Thread Number: 42443  /  Tag: 50s/60s/70s Vacuum Cleaners
Kirby ID
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Post# 446231   9/19/2021 at 15:02 (921 days old) by fantomfan57 (Central Texas)        

Howdy folks, can anyone tell me what Kirby is this?

FrankenKirby, but what model is this?


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Post# 446232 , Reply# 1   9/19/2021 at 15:14 (921 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)        

hoover300's profile picture
Anything between 516-S7. Would need a pic of the bottom to tell for sure.

Post# 446233 , Reply# 2   9/19/2021 at 15:21 (921 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
fantomfan57

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Garry,

Like Edgar (human) said, could be anything ranging from the 516 up to the Dual Sanitronic 50.

If it has the single-speed safety switch (one button, 134356) then it's a 516 to Sanitronic VII. If two buttons (134365), then Dual Sanitronic 50.

Models 516, 517 and 518, when you remove the motor shell housing, will have a different motor housing casting than models 519 and later.

~Ben


Post# 446234 , Reply# 3   9/19/2021 at 15:25 (921 days old) by fantomfan57 (Central Texas)        
I don't own it.....

possibly, yet.

Another pic.


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Post# 446235 , Reply# 4   9/19/2021 at 15:27 (921 days old) by fantomfan57 (Central Texas)        
Sorry, I knew better...

than to not rotate it...

So it looks like the owner dressed it up in blue?


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Post# 446237 , Reply# 5   9/19/2021 at 15:42 (921 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        
It's pretty, whatever it is...

human's profile picture
The tag on the bottom is too scratched up to make out. It could have been a dealer refurb when the Tradition was current. I kinda like the bag. It should clean up and look very nice.

Post# 446239 , Reply# 6   9/19/2021 at 15:58 (921 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
fantomfan57

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Garry,

Appears to be. I can see the nameplate! Going by the use of the slotted screws for the motor shell housing, this appears to be anything from a 516 to a 519. Model 560 was the first machine to switch to Phillips-head screws for the motor shell housing.

The Sanitronic VII was the first machine, though, to use Phillips-head screws for attaching the front axle clamps.

~Ben


Post# 446245 , Reply# 7   9/19/2021 at 17:45 (921 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
When older Kirby models were dressed up as newer ones, vacuum shops would obliterate or remove the original name tag so you didn't know you were getting ripped off or try and warranty new parts. I have a 500 series rebuilt in the 1980s that has the nameplate completely removed as well.

I have not seen a Kirby this old dressed up as Tradtion though, usually they are in red or some form of mauve. It looks rather nice I will say.

Assuming the motor has not been replaced either, date stamps on the armature can further narrow down the range.


Post# 446254 , Reply# 8   9/19/2021 at 19:32 (921 days old) by fantomfan57 (Central Texas)        
Thanks all....

I am considering buying it. But not sure. I was trying just to refirb. machines I already have in the garage instead of buying a new project. I will watch to see if the price goes down.

I have 4 Oreck uprights who are next in line if I would finish the Atlas. I need a ball and peen hammer to knock out a dent in the Atlas before I can prep. the body for paint.

Cheers, thanks alot!


Post# 446255 , Reply# 9   9/19/2021 at 20:57 (921 days old) by Oreck_XL (Brooklyn, New York 11211)        

oreck_xl's profile picture
At least it still has its Sani-Emtor and not converted to that horrid F&G style zipper bag. This is the first time I've seen the manufacturing plate still on the machine with the serial number scratched up beyond recognition. If it was out at the curb I would save it from the scrap heap, but I wouldn't pay any money for it. Kirby conversions are still a dime a dozen.


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