1953 Kirby

[rivstg1]

I got a pre 516 model recently , I drove an hr to get it thinking it was an older model, but I got a good deal for it and super condition attachments so I took it from the Estate Sale for $37 ( included a Eureka Mighty Mite which I’m very impressed with ). I put a four row brushroll and converted to HEPA bag inside the cloth bag, it’s a joy to use now. It’s a 4 amp 513 that cleaned up nicely, but there were so deep scratches....I was able to remove most of them but grew tore of it and I’ll continue another long winter day. I still need a 3/4-1hp table/bench polisher....still use lots of snow grease, hand strength, wet sanding, and Mother’s polish with my Handi-butler. The condition of the hose is fantastic! I’ve never felt a better one that was 70 years or older. I also had never seen the ‘Sweetaire’ liquid before though, it’s apparently missing the small spout to pour it into the back of the emptor( so I’m told). Also, that floor polisher head nozzle is in perfect shape as well, amazed.

 

[rivstg1]

A few more

I wish I would have taken more before photos , the difference after polishing is substantial . Again, some deep scratches still there on the corner...I’ll get to them another day

 

[vacuumdevil]

@rivstg1

Looks good!

Wonderful find!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Rivstg1

Kelton,

Going by the version of the handle grip I see (gray grip, stationary cord hook), this one is an early production model also with the 3 amp motor.

~Ben

 

[madman]

Nice!

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Very nice vacuum. I prefer chrome foot switch over older toggle switch as wires are easier to hook up.
I'm not sure it had red headlight trim. I believe it was grey and first year of grey wheels. It looks good not much more to go.
Les

 

[rivstg1]

concerning the trim

I believe you are correct Les, I first thought of that when I noticed the red headlight trim was a slightly different shade of red from the nozzle trim red ( I restore leather/plastic/vinyl for a living, so I notice those kinds of things, haha. Grey wheels were stock? hmmm I didn't think so b/c these black ones are the old original 'plastic' that I forgot the name ....that vac manufacturer's used for wheels ( same as on my Model C)

 

[bnsd60m9200]

rivstg1

yes, kirby's had grey wheel from the 508 to the 561 if theyre original wheels. black went away with the 508.

 

[rivstg1]

thx,

I'm-a-learnin'

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I got all original 509 with black wheels 513 is when grey wheels through 519,560 561 had red wheels 562 sirocco. I'm pretty sure on wheels. I think with the new switch was new wheel color.
Les

 

[electrolux137]

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"<a name="start_37683.401849"></a><span style="color: #3366ff;"> yes, kirby's had grey wheel from the 508 to the 561 if theyre original wheels. black went away with the 508."</span>


 


Sorry, but this is incorrect. The first model with gray vinyl wheels was the all-new, streamlined Model 1956. The wheels were called "alathon gray."

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

electrolux137

Charles,

I remember you also said a few late 515s also had these gray Alathon wheels, which in this non-treaded design would last through either the 517 or the 518. These same 515s also had red attachments instead of gray.

~Ben