hand under the tray, rotate to the left, and slide off. Now you can use the hose as a blower. But remember, the nozzle or some other part MUST be over the drive shaft in order for the motor to turn on.

Once I know what attchments you have I can advise further. I'll also go into how to remove and replace te belt. But for now, these are the basics.
Alex Taber.

 

[super-sweeper]

Lol it's funny you mentioned TBLT,I saved my copy of ' The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars' from a garage sale yesterday! 

 

[caligula]

Hi Rob.

The main features of the Kirby are.

4 types of vacuum cleaners in one. (Upright, tank/canister, hand vac, and electric broom.) Floor polishher, carpet shampooer, buffer/polisher/knife sharpener. As well as a sprayer/demother.

As mentioned in my last post, all of these work off the suction, or exhaust ports. The parts include the main machine in upright mode, attachment kit with hose and wands, Miracle Head for polishing floors in upright mode, Rug Renovator (shampooer) also in upright mode. And tank/canister in hose mode with either upright handle, or lifter grip in place.

For use as a blower, moth proofer, sprayer (paint, wax, insecteside, or soapy water.) The Rug Renovator uses both ports. In addition is the Miracle head for floor polishing, and Handi-Butler with or without the flexible shaft is for sanding, drilling, polishing, knife sharpening and so on. On later Kirby models the Turbo tools were added to sand, buff, and yes, even cut hair!

As I don't know what, if any of these parts you have I can't elaborate. The Kirby looks like a monster, but the monster is quite tame if you learn to switch the parts. Also, in most cases, there are only 2 of these features needed. 1 upright mode and 2, tank/canister mode. A simple turn of the belt lifter, and locking lever are all you need.

Now, to keep the floor nozzle in top working order, change the belt as it most likely is stretched or worn. Get a new belt at any vacuum cleaner shop, or on Ebay, etc.. Here's what you do to replace it.

Remove the nozzle from the power plant, note that the belt is stretched on the special finger, rotate the belt lifter so it moves freely. Next, flip the nozzle, brush up, and pull the lower guard away by sliding you finger under a metal bar, and lift up. If it's tight, spray with WD-40, and the brushroll will be free. There are 2 tabs on eithe side of the brush roll with screws. Do NOT unscrew! pull one tab, and the brushroll will slide out. You do not need to remove the entire brushroll, only one side. Slide off the old belt, and put the new one in place. Slide the brushroll back and close the rug guard to the nozzle. Center the belt, and rotate the magic finger with the belt in the center, and turn again to stretch the belt. (Because the belt is new, it will be tight!) With the belt extended, attach the nozzle to the power plant, and rotate again to lower the belt to the drive shaft. I know it sounds complicated, but changing the belt takes aprox. 10 minutes, and won't need to be done often.

If you have the Miracle head, the brushroll be held with a screw philips on either side of the attachment. Again, remove one screw, slide off the bet and replace with the new one.

Setting the right hight of nozzle to carpet is done with the foot lever, with the numbers. This is called 'Toe-touch-control,' and lets you set the right hight. Start with the Kirby at the highest setting, turn on the motor, and one notch at a time, lower the nozzle by stepping on the number thingy. The motor should go from a strong woosh, to a gentle purr. This is called 'Tripple cushion vibration,' as it lifts the carpet, and vibrates the dirt free. The Kirby shouldn't be hard to push, if so, the lever is too low, raise it up a notch!

Basically, this is all you need to operate a Kirby. If you have any further questions, ask me.
Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi Rob.

Vacuum cleaners used in movies are always modified for copyright, patent rights etc..

Your Kirby looks like a D-80, and made to exacting specifications, as it's inventor, James B. Kirby, was still alive. (1885-1971) and he was a strict taskmaster!

The tab under the fan is a safety switch which I mentioned in last nights post. Do not depress this with your fingers anywhere near it!! In fact, don't depress it at all!

Kirby's are strong machines, and if you want to get all the bells and whistles, there are many people here to help. If you want the history of Kirby, let me know, as I was a training manager for Kirby for 20 years. If you want an instruction book, we can do that too, as there's a section on the homepage to download one. Basically, all Kirby models work the same way, and have since 1935.

I'm not sure if you plan to use the Kirby, or add it to 'The Brave little Toaster' collection. Fact is, you have a great vacuum cleaner, one perfect for deep cleaning of carpets, and dusting of furniture, etc..

Looking at the bag, it seams to be in good condition. If you want to replace it, post the question here, do not attempt to remove it from the Sani-em-tor, as it's held in place with a tight spring. Better to spend a few dollers in postage to get it to one of our experts who can do that for you, in fact, we have people to do a myriad of repairs, to say nothing about getting parts, attachments and so on.

If I can be of any further help, feel free to contact me.

 

[super-sweeper]

Other Alex, there's no excuse for forgetting the CARPET FLUFFER!!

 

 

[caligula]

Hi super-sweeper

I seriously thought of mentioning it, but felt I was getting too long winded as it was. Besides, we don't even know if Rob has the Miracle head, or any other attachments for that matter. But I agree, the rug fluffer is fantastic, as is the Miracle head in 'burnish' mode, and no, I'm not going on a long disortation on that.

The 'other' Alex.

 

[caligula]

Hi Rob.

I'll be responding to you here rather than email because you said you have a few computer problems. If any of that is malware, or another bug, I want to stay clear till you get a clean bill of health for the computer. Last year I got infected, and it cost me a new computer.

I've just printed your email and will respond later today. And by the way, I go with my middle name, Alex. Robert is either for legal stuff, or on those rare occations when I'm angery with somebody here at VacuumLand.

More later, after the Saturday chores are done.
Alex Taber

 

[bikerray]

To get the back cover off

1. unplug the cord from the switch
2. remove the switch button, it just lifts up and off
3. take the handle off the unit
4. remove the three screws that hold the cover in place (1 on the left side, 1 on the right side and 1 on the bottom)
5. carefully slide the cover back, sometimes you will have to lift the cover slightly to allow the handle spring in the cover to go over the motor brushes.

You will see the brush holders pointing straight up and down.

Like I said before if the motor is a 516 through 518 the brush holders will have screw caps and the wires to the brushes will be connected inside the motor housing.
If the motor is 519 through S7 the brush holders will have a brass clip slid through the top of the holder, and the wires will come out of the motor housing going to the tops of the brush holders. These clips hold the carbons in place.

D50 and D80 also used the later style brush holders, but since you have a speed switch with one button this rules out these two models.

 

[thebravekirby]

Ok So my Computer has a clean bill of health Windows 7 went bad so every thing is updated I will post the email here so any one can replay to it


I have what you see and that's it no other attachments I asked when I picked it up and they Sade it never came with any attachments they had bought it used I am the 3rd owner. I only picked it up for $20 and love it I plan to use and add it 'The Brave little Toaster' collection. I don't know any thing about it I cant find the bag any where on the web and the belt remove badge with the big K is kind of peeling off and I have not been able to find the style of belt remover any where. Ok now to my big questions How can I clean the bag it has some stains on it I don't want to damage the fabric so I left it alone and have not used any thing to clean it. Also how do I polish the metal to a nice shine what are some good polishes I can use? I have removed the heavy dirt and dust with Glass Plus it has no ammonia. I have looked all over the web and get a lot of different advise not sure what is best for the age of the metal I don't want to damage or discolor the mettle I was told Mothers is the best but again not sure if I can use it due to the age. It still has a lot of power left and is best the Vac I have ever owned just not sure of the age or model .It reminded me so much of Kirby from The Brave little Toaster with the bag color and handle. Though the Kirby in the film is based off of the Kirby Duel Sanitronic 80.