Thread Number: 726
What are your favorite Kirby models???? 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 7194   1/3/2007 at 13:57 (6,313 days old) by myhooverco ()        

This thread could go in two places so I am choosing the Vintage Forum since the one I am posting is from 1972. I hope that it can be overlooked if folks want to post pictures of the newer Kirbys. This thread is being intended for any Kirby model. So again I apologize in advance.

Here is one of my favorite Kirby cleaners mainly because it has been in my family for a long time. I have just about everything for it too. My son loves the way it sounds and how it light up. It is VERY well made.

What are YOUR favorite Kirby models. Are there any collectors out there that have any rare or promotional models or items. What are your favorite attachments and gadgets that went with these fine machines? I would like to see pics of these items in use!

Thanks!!

--Tom

Post# 7195 , Reply# 1   1/3/2007 at 13:57 (6,313 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Here is a close up of the Classic 1 CR bag...

Post# 7202 , Reply# 2   1/3/2007 at 14:27 (6,313 days old) by ian88 ()        

I have a kirby heritage 2 (with the european smaller head) but what I would love is a Kirby Classic Omega, I love the wood style trim :)

Ian

Post# 7204 , Reply# 3   1/3/2007 at 14:29 (6,313 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Favorite Kirby models

 kirbymodel2c's profile picture
Hi,
Very hard question!I love different models for different reasons.
Love my "C" series allot then again I love the Sentria allot.
My Scott fetzer sanitation system is great and different to my other new scott fetzer sanitation system.
The pics you see of my kirby's is what I have. Except for Pics of tool & boxes etc

You have a great Classic.Is it complete?

Sorry still needs polishing! (My new scott fetzer sanitation system.)

James

Post# 7205 , Reply# 4   1/3/2007 at 14:32 (6,313 days old) by myhooverco ()        

James...very beautiful machine...my Classic needs a very good polishing...I think that it is complete...Thanks for the pic..

--Tom

Post# 7209 , Reply# 5   1/3/2007 at 14:50 (6,313 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Kirby G series models.

Post# 7211 , Reply# 6   1/3/2007 at 14:51 (6,313 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

I like the standard attachments and carpet shampooer system and ZippBrush.

Post# 7220 , Reply# 7   1/3/2007 at 15:18 (6,313 days old) by rexaircollector (Loganville, GA)        
Tom

 This is my favorite Kirby model. I am really fond of red and this baby has everything. The shag rug rake, Handi-Butler, Shampooer, Handi-Waxer. It is in pristine condition.

Robb

Post# 7229 , Reply# 8   1/3/2007 at 17:58 (6,312 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Robb...

You have a very complete Kirby there! I am so impressed with the tools and gadgets that one could get to complete the ensemble. Yours appears to be in mint condition. I just love the color combo too. Thanks for the pic!

--Tom

Post# 7239 , Reply# 9   1/3/2007 at 19:08 (6,312 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Favorite Kirbys

 hygiene903's profile picture
My favorite Kirbys would probably be any of them including and/or before the Classic, especially the Sanitronic series and the 500 series. We had a 518 for a long time until we traded it in for an 886 Royal.
Robb, I agree with Tom, that is a nice Classic ensemble you have, and the Rotomatic on the left and the Lux XXX on the right look pretty good, too.
Tom, that's a nice Classic you have, too, but somehow i don't remember seeing a Kirby at your house when I was there.
Jeff

Post# 7243 , Reply# 10   1/3/2007 at 19:31 (6,312 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        
Favorite Kirby

 My favorite kirby is my dual 80. Love the green trim. I also have a dual 50. I am just now having a zipper installed in a new Cloth bag for the paper bag conersation. Which I will be able to us on both of those Kirby's. Now I need to get at the polishing project!!! Then I will be able to use my kirby's when the mood stikes!

Post# 7244 , Reply# 11   1/3/2007 at 19:35 (6,312 days old) by vacuumboy95 ()        

My top two have to be kirby's first modle and my second is the C1.

Post# 7248 , Reply# 12   1/3/2007 at 20:14 (6,312 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
I Have Many

 compactelectra's profile picture
But this has to be one of my favorites. Found brand new in the box a Kirby 519 modeled by none other than Ms. Tania. All boxes and literature intact. A beauty! Notice another one of my favorites in the background a Dual 80 restored by the factory.

Post# 7249 , Reply# 13   1/3/2007 at 20:26 (6,312 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Some More

 compactelectra's profile picture
Missing are the Legend II and my favorite of all time bought brand new the Classic III. Another thing we have in common Mr. Castaldo!

Post# 7250 , Reply# 14   1/3/2007 at 20:36 (6,312 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Another Favorite - The Classic Omega circa. 1976

 compactelectra's profile picture
Yikes!! They are all my favorites. This one was restored at the factory, but I bought one just like this brand new in 1976 when I moved into my partners place on the 20th floor on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. He should have known what he was getting himself into since I moved this puppy in before I even moved in any clothes. Jeff Parker is demonstrating the Omega to Robert Pope at the October gathering at Tarantula Arms. Has all the attachments as well. Makes me want to grab a Kirby and start vacuuming. Don't use paper bags since that wasn't a part of the deal back then.

Post# 7254 , Reply# 15   1/3/2007 at 22:27 (6,312 days old) by luxboy ()        
Classic III

 I thought that this thread would be an appropriate place to share the project I completed today. Several months ago I was given a Kirby Classic III by my friend Jim Smith who owns a vacuum store and used to be a Kirby salesman in a small town near St. Louis. It was in pretty rough condition, but I took it completely apart and began to polish it by hand. Well.. that was several months ago due to the fact that the hand polishing was not much fun and I couldn't get interested in doing it. After talking with another vac shop owner here in St. Louis, come to find out he has a polishing booth in the basement of his store, that he told me I could use whenever I wanted. So today, on my day off I went over, and after an hour or so.. the whole thing was polished.. I, however looked like a black man when I was finished, covered in black from the polishing wheel and jewelers rouge. But, I learned a lot in the process, and now, I imagine the next Kirby I do will be a bit quicker. When I first got the machine, Tom G. ordered me some new trim, new wheels, a new cord and bumper which I put on today. It also had the original wool bag which I cleaned out with a vacuum and then took to the dry cleaners. So here it is, my finished project. It sure makes you feel good about when you restore a vacuum yourself. My next Kirby polishing project will be my Dual Sanitronic 80 which is probably my favorite looking Kirby. It's kind of cool though that the first Kirby in my collection was this Classic III, as this was the machine that was out when I was born. Here is a picture....

Post# 7255 , Reply# 16   1/3/2007 at 22:55 (6,312 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
If I had to pick just one....

 It would be my Legend with the small rug nozzle. I use it in tandem with a G-6 for regular heavy house cleaning. [I don't pull these puppies out for just a once over]

But for fun, my favorite would be any one of the late 500 series from 516 on. I especially like the 517. It brings back so many memories. I remember the day my Aunt Irene got hers brand new. If I could find one brand new in a box it would be stunning. I do have a 560 practically brand new in the box with the bill of sale and all the attachments including the Handi Butler. I would post pictures of it but I'd have to go over to the storage to get it. Perhaps in a few days I'll have time to do that. Also my Model C was a real find. But in any case here is the Legend with the small nozzle and the accompanying G-6.

Post# 7256 , Reply# 17   1/3/2007 at 23:08 (6,312 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Legend with small nozzle

 Here are a few more pictures of the Legend with the small nozzle:

Post# 7257 , Reply# 18   1/3/2007 at 23:08 (6,312 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Legend with small nozzle

 another close up..

Post# 7259 , Reply# 19   1/3/2007 at 23:17 (6,312 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby Attachments....

 I have found it helpful to combine the attachments of the G -6 and the Legend. For one thing, they match perfectly. Some of the attachments do better than others. And I keep several dusting brushes on hand for various chores. I always keep a really new and especially clean one for dusting the furniture and the lamp shades.

But above all I have found that the one thing that Kirby did not do well was the floor brush. So I use an after market one..not sure of the brand but bought it through an on line vac shop. It is great and matches the set such that you would think it came with it. Here are some of these picks...


Post# 7265 , Reply# 20   1/3/2007 at 23:57 (6,312 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Floor brush

 Here's another picture of it.

Post# 7269 , Reply# 21   1/4/2007 at 00:40 (6,312 days old) by scott55405 ()        

My personal favorite is the Dual 50 with the lighted Kirby logo. I also like the 5 series units and Dual 80.

I had a Tradition which I liked ok at the time but the big head ones can be cumbersome in daily practice. I had a Heritage Legend with the smaller head that was really nice.

Post# 7273 , Reply# 22   1/4/2007 at 03:09 (6,312 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

favorite older Kirby-50 sereies. New Kirby-Sentria.

Post# 7275 , Reply# 23   1/4/2007 at 04:08 (6,312 days old) by sudsman ()        
favorites

 Legend small nozzle and the green dual 80

Post# 7283 , Reply# 24   1/4/2007 at 07:29 (6,312 days old) by sukething ()        
My favorite Kirbys...

 I do love all my vacuums, but yes I do love my Kirbys especially. My altime favorites would have to be The Dual 80 (because of mom had hers brand new as well as 3 other farming neighbors all had one Dual 80's). My Grandmother having at the same time a Dual 50, yes I have to agree with Scott the lighted logo on top of the machine was an eye cather for me as a kid as well as the bag blowing up on all of them. Grandparents also had the original big box to their Dual 50 in the basement in a certain spot as well as when they got there next model Classic III (stick handle model) the big box went in the same place in the basement.

My Godmother had a 509 and I loved to use it when she would babysit me as a youngster. My fun on that machine was the switch I loved how it was different compared to the others I had played with.

Our neighbor had a 561 with all of the attachments and she had her book and I read it very intensly as child and then would go home and try things out on my mothers Kirby and my neighbor would also let me use all of the attachments with hers, I mean to try them out like buffing her kitchen floor with the buffing head. Making her Kirby look like a tank vacuum with the small handle. I loved that grey bag on that Kirby which I have one on my own.

All of my family/friends then of course updated and got newer Kirbys later.

So yes I have all of these machines in original shape/bags/attachments/boxes and will show you all someday soon.


David

Post# 7287 , Reply# 25   1/4/2007 at 10:17 (6,312 days old) by ian88 ()        

Wait, if thats what the smaller Kirby head looks like..whats the one on my machine? its not as small as that but its smaller than the Heritage 2 depicted in the manual/the traditions and classics.

Ian

Post# 7306 , Reply# 26   1/4/2007 at 13:58 (6,312 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Wow! I just love all of these shiny Kirbys! I am so impressed with how much care has gone into them. Kirby has always been a very solid machine that acutally LOOKS like a vacuum cleaner. Thanks for these great posts!

--Tom

Post# 7313 , Reply# 27   1/4/2007 at 14:48 (6,312 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Kirby nozzles

 thunderhexed's profile picture
My fav kirby would have to be the Classic Omega followed by the Classic I, dual Sanitronic 50 and the Tradition. I am curious about the small nozzled Heritage lines though. Up until a couple of years ago, I never even knew they existed. Can anyone explain why Kirby decided to reprise the samller nozzles? Are they very hard to come by? I have a Heritage I I'd love to try to find one for. Currently I have a Classic I, Heritage I and a Dual Sanitronic 50. I'd love to find me another Tradition, Classic Omega and Classic III but I will probably need to wait until I have more space. I also have my grandmothers DS80 with the original paperwork to it. The vac is in BAAAAD shape though. No bag, no cord, motor shot to crud.. Hopefully one day I can conjure up enough cash to send it in for a rebuild. After all, it is the Kirby I first fell in love with and grew up with!

Post# 7323 , Reply# 28   1/4/2007 at 15:56 (6,311 days old) by myvacsrock (USA)        

my fav is a dual 80 as soon as i find one lol!:)

Post# 7333 , Reply# 29   1/4/2007 at 17:25 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
my vacs

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Sorry for the pic quality guys... all I have is a webcam! Hopefully my collection will grow! Here is my Classic.

Post# 7335 , Reply# 30   1/4/2007 at 17:27 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Classic back

 thunderhexed's profile picture
great looking machine! Original bag.

Post# 7336 , Reply# 31   1/4/2007 at 17:27 (6,311 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Cory...[thunderhexed]

 As far as I know the small nozzles were a respone to Kirby customers who had the old 500 series models and wanted new model machines but were not happy with the large nozzles they came with. I don't know for sure if they made them from the start of the the run of the Heritage, but they did make them for the Heritage and then the Legend. I don't know if they have them for the Legend II; I have never seen one; nor have I have seen one for any of the G series. I doubt they made them for the G series. [that would be awsome if they did!]

As far as I know they are not easily come by. I imagine those who have them, hang on to them because they were special order items. I got both of mine on eBay. I imagine that's probably your best source. I got the Heritage first and loved it. Then when I saw the Legend I grabbed it up right away. It really concentrates the suction of the Legend. With the 4 row brush roll it's a mighty cleaner indeed.

I have a very large oriental carpet in our great room that was donated to the rectory by a parishioner. It's a very expensive rug. I would never get one if I had to, but there it was when I moved in here at the beginning of my assignment. Well...the Kirby Legend with the small nozzle was just the thing to clean this carpet. It lifts the nap just right and gives it the best look. It's a great machine.

Bruce

Post# 7337 , Reply# 32   1/4/2007 at 17:29 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Dual Sanitronic 50

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Ebay find for 30.00 a couple of years ago. Works like a dream. Put a double row brushroll on it, yes it's a knockoff bag.. hey.. I'm a starving college guy! I can't afford designer threads! yet :)

Post# 7338 , Reply# 33   1/4/2007 at 17:31 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
DS 50 Rear

 thunderhexed's profile picture
easiest to use in my apartment due to size... see the pic in the back.. those are my pics I took at Madonna's Confessions tour in Chicago this past summer.. ROW 1, SEAT 1 BABY!! HECK YEAH!!!

Post# 7339 , Reply# 34   1/4/2007 at 17:32 (6,311 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Tom

 Thanks for the compliment. And thanks for starting this thread. It was an interesting one.

I do really work at taking care of my Kirbys. I think most of the collectors do. It is fun to keep them shiny because when you do they look so sharp. It makes you feel good when you're using them..it does me, anyway. I always store them with the rug nozzle removed and the belt loosened so that it remains good and strong. And I make sure the attachments are cleaned and cared for.

But I want you to know I take equally good care of my Hoovers too!!!

God Bless..
[Fr.] Bruce

Post# 7340 , Reply# 35   1/4/2007 at 17:33 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Heritage I

 thunderhexed's profile picture
This belonged to my grandmother - one of the ONLY things in her house to survive the Oklahoma City, F5 tornado of May 3rd 1999!. The ONLY thing that happened to it, believe it or not, the fan was all busted.. that's it! What does THAT tell you about Kirby's durability? HUH?!?!?

Post# 7341 , Reply# 36   1/4/2007 at 17:35 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Kirby Heritage I

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Maybe I should dub this as my "Kirby Heritage F5?"

Post# 7343 , Reply# 37   1/4/2007 at 17:37 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Greetings from Oklahoma City

 thunderhexed's profile picture
I know this pic belongs in another thread, but since I'm here.. What's up guys?!?! :)

Post# 7345 , Reply# 38   1/4/2007 at 18:01 (6,311 days old) by tommymilan (milano)        

tommymilan's profile picture
I waano go to oklaoma city

Post# 7348 , Reply# 39   1/4/2007 at 18:17 (6,311 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

I have three Kirbys:
G3 with attachments/shampooer
Ultimate G Diamond Edition with attachments/shampooer
Sentria with attachments/shampooer

Post# 7350 , Reply# 40   1/4/2007 at 18:19 (6,311 days old) by ian88 ()        

My god, Thunderhexed looks like Ralf Little..or Johnny in two pints of lager and a packet of crisps which is played by Ralf lol

Ian

Post# 7351 , Reply# 41   1/4/2007 at 18:20 (6,311 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()        

I love the Classic III, because red is my favorite color. Yet, those do not perform as well as the Heritage II. I have a Heritage I that used to be my daily driver (and still is for Spring Cleaning), but as most of you know, Kirby's are probably the HEAVIEST vacuum. I like something light and easy to push around. Luckily the newer Kirby's do have the latter with the power drive.

Post# 7354 , Reply# 42   1/4/2007 at 18:29 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Ralf Little..

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I have no idea who that is!

Post# 7358 , Reply# 43   1/4/2007 at 19:10 (6,311 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        

Cory~ Take it as a good thing... :) You're a looker.

Here's my fav Kirby...

A picture from the first day she was fresh back from her makeover at the 'spa'...

The Dual 80 is my top favorite... Main reasons: I like that style handle grip, and I prefer the smaller of the Kirby heads. I also think the color is wonderful! This one just purrrrrrrs! I do need a tool box for mine; the one I have had an unfortunate encounter with a flooded basement, when my water heater decided to keep refilling itself even thought it wasn't empty... about 3 years ago.

The Dual 50 is a close runner up... that lighted "Kirby" just makes me *swoon*. I actually got my dual 50 from Tom Anderson (thanks again, Tom). She'll get her day at the spa one of these days.

The Classic 3 is on the list just because I think the polished chrome and red look so incredibly stunning!

I actually pulled my Dual 80 out the other day and ran it around my bedroom. I had not used it in a while, and forgot how fabulous it is, how smoothly it runs. (I put a 4-brush brushroll in it, and use the inside track or 'knurled' belt.)

~Fred

Post# 7359 , Reply# 44   1/4/2007 at 19:15 (6,311 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        
Whoops!

 Forgot to list the Kirbys I own..

Sanatronic VII ~ Won through the raffle at the VCCC conventiion in MIlwaukee 4 or 5 years ago.
Dual Sanatronic 50 ~ Was given to me by Tom Anderson.
Dual Sanatronic 80 ~ Came across in my travels.
Classic III ~ eBay purchase.
Heritage ~ Given to me by my high school guidance counselor.

Post# 7360 , Reply# 45   1/4/2007 at 19:15 (6,311 days old) by ian88 ()        
Ralf

 Ah he's just an actor in this british comedy, pretty funny really.

Ian

Post# 7362 , Reply# 46   1/4/2007 at 19:16 (6,311 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Gorgeous!

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Fred, your D-80 is GORGEOUS! That model was the first model I ever remember and fell in love with. I actually have my grandmothers d80 with the original paperwork. Once I make my final payment on my car in february , I plan on saving up to have it rebuilt by Kirby. Granny even has pics of me in my easter best when I was younger standing next to it and they even have home video of me pushing it around the house when I was barely even walking!

Post# 7363 , Reply# 47   1/4/2007 at 19:17 (6,311 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

In my opinion, The Kirby G series models cleans the best!

Post# 7366 , Reply# 48   1/4/2007 at 19:19 (6,311 days old) by vacuumkid3 ()        

If you are willing to pay the price! I love the Kirby G series, but they are so expensive. I think my best bet will be a G3 used or a G4 from someone...you know who you are!! (wink wink!)

~~K~~

Post# 7375 , Reply# 49   1/4/2007 at 20:23 (6,311 days old) by eluxomarty (Palm Springs)        
Favorite Kirbys

 Guys! Those Classic 3's are gorgeous!!! Something about red and shiney together!

Mine is the model 562 because it's the model that i grew up with. I also have a D50 that i bought at a swap meet that works very well. I just love the sound of the older 500 series Kirby's.


Post# 7378 , Reply# 50   1/4/2007 at 20:54 (6,311 days old) by convertible68 ()        

Those Kirbys are BEAUTIFUL! The only Kirby I have (aside from one which I will be trading soon with another member...) is a Heritage II Legend (complete with original documentation) purchased in April 1988. The machine itself is in OK condition (aside from a scraping belt lifter and some deep scratches in the nozzle) but works great and is one of the smoothest-running machines I've used and pretty quiet. The other accessories are just MINT. One of these days, I'll have to send the machine in for a rebuild.

My favorite Kirby machines, however, have to be the R and C-series, with the rounded nozzle and the bulbous headlight housing. I just wish they were more common. The 512-and-earlier models are also beautiful machines as well.

James--your Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System is just stunning. I'm wondering, does it have a handle switch? I didn't notice the familiar side-mounted toggleswitch in your other pictures. Can't say I've ever seen one like that before!

--Austin

Post# 7379 , Reply# 51   1/4/2007 at 21:11 (6,311 days old) by petek (Ontario)        
Here's my Kirbys

 My favorite is the Heritage Legend II.
I made the Classic III up from two machines.
I use the G3 quite regularly in the livingroom and the G4 upstairs. I only got it a month or so ago.
The Dual 80 I got at a vac shop after the owner couldn't pay for the repairs. The Tradition and G3 came from Value Village.

Post# 7381 , Reply# 52   1/4/2007 at 21:22 (6,311 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Fred...beautiful D80! Those old Kirbys just love a day at the spa...the years just melt away!

Thanks for these great Kirby photos everyone...keem 'em coming!

--Tom

Post# 7401 , Reply# 53   1/4/2007 at 22:34 (6,311 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
Mine!

 Wow... I would like to go to Oklahoma City too! My three favorite Kirbys are the ones that I own. The Dual 80, Heritage 2, and G5. The Dual 80, I got when I was 17 from a yard sale from a very nice Jamaican couple for FIVE dollars. I need to fix the back left wheel, as it has a radial break along one of the ridges. I don't have anything else for that machine, just the power plant. The Heritage 2 I got from a vac shop guy I used to know for free. I can't believe I lost my "source"... he gave me a complete set of attachments and the shampooer. The plastic bank handle insert broke of a year ago, the headlight has always rattled, and now shorts out from time to time, handle doesn't spring up anymore, and the back right hubcap keeps popping off... the axle knocks it loose. It needs the most help. The G5 I have only had for 7 months... Craig's List.. 200 dollars! That's the most I've ever spent on a machine, but I've wanted a tech drive for so long... and when I saw that price, I had to snap it up. Have all attachments, just need shampooer. All run great, and I love the metal in combination with the HUGE ballooning bags. I also really like the deep press of the power switches and the toe touch height adjust. What a great thread :O)

Post# 7404 , Reply# 54   1/4/2007 at 22:42 (6,311 days old) by charles~richard ()        
Great Photos one and all!

 I guess my favorite Kirby is not one particular model but the 513, 514 and 515 - these are so similar that they're really nearly impossible to tell apart other than slight details; then the same for the 516, 517, 518 and 519. I guess that's my favorite series - the 513 thru 519. The 513-15 because of the small size, WONDERFUL motor sound and recollections of many from my childhood, then the 516-19 just because that is just such a beautiful machine. I think the red and gray color scheme look better with the polished aluminum than all the other colors Kirby ever used. I do like the 560 and 561 with the starburst belt lifter but never saw one of these until I was about 17.

To whomever asked, yes, there is a small head for the Legend II. I have one, and do have the four-row brush in it. I can't post pix of it at the moment due to yet another computer meltdown (hey, I thot Macs were supposed to be trouble-free ... well, apparently NOT). As soon as I am back up and running again I'll add the photos.

Post# 7414 , Reply# 55   1/4/2007 at 23:20 (6,311 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
late 500 series...

 I agree hands down Charles-Richard about the red/gray color scheme of the late 500 series. I always thought it gave the Kirby a quality that no other color scheme does. I think because most of the other color schemes don't have enough contrast. Only the Red and Gray of the late 500's have such unique contrast in color. Interesting that the Sentria returned to the Red/Gray...but it's not as striking. I think because of the bag.

Also, someone mentioned the sound of the late 500 series. Indeed the sound of any one of those with the attachments on is, IMH, the coolest vacuum sound there is. And I think it was that sound that Dave Oreck used for the sound in his commercials. Charles-Richard would know about this better than I.

Post# 7459 , Reply# 56   1/5/2007 at 14:25 (6,311 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Scott Fetzer sanitation system

 kirbymodel2c's profile picture
Hi Austin

The scott fetzer sanitation system in the pic is my new scott fetzer I got 2 weeks ago with the switch in the handel!
So I now have both types one with and one with out switch in the handel.
Which one you like best?

James:-)

Post# 7460 , Reply# 57   1/5/2007 at 14:31 (6,311 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Scott Fetzer sanitation system 2

 kirbymodel2c's profile picture
Here's the other scott fetzer with out switch in handel.
Just so you can look at both.

The one with the switch in the handel has the head with the gear drivern brush.
Also height adjuster is diffrent!

James

Post# 7468 , Reply# 58   1/5/2007 at 16:03 (6,310 days old) by rexairman ()        

Those are some beautiful Kirbys. To me, Kirbys after the Dual 80 have no interest as a collectible. And, as a vac shop owner, I don't sell anything older than the later Heritage II with the cut-down nozzle - customers simply have no interest in buying a cleaner that old. So those in between, Classics, Omegas, Classic III's, Traditions, Heritage I's, and early Heritage II's, I routinely set out for trash collection. If some of you love these old machines, I'll gladly save them for you and give them to you, you only reimburse me for shipping.

Post# 7477 , Reply# 59   1/5/2007 at 16:52 (6,310 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
Old Kirby's

 thunderhexed's profile picture
Rexairman...

That would be AMAZING! I would love to get my hands on another Classic Omega, Classic III and Tradition. Let me know if you come across any that you think are worth salvaging, I would be more than happy to pay for shipping! I have all of the basic attachments already for the Tradition. Thanks! You can also email me at lilcorydale@aol.com if you have any further questions.

Cory (Thunderhexed)

Post# 7484 , Reply# 60   1/5/2007 at 19:10 (6,310 days old) by myvacsrock (USA)        

my rebuilt Kirby!!!

Post# 7485 , Reply# 61   1/5/2007 at 19:49 (6,310 days old) by swestoyz ()        

Hey guys,

I don't often post here, but I do follow threads from time to time. This is my favorite Kirby - a daily driver Dual 50. The original intention of this machine was to restore it, but it instead has been nabbed by my mother. She had been using junk before this, and now will not give it back! I just love the lights ~

Ben

Post# 7511 , Reply# 62   1/6/2007 at 00:46 (6,310 days old) by charles~richard ()        
I LOVE

 that carpet!! Is it old, or a reproduction?

Would love to see more photos of it, especially a good clear photo looking straight down at it --- I could use it as a pattern for a web page background!!

Post# 7526 , Reply# 63   1/6/2007 at 08:53 (6,310 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Tom,
Does your Kirby have the double brush brushroll aka QuadraSweep brushroll or the single brush brushroll aka Standard brushroll?
Thanks,
Rob Gwisdala

Post# 7529 , Reply# 64   1/6/2007 at 12:14 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Pictures I promised Kirby 561

 Front...

Post# 7530 , Reply# 65   1/6/2007 at 12:16 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby 561

ensamble...

Post# 7531 , Reply# 66   1/6/2007 at 12:16 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby 561

 Running...

Post# 7532 , Reply# 67   1/6/2007 at 12:17 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby 561

 ...and another

Post# 7533 , Reply# 68   1/6/2007 at 12:20 (6,310 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Hey Bruce!

 compactelectra's profile picture
I have a complete 561 ensemble as well with those beautiful blue boxes. Unfortunately, water seeped into the basement and ruined the boxes! Needless to say, I had the problem fixed! The 561 itself is somewhat rough and I do not want to send it back to Cleveland to have a spa makeover because they will change the colors. It is a bit rough, but I have the red trim and Greg Nunn has a Kirby dealer in Omaha that restores these machines. As Charles Richard said, that star-burst emblem on the belt lifter is stunning. Beautiful setup!

Fred

Post# 7534 , Reply# 69   1/6/2007 at 12:25 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby 561...

 Bill of sale...
March 23, 1962 [almost 45 years ago!]

$249.50 KIRBY 561 + all attachments and accessories
10.00 Trade in
5.11 Tax
$244.61 TOTAL


Post# 7535 , Reply# 70   1/6/2007 at 12:26 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby Model 1-C

 Whole ensamble

Post# 7536 , Reply# 71   1/6/2007 at 12:27 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby Model 1-C

 Another of the whole ensamble...

Post# 7537 , Reply# 72   1/6/2007 at 12:28 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby Model 1-C

 And another...

Post# 7538 , Reply# 73   1/6/2007 at 12:30 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Lirby Model 1-C

 Front...[needs some additional polishing again!]

Post# 7540 , Reply# 74   1/6/2007 at 12:33 (6,310 days old) by myhooverco ()        

Fred...

Wow that is a stunning 561 Kirby. I really like the color combination on that machine. There is something you just have to admire about a well polished Kirby.

What is the date for the Kirby 1-C?

--Tom

Post# 7541 , Reply# 75   1/6/2007 at 12:34 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Further notes

 ...as I said above, of all my Kirbys, the late 500 series is my favorite..but I don't use them much for cleaning.

The Model 1-C needs some work --especially the bag! I don't yet know quite what to do with that. Anyone ever restored a Kirby bag?



Post# 7542 , Reply# 76   1/6/2007 at 12:36 (6,310 days old) by scott55405 ()        

fkirby511, those are wonderful machines, on the older one, is that extra nozzle used with that brush below it for bare floors?

Post# 7548 , Reply# 77   1/6/2007 at 12:50 (6,310 days old) by kirbyking ()        

Heres mine so far.
Tradition, Heritage, and Legend II.
My favourite is probably the Heritage.

Theres another two on their way :)

James

Post# 7553 , Reply# 78   1/6/2007 at 12:54 (6,310 days old) by ian88 ()        

Hey, James..I see you're a uk based collector in my age group..you got msn? maybe we could chat about our interest lol

Ian

Post# 7557 , Reply# 79   1/6/2007 at 13:02 (6,310 days old) by kirbyking ()        

Yes Ian I've got MSN, but don't use it too much. I'll go online now.
My email address is in my profile.
BTW it will keep signing me out as I keep loosing my net connection.
When I go I will say bye, so don't think I've rudly left!!
Also been having problems with people recieving my messages, but we can only try!!

James

Post# 7563 , Reply# 80   1/6/2007 at 13:55 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
scott55405

Scott..
Yes the large nozzle was an extra item and the brush to go with it. The instruction manual has it as an option for carpeting "too delicate for the revolving brush." And yes the brush strip was attached for bare floors.

Post# 7565 , Reply# 81   1/6/2007 at 13:58 (6,310 days old) by scott55405 ()        

thanks!

Post# 7567 , Reply# 82   1/6/2007 at 14:41 (6,310 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Tom ...

 Hi,

Yes, I treasture that 561. I don't think the owner EVER used it. The attachments were never removed from the box, you could tell.

The Model 1-C Kirby was on the market, I believe, between 1935 and 1937. There seems to be some question as to exactly when the models changed. It seems that the Model R and the Model C were run concurrently. The Model R appears to have been sold in retail stores [mostly vac shops]; the Model C appears to have been the one sold DTD -- hence, "C" for commission.

When I was a youngster in the mid 1950s, there was a vac shop in the neighborhood that specialized in Kirbys. It was "Steve's Sweeper Service." Three of my aunts bought Kirby's from Steve -- two new [517s] and one rebuilt [I think a 505]. They sold a lot of rebuilt Kirbys then. I remember when we would drive by Steve's he would have many of his rebuilts on the front sidewalk area and I would always hope we'd get a red light so we would stop and I could see which ones were out on that day.

Memories!

Bruce Cinquegrani
Memphis

Post# 7575 , Reply# 83   1/6/2007 at 15:47 (6,309 days old) by charles~richard ()        
to FRED re Spa Makeover and to FR BRUCE re Rebuilds

 Fred, couldn't you just remove all the trim from the machine and send it to Cleveland, then replace it when you get it back? Or, maybe if you sent it with instructions in really big, bold type, to replace the original trim after polishing you'd get it back with the original trim replaced?! Either way, I certainly would not send them the original bag or cord!

---

Then to Fr. Bruce, when you saw rebuilt Kirbys, especially the really early ones, were they done up in red and gray? I ask this because I have often wondered if maybe my Aunt's Kirby wasn't an earlier model that had been rebuilt and maybe even had a more modern handle put on it.

I say this because some details of what I remember about it point to a very early machine, such as the C2. I could 'swear' that the rear of the machine had slots on the sides of the motor housing for ventilation (not on the top of the axle like the later 500 series), and that the rear axle curved deeply concave (downwardly) -- again, like the C2 axle instead of convex (outwardly) the way the early 500 series did to some degree and then more dramatically with the later 500 series. See photo of a C2 to see what I mean.

On the other hand, the reason I have also thought it may have been a 514 or 515 is because I clearly recall it had a speckled bag with the long pointy logo on it, and a red handle and bumper trim. But again, these could have been utilized on a rebuilt machine.

I do also recall that it had gray attachments, a gray woven hose, and had a gray cord with the large round motor (female) plug. It also SEEMS that it had the ribbed long metal section of handle -- whenever I think of her Kirby I picture it with that handle, but since the ribbed section did not come out until the 517 or 518, that may just be faulty memory on my part.

Part of the difficulty in remembering all the details with exact precision is that the last time I would have seen it would have been, at the latest, 1962; and we only lived near our Aunt for about three years -- we moved to that part of Virginia in the summer of 1958 and moved away in the fall of 1962.

And although we did live close to her and I was over there a lot, I only remember seeing her Kirby a handful of times. It wasn't like she was running it every time we went over there -- and a good thing, because when she WAS using it I wouldn't even go inside the house! I'd stay outside on the front porch, watching her use it from the safety of the other side of the screen door!

When she would babysit me and want to keep me outside and out of her hair, she would get the Kirby out of the front closet and set on the front "stoop" where I would keep a safe but fascinated distance from it!!

My uncle was kind of a mean man in a way, or I should say, had a prankster streak in him, and my Mom has told me he used to chase me around the house with the Kirby -- running after me with it saying he was going to sweep me up in it! Of course that did a lot to allay my fear of it!!! Funny thing is, I do not remember that at all. Guess I blocked it out!!!

"Ah, sweet memories......."

Post# 7578 , Reply# 84   1/6/2007 at 15:56 (6,309 days old) by ian88 ()        

Heh, Charles..cruel uncle ;) and its not like Kirbys (as much as I love them) are the friendliest looking machines lol

Ian

Post# 7615 , Reply# 85   1/6/2007 at 18:04 (6,309 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirby Rebuilds...

 Yes, Charles-Richard, they were in fact all done up in Red and Gray! And that was the only color Kirby I had ever seen until my teenage years. It was at least 1965 or so when I first saw a black trimmed Kirby -- our neighbor's 505. We had lived next to them for years but I NEVER had seen Mrs. Smith vacuum. I wasn't over there a lot because they were older and their kids were all grown.

But one day my mother sent me over there for something..and at the foot of the steps was her Kirby 505 with black trim, black bag with that big orange logo and the darker attachments all set out ready for her to clean with. How I wanted to examine every bit of that machine..but no! I had to be polite and not even notice the vacuum was there.

Anyway..the rebuilts were all in Red and Gray and had the new gray bags on them with the speckles and the Red and Gray trim. I can't remember about the concave rear wheels. On the other hand, some of them did have the older, black attachments; others had the gray ones.

Memories indeed!

Fr. Bruce

Post# 7622 , Reply# 86   1/6/2007 at 20:00 (6,309 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Fred...

 How awful that those boxes were ruined! Hope you can get the 561 restored soon. Your other Kirby's are really beautiful machines!

But what is it with the Kirby rebuild program? How did you get them to restore your Dual 80 in such perfect condition?

In any case, I would make sure you keep the trim original. There is nothing like those late 500 red/gray/silver machines..nothing like them at all!

How I wish I had the time, skill, workspace, and equipment to do these restorations myself. I would find it fascinating. I have always admired the work that Charles-Richard has done on his. After reading the process involved in just buffing the metal...it seems like it would be way over the top for me.

Take care,
Bruce

Post# 7661 , Reply# 87   1/7/2007 at 01:52 (6,309 days old) by charles~richard ()        
'' ... at the foot of the steps was her Kirby 505...

 ... with black trim, black bag with that big orange logo and the darker attachments all set out ready for her to clean with. How I wanted to examine every bit of that machine..but no! I had to be polite and not even notice the vacuum was there...."

---

WHAT a great story Fr Bruce! And I am not sure I would have had anywhere nearly that kind of restraint! In fact, I am sure I would not! I would have totally forgotten the true purpose of my visit and would have immediately become entranced with the Kirby, asking the lady if I could run it for her. If she said yes, then several hours later I would just be turning it off for the last time and lovingly storing it for her!!

Post# 7701 , Reply# 88   1/7/2007 at 18:26 (6,308 days old) by sukething ()        
I am not sure but isnt it.....

 Father Bruce, I see in your 561 picture is the owners book. I am porbably wrong but wasn't that the replacement book? I have an original for it, and I might have an extra one if you would like one. Yes, of course that maybe the book you got with it, I was just wondering.

Were there two books for the same model?

Charles Richard, please help me on this one.

That is what I was told several years ago. Please do not get me wrong the book is very good but and it has the same instructions. I do not have my books infront of me at the moment but I will look the next time.


Fred I might also have some original boxes do you still need some for your 561?

David

Post# 7718 , Reply# 89   1/7/2007 at 20:56 (6,308 days old) by charles~richard ()        
561 manual

 is the one depicted, and it was the same for the 560 as well. When the 560 came out it had a number of small aesthetic change and a slightly revamped instruction manual with a new cover. Contents were, as per Kirby, still pretty much the same.

Anyone ever noticed that on the "early-late" 500 series, e.g., the 516, 517 and maybe the 518, when you push the power switch the motor would not engage until you release the switch! Ditto for turning it off. You would press the button but the motor would not stop running until you left off the switch.

I always thought that was kinda neat but it apparently threw some people off because somewhere along the way, but before the 560, the switch was changed so that the power would come on as soon as you drepressed the switch, and ditto for turning it off.

Talking about this has just jostled loose yet another early Kirby memory! I have talked in the past about the large Baptist church where my mother was the organist, and how they had THREE Kirbys -- either 516s, 517s or 518s, I am not sure which now but I do recall they had the round red belt lifters.

The custodian's closet was a large room, the furthest end of which was under a stairwell. He kept the Kirbys lined up in a row in that sloping back corner with the handles tilted down at an angle.

Anyway, I suddenly had a vivid impression of the custodian standing on the carpeted aisle of the church getting ready to vacuum and him looking at me as he pressed the switch with his toe and making, you know, a sort of grand pause before releasing the switch by removing his toe and letting the machine start up!! I had TOTALLY forgotten about that until just now.

The custodian was kind of my pal. He was an older Black man, well probably in his 60s [not so "older" to me anymore, haha]; he was very tall and slim with gray hair. I'd always go run and "play" with him while my mama was practicing the organ. I remember one time him taking me into the sanctuary and showing me how he had buffed the hard tile floor under the pews. It was very shiny and beautiful.

I wonder how many other old memories are lodged in bad sectors on my internal hard drive!!

Post# 7722 , Reply# 90   1/7/2007 at 21:42 (6,308 days old) by sukething ()        
Another question....I hope you all do not mind.

 Thank you Charles-Richard for clearing me up on the 560 book, you are a sweet and wonderful man.

I know this may be something I have not been clear on and would appreciate some help.

Our Kirby dealer here who has been selling Kirbys since 1950 and his father before him also sold them told me, that the 512, 513 had the first silver push-button switch, rather than the togle up and down one. These are usually the models you had seen them on. Clay F. introduced me to this Kirby dealer many years ago.

I have also been told that those were replacement switches, but I have actually seen them on a machine in a ownners manual book. There is only one picture of it inside the book but I do have the book.

I am wondering which is it? There has porbably been a debate on this one before. Sorry to bring up old topics..

Thank you,
David

Post# 7754 , Reply# 91   1/8/2007 at 00:04 (6,308 days old) by industrialist ()        

I like my Tradition it’s probably my all time favorite, the blue color is the most regal looking of the bunch in my opinion. I’m also partial to the dual 80 and my Heritage 84 as well

Post# 7756 , Reply# 92   1/8/2007 at 00:37 (6,308 days old) by charles~richard ()        
Kirby switches

 The switches from the very first Kirbys (other than the R series) including the very earliest Scott & Fezter Sanitation Systems and Vacuette Electrics all had the same switch -- a small metal toggle switch on the SIDE of the cord socket. You pressed the switch down to turn the motor on and push it up to turn it off.

This switch was changed on the 513. So your Kirby guy was close but off by one model. The 512 still had the toggle switch, and also still had all gray trim and the older style bag with the Kirby name in the ornate cursive logo and parallel stripes up and down the front of the bag.

The 513 was the first model to have what Kirby termed the "push-push" switch. It also had red rug nozzle trim and red houselight trim. It had a newly designed bag (see link) and a higher-speed motor.

I thought for many years that the 513 was also the first machine to have a red handle grip, the same shape as the earlier handle grips but now red. Clay Floyd has maintained that this is not the case, that the 513 still had a gray handle and the first red handle appeared on the 514 when the swivel cord release hook was introduced.

I am not entirely sure I am convinced of this yet, as I have seen so many 513s over the years with the red handle grip I described. (You can see photos of original and replacement grips on the 2nd page of my Kirby history site), but for now I'll defer to his knowledge since I am not 100% sure of this, basing what I say only on the numerous 513s I've seen. Anyone else want to weigh in on this topic? Fr Bruce??

One concession I have to give Clay is that he is old enough to remember when the 513 came out, and I am not ... hahaha! :)

Anyway, I =am= sure about the switch -- it was changed when the higher-power motor was introduced. (n.b. there is a difference in sound between the 513-515 and the earlier 500 series, and the 505 sounds different from all of them. I believe the 505 has the same motor as the C/R series, and that a different motor was introduced with the 508 [there was no 506 or 507]. Only stating this based on the fact that my 508 does not sound the same as my 505, but my 505 does sound like my Model C and 2C.

There were other little differences between the 512 and 513 also. Slight design details.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO charles~richard's LINK
Post# 7835 , Reply# 93   1/8/2007 at 19:30 (6,307 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Here is my favorite Kirby models:
Heritage II/Legend/Legend II/G3/G4/G5/G6/Ultimate G/Diamond Edition/Sentria

Post# 7837 , Reply# 94   1/8/2007 at 20:45 (6,307 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
Bruce

 compactelectra's profile picture
Email me at fnelson487@sbcglobal.net and I will tell you the story of the Kirby Rebuild program.

Fred

Post# 7870 , Reply# 95   1/9/2007 at 11:05 (6,307 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
picture of toggle switch?

 If someone could please post a picture of an early Kirby with the toggle switch, I would really appreicate that. Switches are one of my favorite things, and I've never seen anyhing but the push button switch on Kirbys. Thanks!

Post# 7872 , Reply# 96   1/9/2007 at 11:10 (6,307 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
picture of toggle switch?

 If someone could please post a picture of an early Kirby with the toggle switch, I would really appreicate that. Switches are one of my favorite things, and I've never seen anyhing but the push button switch on Kirbys. Thanks!

Post# 7876 , Reply# 97   1/9/2007 at 11:57 (6,307 days old) by charles~richard ()        
Ask, and ye shall receive...

 These are of the 512, but again, you will find the same switch on all the Kirbys from the very first Scott & Fetzer and Vacuette Electric up through the 512.

n.b. the early Health-Mor upright (straight suction only) had a very similar switch, except that the switch was a large slider on top of the switch housing!

Post# 7877 , Reply# 98   1/9/2007 at 11:57 (6,307 days old) by charles~richard ()        
512

 On

Post# 7878 , Reply# 99   1/9/2007 at 11:58 (6,307 days old) by charles~richard ()        
And for comparison...

 the 513 switch (same switch for 513, 514 and 515)

Post# 7881 , Reply# 100   1/9/2007 at 12:14 (6,307 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
wonderful

 Thank you so much! I really enjoyed seeing that. I've always loved the deep press of the older Kirbys... and I think it's neat that they moved the switch from the side to the back. Was this just a style change? I think that toggle would be hard to manipulate. For some reason I always assumed that the early Kirbys had handle toggles like Royals... I'm so glad to be educated now :O) I did see that in your other post of the shiny Kirby on the gold shag, but I couldn't tell it was a switch... thought it was just a design! Thanks again :O)

Post# 8706 , Reply# 101   1/29/2007 at 03:13 (6,287 days old) by sudsmaster ()        

Those are all very nice Kirbys.

I bought a Dual 50 today... had to drive about 140 miles round trip for it, but I think it was worth it... it came with the Handi-Butler, Rug Renovator, various sprays, floor polisher. It works well, just obviously needs cleaning and polishing.

(more pics in the "60's Kirby" thread)

Post# 8793 , Reply# 102   1/30/2007 at 23:19 (6,285 days old) by bisonian (Where the buffalo roamed! (Ocala, FL))        
Great machines one and all

 My favorite has to be the 500 series, because that's what my grandmother had when I was growing up. Could have been anything between a 516 and a 560, but I like to think it was a 519 for the year I was born.

On a related note, is it still possible to get a cord with the round plug for the pre-516 models? I have a nice 511 I'd like to find an original-styel cord for.


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