Test Driving the Kirby Dual Sanitronic 80 and Pictures

Unlike my usual modus operandi, I took my new Kirby out of the car today and gave it a quick once over. It was re-built in October 1988 by Kirby, but from what I gather from Doug in the Singer thread, it dates to around '66-'68, so I guess I'm in the right place. The rubber ridge around the edge of the light cover is worn through in spots, the light bubble is burned out, the bag is really nice, the bumper around the floor nozzle is clean and good, the metal is relatively scar-free, and wants a good polishing. All of the green trim is excellent. I plugged it in, and it started right up with a tap of the toe. Would barely pick up the sparse litter granules and cat hair, but the rug sure lifted up. My carpet was probably 3/4 inch when new, and is a sculpted plush, was installed at least 26 years ago. I took the vacuum into the back yard and pulled the thing at the bottom of the bag loose, and presumably emptied the bag. Never had a Kirby before, so this is how I assume one does it. Took the head off, re-installed it, and after a few moments the belt started engaging again, it wasn't when I first tried it. It still doesn't really pick up yet, but when I get some feedback, that should solve some problems. Now, I shall try to get some pictures up!


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Post# 14539 6/2/2007 at 13:42 (6,172 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes Unlike my usual modus operandi, I took my new Kirby out of the car today and gave it a quick once over. It was re-built in October 1988 by Kirby, but from what I gather from Doug in the Singer thread, it dates to around '66-'68, so I guess I'm in the right place. The rubber ridge around the edge of the light cover is worn through in spots, the light bubble is burned out, the bag is really nice, the bumper around the floor nozzle is clean and good, the metal is relatively scar-free, and wants a good polishing. All of the green trim is excellent. I plugged it in, and it started right up with a tap of the toe. Would barely pick up the sparse litter granules and cat hair, but the rug sure lifted up. My carpet was probably 3/4 inch when new, and is a sculpted plush, was installed at least 26 years ago. I took the vacuum into the back yard and pulled the thing at the bottom of the bag loose, and presumably emptied the bag. Never had a Kirby before, so this is how I assume one does it. Took the head off, re-installed it, and after a few moments the belt started engaging again, it wasn't when I first tried it. It still doesn't really pick up yet, but when I get some feedback, that should solve some problems. Now, I shall try to get some pictures up!

Post# 14545 , Reply# 1 6/2/2007 at 19:09 (6,171 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)
Checkrate/Likes *Kirby manitance Belt @Bag* Hi Alan Sounds like you are trying to get your Kirby in running order. To begin with once you master a few things your kirby will be running like new. The Kirby rebuilding program is for original oweners so you did good haveing it rebuilt in 1988. Ok now for the right way to enpty your Kirby you wll notice toe touch control the large lever when you steep on it will raise the nozzel the small lever will lower it. You should never have to remove the bag fron the Kirby. So get a few large sheets of paper put then on the floor lower the nozzel all the way down start the Kirby let the bag inflate completly then turn off the Kirby put it back on the paper and shake the bag then open the small door under the bag and remove the dirt.Now for the beltPut the Kirby on a table so you dont have to bend to much 1 raise the head light cover 2 Raise the toe touch lever all the way up. 3turn the Kirbyname plate all the way to the left 4 renove the entire head of the vacuum. If when you turn the name plate and it turns very easy you should change thebelt infact i would change the belt any way. while you have the head off check the belt for wear. 5 CLEAN THE BRUSH ROLL OFF OF ANY DUST RUG ENDS and anything else . Be sure the brush roll is totaly clean. 6 If the belt is in good shape no cuts ets Re install the head and lock in place and turn the Kiry name plate back so it is upright again. To put the BELT BACK ON you will notice wnen you look at the back of the rug head like a metal finger place the belt right near the finger and turn it all the way to the left as you do that the belt shoult be lifted put the head back and turn the name plate back that will allow the belt to sit on the shaft. Alan try that let me no what happens. If that works we are ok if not we will go over belt replacement.VERY IMPORTANT the rirht way to adjust your Kirby for propper cleaning is1 start your kirby put the adjustment all the way up then one step down in the small lever until you hear the Kirby makeing contact on the rug then go down once more that should do it. Ok Alan i HOPE THIS HELPS YOU i will sign off before this becomes a book. LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DID. That Kirby will make your rugs look like new when working right OK my friend TALK SOON DOUG

Post# 14546 , Reply# 2 6/2/2007 at 19:59 (6,171 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes *Kirby Rebuild* Hi Doug, actually the rebuild was done by a previous owner to me, I just bought the thing yesterday at a thrift store. It has a sticker on the bottom from Kirby with the date 10/88 typed in. I'll keep you posted as I get into it further than I already have. Thanks for all the details you wrote today. I'll experiment tomorrow. Have a good night, Alan

Post# 14547 , Reply# 3 6/2/2007 at 20:07 (6,171 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)
Checkrate/Likes Hi Alan sorry for the rebuild mistake i guess what i ment to say was you got a good deal haveing it rebuilt in 1988. Take care Doug

Post# 14551 , Reply# 4 6/2/2007 at 21:36 (6,171 days old) by luxg ()
Checkrate/Likes Alan, that Dual 80 looks to be in great shape. Follow Doug's advice and you will see some great results.

Post# 14552 , Reply# 5 6/2/2007 at 21:45 (6,171 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes *Dual Sanitronic 80* Good, I'm looking forward to that.