515

[hmc1981]

We nabbed this 515.

Came with all the original attachments and everything in flawless condition. All it needed - and still needs is the correct bag. Figured why not have some fun with the tan open top bag that was laying around.

 

[lesinutah]

Chris

That bag is far from tan it's red.

 

[gabowenjr]

Glad you got that gem, wasn't it for sale in Jacksonville?

 

[rugsucker]

Kirby looks Great!!

Your home could be used to film a new Diesel Jeans commercial.(The original had a biker tracking in dirt and then vintage vacs appearing from everywhere to clean up.)

 

[hmc1981]

Hahah

Les: I used some rit dye. It came out pretty good I think.

Gary: yes! It sure was in Jacksonville. Really nice lady sold it. She used it to vacuum her perfectly white carpet that was in her garage, lol. She had a G4 for inside the house.

Jimmy: I’ve never seen that commercial, but now I’m going to have to look for it. Thanks!

 

[gabowenjr]

You did a great job restoring it and it looks alot nicer now than the pictures.

 

[rivstg1]

hmc1981

that bag looks superb!!!! forget the oringal bag(unless you happen upon one), your dying job looks superb!!!! it pops with that red!!!!! well done sir!

 

[rivstg1]

Hmc1981

Would you care to share which chemicals ( or coloring kit) that you used ? I’d like to replicate your efforts in red, on some 500 series machines with that same bag.
K

 

[hmc1981]

Dye color

Hey!

Sure thing!

I just used Rit liquid dye. Cherry red- the entire bottle. I used a sirocco (spelling?) tan bag and voila!

I’m glad you like it! It came out better than I was thinking it would and may actually do the same for another machine!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Hmc1981

Chris,

That's fantastic about how you turned that bag from tan to red!

I actually remember seeing a model 560 or 561 once with a tan bag similarly dyed red by the vacuum center that rebuilt it.

~Ben

 

[kirbyklekter]

Hmc1981

That really looks great. Did you have to bleach the bag before dying it red or just dye right over the original color? Or does that even effect the shade?

 

[hmc1981]

Bill,

No bleaching, just a good wash to make sure it was nice and clean. Throw it right in the dye mixture and I let it set for about 20 minutes. Ring it all out and dry it.

 

[kirbyklekter]

Thanks Chris,

for responding and wow, you've got a great collection of vacuums!

 

[lesinutah]

Ya

I'm not in love with tan sanitronic bags. I'm also not a huge fan of screen printed after 1952. This looks much sweeter than original bag.
Les