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Thread Number: 26177
Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 (DS50) - Should I rebuild it? |
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| Post# 293425 8/13/2014 at 22:54 (3,536 days old) by matty (Pompton Lakes, New Jersey) | ||
I was visiting my grandparents this past week, and grandma asked me to get something from the attic. I saw her old Kirby sitting in a corner, which as far back as I can remember has always been there (27 years). I asked her if I could have it since she doesn't use it anymore and of course as grandma's always do... she said "yes, the box behind it has all of the attachments." (Ain't it amazing that at 88 she knows where everything is!?!)
So I brought it home, plugged it in and it works like a CHAMP. I brought it to my local vacuum shop for him to look it over, and the motor is in great shape he said, it needs some bearing and a new roller but that was it. I've kind of become intrigued with this machine... I've always thought Kirby vacs were cool and now that I had one wanted to know everything about it. So I've read every thread on this forum about the DS50 but still have a few questions which I hope of you can answer for me. I called Kirby and they said that if grandma sends it in it will qualify for an original owner rubild and only cost me $27.50. This seems like a logical choice since it's Kirby that will actually be doing the rebuild, and I really ant it polished. My concerns are that they will frainkenstein the poor machine and it will look horrible. The woman I spoke to in the rebuild department said they would replace the accessories most liley with black ones -which I'm cool with. I'm mostly concerned about the actual unit itself. On Kirby's site the only bag that they sell for this is tan, I'm not sure I like how that will look, especially if they put a black handle/wheels/ rubber guards etc on it. Can anyone share their experience with sending their Kirby in for repair? I know if I leave the bag off they'll just charge me for a new one, and I actually really like the original look. I'd even be willing to buy OEM parts for it to keep it looking original. Does Kirby still have the original colors in stock? I saw online a black corduroy bag, if they replaced all the brown parts with black I'd be ok with that too... but would the emptor still be brown? I'm thinking of asking the person at Kirby to leave all the trim and bag alone, and just rebuild the innards. If anyone can share if this is wise or not let me know. Finally, I read someone on here who sent in an older vac like mine and the moror was replaced with something newer like a Heritage motor. Is there any differences in motors that Kirby uses, and should I want one over another? The vacuum shop said to restore it with only what needs to actually be done (roller brush, the belt, cord and bearings) would cost me $92. I know it's more money, but at least it's local so I can keep an eye on what's being done. Thank you for any input on what to do, I greatly appreciate it and look forward to becoming an active member here on vacuum land! ~Matty | ||
| Post# 293430 , Reply# 1 8/13/2014 at 23:01 (3,536 days old) by marks_here (_._) | ||
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| Post# 293431 , Reply# 2 8/13/2014 at 23:02 (3,536 days old) by bnsd60m9200 (Akron OH) | ||
except for bumper trim, EVERYTHING will be replaced with BLACK. bag, cord, emtor tray etc. they also DO NOT replace attachemnts for machines that old. they dont make them anymore. ive also heard stories of people asking for original parts back, and not getting them back. best to learn to polish the aluminum yourself, take your time, and know it will keep its 100 original look which is has, sans a replacement plug on the male end of the cord.
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| Post# 293563 , Reply# 4 8/14/2014 at 17:44 (3,535 days old) by matty (Pompton Lakes, New Jersey) | ||
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Thank You
Thanks Guys, I really appreciatee your quick replies! I was looking online last night and found almost all of the tan parts that I need to make this looking brand new!
How would you suggest to polish the actual unit itself? I was able to find a new handle, the rubber trim pieces, lower emtor ALL IN TAN! I'm having a hard time finding a tan cord. I found wheels online ($40 for a set), I was thinking of just cleaning really well the ones that I have... thoughts? | ||
Post# 293567 , Reply# 5 8/14/2014 at 18:03 (3,535 days old) by electrolux137  (Los Angeles) |
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~ The more parts you can keep original, the more sentimental value -- and, ultimately, collectible value -- it will have. You have a rare thing here: A vintage appliance with provenance. I'd suggest you get your grandmother to sit down and write out a little something about it (in long-hand if she can) -- where she got it, when, etc., whatever she can remember about it. This kind of documentation will greatly enhance its nostalgic value -- and, again, ultimately, collectible value. Curiously, the cord is from an older model, one of the later 500-series machines. I wonder if she had an older Kirby before she got this one. You really shouldn't have too difficult a time in getting a matching tan cord for it. I will say that $92.00 just for a roller brush, belt, cord and bearings seems pretty steep. You might find out what the guy will charge just for the bearings (most likely only the front bearing will need attention), and get the other stuff elsewhere, e.g., eBay. Good luck with it; it's one of my favorite "later" Kirbys! | ||
| Post# 293568 , Reply# 6 8/14/2014 at 18:23 (3,535 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA) | ||
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| Post# 293570 , Reply# 8 8/14/2014 at 18:28 (3,535 days old) by matty (Pompton Lakes, New Jersey) | ||
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Handle | ||
| Post# 293573 , Reply# 9 8/14/2014 at 18:36 (3,535 days old) by fairfax88 (Orlando, FL) | ||
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Matty..... Please call me about your Kirby,I will give you some really good news!! ~David 407-583-9514. | ||
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Post# 293786 , Reply# 10 8/16/2014 at 00:41 (3,534 days old) by a007kirbyman (--->> Originally My Mom <<--- (now Wisconsin)) |
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Matty & Kirby parts...
Hello Matty.
If you haven't already acquired the Kirby parts you want elsewhere, shoot me an email & I will provide you all of my contact info. The prices you've mentioned above seem high. If you have, keep me in mind next time as a source for your Genuine Kirby wants & needs. I'm sure I will be able to save you substantially. EXAMPLE: ~~~~~> Tan (Genuine Kirby) wheel(s) = $4.20 ± each vs. "... ($40 for a set)..." (I'm not at the office @ the moment.) When I may be of assistance with your Kirby wants & needs, let me know. I appreciate being to be able to help save you guys & gals on your Kirby items; for both restorations & everyday consumables usage. Cheers & hagwknd all, Bill 0178 | ||
| Post# 294094 , Reply# 11 8/17/2014 at 12:46 (3,532 days old) by matty (Pompton Lakes, New Jersey) | ||
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THANK YOU | ||
| Post# 295393 , Reply# 12 8/25/2014 at 17:53 (3,524 days old) by matty (Pompton Lakes, New Jersey) | ||
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UPDATE
Got my DS50 back earlier, click the link below to see how it turned out!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO matty's LINK | ||
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