Vintage 1960 Kirby Vacuum Model 560

Got this old Kirby out of the trash a few years ago. It still runs like the day it was made. The bag appears to be a 1980 replacement, and it needs to be replaced again.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• vintage
• Kirby
• vacuum
• 560

[bagelboi66]

I have an early 70's Classic that still runs like the day it was new. It doesn't suck like it though. I wonder if the motor has lost its oomph. It still works, but newer vacs pick up a lot of dirt that the Kirby misses. I hang onto it because it was my mother's. They're really rugged though.

[Maxxarcade]

@bagelboi66 Which model is it? There are a lot of things that can impact the performance, but they are easy to fix and parts are still available.

[bagelboi66]

I have replaced the original cord with a new OEM cord. I wish I'd bought that OEM attachment set too when I had the chance. Is there a source for authentic attachments because I'd really like to replace the worn brown OEM hose. Maybe that's the problem. I can't stand those ugly grey aftermarket hose retrofits though. I'd like to keep this vac all original if possible. Any suggestions?

[Maxxarcade]

@bagelboi66 Not sure where you would find something like that other than Ebay. If the hose is not leaking, I wouldn't worry about it. The main causes of suction loss are the bag needing to be washed (just run it though the washing machine after removing the metal hanger) and the agitator belt needing to be replaced. Also check for broken blades on the fan.

[Vacmasterthegreat]

is that vac supposed to sound so "whiney"? to me, it sounds like a fan or bearing.

[Maxxarcade]

It has a replacement plastic fan blade.

[coondogtheman1234]

now these are vacuums, the crappy vacuums made today are chinese garbage, they really need to bring these back but i doubt they will ever be the same as back in the day with these vacuums

[warsi1000]

kirby!kirby!kirby!

[bagelboi66]

@Maxxarcade Hi It's a Classic Omega, with the gold bag and brown trim. It still runs fine, and the motor sounds the same as alway, recently replaced brush roll. I am not using the original bag but have a retrofitted disposable bag that uses Hoover bags. The local Kirby dealer did that for me. The original bag was not trapping dust like it once did. I've hung onto the cloth bag and sani emptor though. It does switch from low to high when I put on the hose

[TheZeke1974]

These ol Kirbys are just amazing!!! Not like the crap you can get today from Walmart that wont last a year....

[ClassicTVMan1981X]

If this unit was rebuilt back in 1980, then wouldn't this 560 have been dressed in blue to resemble the Tradition? Of course, in 1980 the Lexan fan was already in use on that model.

[coondogtheman1234]

@goodinsrt8

that is pretty cool the LED headlights. I just wish stuff today was made like it was back in say the 60s. I'm only an 80's and up and even 1980's era stuff was better than today's junk. You cannot go thru the toy section of any store and not find anything good or gadgety. it's s shame really.

[goodinsrt8]

@coondogtheman1234 I believe the fan is made out of polymer. But it is real chrome, either thT or some heavy ass plastic. About the only difference in the new ones are the LED headlights.

[coondogtheman1234]

@goodinsrt8

well that is good. is the fan on it metal? is the whole thing real metal or just fake chrome on plastic.