Well, I purchased my second vacuum already. It is a Kirby D50 dual sanitare 50 for $15 off craigslist. Even though I don't have the go ahead to start collecting vacuums as well as all the other collections. I may have to just buy them for a little while, and then sell them in order to get the next one. This one does run but it has a few missing parts. The cord, the pin that holds the handle on, the button for the on/off switch (switch is still there and works it is the grip button that is missing), and the accessories. Oh, and that little ball chain that holds the bag up is wired togather. On the upper handle there is something missing, purhaps the cord hook??? I think I will try to restore this one as my first resoration. I just need a source for parts. Any suggestions?
Parts are pretty readily available, though not always in the correct color... a google search for Kirby D50 parts will get you an abundance of results. One source with good schematics and part # reference is below... prices aren't always the best but I've found the schematics very useful.
Tools and accessories are also frequently found on eBay.... patience will even find most things in the right color/original parts showing up with some regularity. I assembled a complete kit, of accessories, hose, handy butler, rug renovator and miracle mate over the course of a few months for a fairly modest investment. I even have some extra tools I would be happy to let you have for the cost of shipping and a box. They are currently listed on eBay, but I'd pull them for a fellow collector. I'd rather share than sell if it's for someone not looking to just flip the vacuum for profit. There is also a damaged box for them if you want it, the right flap has been torn off but otherwise intact and it does keep the tools tidy.
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Post# 288272 , Reply# 4 7/11/2014 at 17:06 (3,575 days old) by mikes ()
Thanks for the offer Gr8DaneDad, but I think I already purchased these off ebay just minutes ago. :0 Most of the parts I have found just doing a google, except the power cord (in the right color) and that lousy handle fork pin. The rest of this machine is in pretty decent shape, even inside. It needs a real nice polishing job too.
Post# 288277 , Reply# 5 7/11/2014 at 17:34 (3,575 days old) by Gr8DaneDad ()
The fork pin is the same from the 505 through the D50, shouldn't be too hard to find. And the tools will ship out tomorrow. Just missed the last pick up here in town.
Post# 288279 , Reply# 6 7/11/2014 at 17:59 (3,575 days old) by Paul(USA)
Awesome purchase, Brian--especially at such a reasonable price! I'd like to acquire a D50 someday as it's the one my parents had when I lived at home. Unfortunately, they no longer have it. My mom said that they bought it in late 1964. Actually, I'm not positive that they had a DS50--it may have been a Sanitronic VII. I mention that, because I've read somewhere that the DS50s were introduced in January of 1965. The only thing I know for sure is that the belt lifter emblem was the DS50's.
Beyond the sentimental value of owning one, I'd like to use it with the Handi-Butler and deep cleaning for which Kirbys are well-known.
Looks like you have the original bag on yours, because the ovals are closer together than on the replacements.
Well, enjoy your new cleaner, and I wish you success on finding its missing parts.
Post# 288280 , Reply# 7 7/11/2014 at 18:04 (3,575 days old) by marks_here(_._)
Thanks for shipping those items out, and the great deal on them too Gr8DaneDad. I found a fork pin on ebay and ordered it too. Thanks for all the help! I really appreciate it. Restoration will begin shortly. :)
(Milwaukie, Oregon) 
Comes to the Rescue!
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