Is this for real?

[hoover300]

I have discovered what is clearly a hammer-tone grey painted Kirby 510. The person is parting it out but am wondering if it is worth getting the pieces and rebuilding it. I know they made hammer-tone emtors for a short time, did they ever originally make a hammer-tone Kirby or is this an aftermarket job? The vacuum has original trim and wheels as well. Thanks!

 

[ultralux88]

This would have been a vac shop paint job I’m sure.

 

[electrolux137]

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Can you post some photos? Thanks.

 

[dysonman1]

As far as I know - all Kirbys were polished. Even before they were Kirby. My Vacuette Wireless is polished and it was made in 1920 - 15 years before they made Kirbys.

 

[hoover300]

Pics

Here are all of the outer castings. I'd rather not say where I found them just yet as I'm afraid someone will snag them. Its hard to tell in the pics but the metal is a blue-grey hammer-tone with some scratches, especially on the nozzle.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Sure looks like a rattlecan paint job from the pics - you can buy hammertone finishes in a can. Can you see overspray on wiring, switches, in the nozzle, etc? If so it was sprayed. While not original, it could look unique. Sounds like you have yourself a new project!

 

[hoover300]

Yeah, I didn't see overspray but the tips of the handle pole are still chrome. It probably is a rattle can, but could be worth something as it has all of the original trim as well as nice castings and motor. I was just wondering if I should get one piece at a time, and build it up from there as the lots are between $20-30 each. I would only pay that much if it was a very special thing, so if anyone wants it for parts, the lots are on Etsy.

 

[huskyvacs]

Yeah being Etsy I can guarantee someone did a cheap respray to pretty them up and threw them on there.

 

[huskyvacs]

Here's some pics of the motor housing. Looking at it now I think it was likely a homemade job, possibly period-painted if someone didn't like the chrome.

 

[madman]

It does look awfully polished under that paint. They couldn't be bothered to scuff it up first, I guess.

 

[lesinutah]

Duke royals

Maybe they were trying to get the same look as the royal duke vacuums that are either sandblasted or primered. Idiotic if you ask me.
Les