Early, Kirby 508

[electrolux137]

Well, I wasn't talking about the Classic III but the 508 ... two completely different animals with completely different motor sound & volume.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

I got a 508, it's not fully original but I'm working on getting it all original

 

[KirbyCollector01]

So far the priginal parts on it are the six blade fan, the red belt lifter with Jim Kirby's real signature engraved on it, the grey nozzle trim, the metal part of the hand grip, the grey emptor tray, the black cord isn't an original one from the 40s and is brand new but I still call it original because it's black like the original. The parts it has that's not original at the moment is the bag, the headlight trim, the wheels, the rubber sleeve on the hand grip, the sani emptor is a 1950s replacement as it has a sweet aire which first appeared on the 510 I believe. I am ok with that emptor. I have a tan 70s replacement hose for it that I use on it. That is what I have to say. Happy vacuuming

 

[watsonw]

Early, Kirby 508.

If only they still made them like that now; they would probably sell far better over here in the UK!!!

A truly beautiful machine, l had the chance to try one (a 240 volt UK version) and it was most impressive.

Cheers, Walter, UK.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Watsonw

Was it 240 volts? Or a 120v plugged in a transformer?

 

[cb123]

KirbyCollector, you really got yourself a great machine there!

 

[KirbyCollector01]

cb123

Thank you

I have been working on finding original parts for it. Soon it will be all original

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Speaking of that, anyone know how and or where I could get original 508 parts?

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Three Years after my first reply, my 508 is now original!!

Here it is with my 519 (also all original)

 

[kirbyklekter]

So happy for you!

They look fantastic and congratulations on finding all the parts needed!

 

[lesinutah]

Tom

Beauty
I think that's the cream color bag I mentioned. If I'm correct you have the 508-512 darker color bag also?
The belt lifter was in immaculate condition. I'm glad to see the belt lifter fits the vacuum.
I do have pics of my model 3c and 505 headlight trim is thinner. It has a rivet on outside corner and where rivets are on outside on yours the rivet is on opposite side.
I don't know if 508s trim would be similar.
I'm envious of your bags. The 508 bag 1970 janitronic Kirby vacuette or model 1c or 2c are left on my bucket list.
It's rarest Kirby in mint condition. I did say people painted washers on wheel screws with red paint. I don't know how true but ya.
I got a classic 3 from thrift store my wife bought me. I replaced sanatronic bag with red bag with adapter. I need a sticker for the lens cover. It just needs polished up. The fan is metal bearings are solid, carbon brushes are good and brush roll is good. The lights good. The handle the plastic part on the back that holds pennies or quarters needs replaced. I also chipped the red cover by power switch. I thought I'd mention as I seen you posted a video on your channel.
Les