Thread Number: 25867
Tour and a Kirby
[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 290015   7/23/2014 at 22:03 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        

shag's profile picture
A friend of mine is thinking of buying the old post office. She wants to turn it into a restaurant.
I got to tour the place with her and it is amazing inside. The clock no longer works.
The current owner tried to turn the place into a fleamarket/dollar store. It didn't work. The place is now filled with crap. I noticed a bunch of vacuums and asked if I could buy them?


Post# 290016 , Reply# 1   7/23/2014 at 22:05 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        
Tour and a Kirby

shag's profile picture
Cost me $25 but it was worth the tour

Post# 290017 , Reply# 2   7/23/2014 at 22:06 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        
Tour and a Kirby

shag's profile picture
Looks ok? The belt was broken.

Post# 290018 , Reply# 3   7/23/2014 at 22:07 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        
Tour and a Kirby

shag's profile picture
Bag is in great shape. How do I get it off to wash it?

Post# 290019 , Reply# 4   7/23/2014 at 22:10 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        
Tour and a Kirby

shag's profile picture
I didn't even ask if it worked? It started right up. Those bags get BIG.
How old is this vacuum? Are the colours correct on it? The handle grip is black. Should it be red?


Post# 290025 , Reply# 5   7/23/2014 at 22:43 (3,535 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)        
Great Find!

cb123's profile picture
If it's a(1949)Kirby 509 or (1950) 510, the handle grip should be black, and I wouldn't recommend washing the bag - just shake it out and clean it carefully.

Post# 290027 , Reply# 6   7/23/2014 at 22:47 (3,535 days old) by vac-o-matic (Saint Louis, Mo.)        

My guess on age is 1948-50. The model nbr. should be on the bottom, 508 would be 1948, 510 would be 1950. It's rare that the handle grip is original, and the bag is in such good condtion, I wouldn't wash, just vacuum inside out, or if you have access to an air pressure hose, blow it out. Those bags are risky to wash because of the screen type printing on the bag. That's a keeper for sure, just get some Mother's mag and aluminum polish, and some 0000 steel wool, rub the hell out it, then polish with a soft cloth. You got a good deal!

Post# 290028 , Reply# 7   7/23/2014 at 22:51 (3,535 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        
"STEP AWAY FROM THE KIRBY ... STEP AWAY FROM THE KIRBY&#

electrolux137's profile picture

~

~

 

PLEASE   DO NOT wash that beautiful Kirby bag.

 

You will  SURELY  be  VERY SORRY if you do,

 

because you will  RUIN it!!!

 

The machine appears to be a 508 or 509 given the ribbed dark gray rubber handle, the gray trim and the red belt lifter.

 

If it was a 510-11-12 the handle would be smooth gray plastic.

 

I can't believe you plugged that cord into the wall as badly frayed as it is at the machine-end plug. You could easily have fried what appears to be an incredibly beautiful old Kirby.

 

That bag is just in impossibly perfect condition.

 

I hope you'll take more photos. And again...

 

¡¡¡¡¡¡¡PLEASE DO NOT WASH THE BAG!!!!!!!

 

 




This post was last edited 07/24/2014 at 00:40
Post# 290031 , Reply# 8   7/23/2014 at 23:39 (3,535 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
you'll very the bag?

super-sweeper's profile picture

LOL Charles! Did anyone notice the cord is not original? It's thicker than an original, and the end is square instead of round! That looks like an old heavy-duty extension cord! tongue-out

 

I doubt the Kirby would explode with that cord. The frayed spot would just shoot sparks everywhere and explode off the plug (I know that from experience! tongue-out)


Post# 290044 , Reply# 9   7/24/2014 at 01:26 (3,535 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)        

cb123's profile picture
It's probably not a 508, because the rubber on the headlight is long cut and the light fixture is different also. On the 508, the magic finger is basically a 505 but red. All pictures are of a early 508, but picture # 3 is of a 512 - showing different headlight rubber cuts.

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 4         View Full Size
Post# 290045 , Reply# 10   7/24/2014 at 01:33 (3,535 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
and there's Calem!

super-sweeper's profile picture

Showing off his beautiful KIRBIES (Kirbaci?) Again! tongue-out

 

As always, lovely Kirby Calem!!!tongue-out


Post# 290059 , Reply# 11   7/24/2014 at 04:40 (3,535 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Hi,

kirbymodel2c's profile picture

Hi Brian, What a great find and another great old Kirby saved.

I'm sure it will clean up great. I look forward to seeing it all polished up.

The bags in lovely condition.

 

James.smile


Post# 290068 , Reply# 12   7/24/2014 at 07:58 (3,535 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        
What a great find!!!

eurekastar's profile picture
I'm pretty sure that is a Model 509. The Model 508 had a script on the belt lifter that was unique to that model only. The Model 508 is on the left. The Model 509 is on the right.

  View Full Size
Post# 290076 , Reply# 13   7/24/2014 at 10:12 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        

shag's profile picture
I should have never washed the bag. I should not have used bleach either.
I can't find the model # anywhere. Where is it usually?
I was suprised the bulb even worked. I did a quick polish and it should be quite nice. The cord is pretty long and heavy. I wonder if the vacuum belonged to the post office? The post office is 102 years old. The vacuum doesn't smell either. Not like dog or cigaretts. It might have been used for the lobbies and halls?


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 290082 , Reply# 14   7/24/2014 at 11:38 (3,535 days old) by Gr8DaneDad ()        

Model and other information is generally on a metal ratings plate riveted to the bottom of the case under the motor.

 

Sucks that you washed that bag..... 3/4 of the value was in that bag, maybe more.


Post# 290084 , Reply# 15   7/24/2014 at 11:49 (3,535 days old) by shag (Ontario, Canada)        

shag's profile picture
Just yanking your chain. The bag is fine.

Post# 290085 , Reply# 16   7/24/2014 at 11:58 (3,535 days old) by Gr8DaneDad ()        

you could give an old man a heart attack yanking like that.


Post# 290086 , Reply# 17   7/24/2014 at 12:22 (3,535 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture
~
~

Yes, I agree it's a 509. In my senility I forgot about the unique belt lifter of that model.

btw here's a photo of the 509 attachment set. Note the rubber cuff on the wand-end of the hose, the short plastic piece that attaches to the hose as a handle, and the smooth surfaces of all the wands. Also note that the floor polisher still has the 508-style belt lifter -- not at all uncommon for Kirbys.

This same attachment set may have come with the 508; I don't know, I've never seen a complete 508 but it's very possible.


  View Full Size
Post# 290147 , Reply# 18   7/25/2014 at 02:32 (3,534 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)        
Thanks Alex...

cb123's profile picture
but it's more like Kirbylicious. Kirby is, indeed, a feast for the eyes and a sight to behold. I must truly say, without any and all equivocation, it is one of my most esteemed machines. When I see it, I can almost hear the theme music of "2001 and Space Odyssey." - Exhilarating!

Post# 290173 , Reply# 19   7/25/2014 at 08:59 (3,534 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
lol Calem!

super-sweeper's profile picture

When I tour the 505 or the new Heritage II through the house,I hear 'where have you been all my life'  tongue-out



CLICK HERE TO GO TO super-sweeper's LINK

Post# 290452 , Reply# 20   7/27/2014 at 01:04 (3,532 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)        
Alex,

cb123's profile picture
What can you say, Kirby makes us think of all kinds of good things. This is what happens when a company isn't cheap and takes pride in what it does.

Post# 290459 , Reply# 21   7/27/2014 at 01:37 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

Calem, it makes you wonder what people hear when they use their $30 Dirt-Devil! 'another one bites the dust' comes to mind!!tongue-out


Post# 290463 , Reply# 22   7/27/2014 at 01:48 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
The voice in they head telling them they should have gotten that mask to wear to breath for the dust

Post# 290470 , Reply# 23   7/27/2014 at 01:59 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

Today's special: buy one vacuum, get one 10-pack of contractor-grade dust masks free! Only at your local [INSERT BUDGET STORE HERE]! tongue-out


Post# 290474 , Reply# 24   7/27/2014 at 02:04 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
PicNsteal dicount store

Post# 290481 , Reply# 25   7/27/2014 at 02:13 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

I hope you would pick/steal something better than a $30 dirt-devil! 


Post# 290482 , Reply# 26   7/27/2014 at 02:14 (3,532 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)        
Are what comes to mind is...

cb123's profile picture
Why do I always get it broken off when I try to save a dollar by being cheap. You get exactly what you pay for. With the exception, of course, if you happen to find a good deal on a, you guessed it, KIRBY.

Post# 290483 , Reply# 27   7/27/2014 at 02:14 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
A leaf blower would do a better job

Post# 290488 , Reply# 28   7/27/2014 at 02:22 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

People don't pay that price anymore, nor can they understand quality! Somebody paid that price in 1948, and got a home renovator that's lasted into the 21st century, take that you 5-year Dyson!


Post# 290491 , Reply# 29   7/27/2014 at 02:26 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
There is a kirby store here on the 127 it will be interesting to see what he puts out. He usually has the trades in but some of those are over priced. He lowers everything on Sun afternoon.

Post# 290494 , Reply# 30   7/27/2014 at 02:29 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

Did you say, 'Kirby Store'? I better rent two trucks! tongue-out


Post# 290495 , Reply# 31   7/27/2014 at 02:32 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
Yeah it's a little hole in the wall store if he's ever there, has the vintage machine in the window which have sun faded really bad, & if I need anything I usually gave to go 2 hours west to Nashville ... Haven't been to the one in knoxville because I don't know where it is but the time difference is there

Post# 290497 , Reply# 32   7/27/2014 at 02:36 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

You're confusing me Mark, you say you have to go 2 hours west to Nashville, but your location thingy says you're in Florida? Do you mean 2 hours west of the endless sale?


Post# 290501 , Reply# 33   7/27/2014 at 02:39 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
I used to live in Florida 10 years ago, now I'm in Tn

Post# 290502 , Reply# 34   7/27/2014 at 02:42 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
Joan Rivers threw me out! I told her I was the original she said she was I said where, everything's been replaced plus I think I tripped on her breast while she was sitting down

Post# 290504 , Reply# 35   7/27/2014 at 02:44 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

Oh ok! I thought that coma was a period! laughing


Post# 290507 , Reply# 36   7/27/2014 at 02:48 (3,532 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

marks_here's profile picture
You know..since so many of us have these vintage Kirby's they should start making the parts again for them, if they saved all the molds & blue prints it would make things so much easier

Post# 290508 , Reply# 37   7/27/2014 at 02:50 (3,532 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        

super-sweeper's profile picture

Sadly 200 collectors can't compete with 30 million citizens. Modern citizens, too! For us, there's always spray-paint and parts machines!


Post# 290515 , Reply# 38   7/27/2014 at 07:32 (3,532 days old) by Vinvac (Dubuque IA)        

vinvac's profile picture
Mark,

Kirby can rebuild almost all of their machines and make them look like new. They don't however have parts, bags and trim in original colors any more for some of the early machines. But the main parts of the machines they still can completely rebuild and replace all parts. (not sure what model is the first they can rebuild)

I believe they are now using a black bag that looks really sharp.

Morgan



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy