Kirby 505 bag care

[sfcoronet]

Well, I picked up my 505 and before I started to clean it up, I thought I'd ask the experts - I know not to throw the bag in the washing machine, but should I even try to hand wash or am I better off not to mess with it all? As far as the wheels go, one has a chip out of it - replace it or leave as is? I know they're only original once, but I just want it to look it's best. Any and all advice appreciated on the "spa treatment".

Thanks!

 

[sfcoronet]

the bag

 

[sfcoronet]

wrong handle?

 

[sfcoronet]

one more

 

[sfcoronet]

After a bit of cleaning - a little polishing, vacuumed the inside of the bag and "dabbed" the outside with a damp sponge. Did this model have a bag guard? Still haven't started it...

 

[brandon_w_t]

Looking good!

What you did with the bag is as far as I would go. No washing. Just a slight barely damp cloth on the outside and vacuuming the inside is best.


They did not have bag guards as far as I know. Never seen one with one.

 

[twocvbloke]

I don't believe they came with bag guards either, but I would recommend getting a HeritageII type bag guard (it's black so would match the trim) if you plan to use the vac, even for just trial runs, you wouldn't want to tear the rim of the bag accidentally...

Very nice example though...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/180638561928

 

[kirbylover]

At least your 505 bag is black. My 510 has a grey(?) bag it's in good condition but it's more of an army green color from discoloration, and nothing I can do about it!

 

[redgeminipa]

Handle

I think that is the wrong handle. If I remember correctly, my 505 had a black or dark gray handle. I think it was textured, too, but it's been a very long time since I've had it.

 

[kc_kirby]

The handle grip is definitely wrong for the model. The original is a soft rubber grip that is hard to find in good shape. Most of them disintegrated over the years. But my 505 has the original grip and I have seen others with them as well so there are still some out there.

Chad

 

[sfcoronet]

Does anyone make a "replacement bag" for the 505? it seems like it would be fairly simple to have the old red and gold logo silk screened on a new black bag. Then I'd be more likely to use the vacuum without worrying about wrecking the original bag.

 

[brandon_w_t]

YES!


Not too long ago kirby released a very sharp open top black bag (500 series shape) With the fold over at the top. They -may- if I recall have a non fold one just like the 505s bag. Its not the same shape, but would look fantastic on your machine!



http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-OLD...ultDomain_0&hash=item1c19305fd3#ht_992wt_1189

 

[twocvbloke]

The non-folding version is the Omega replacement bag with the Sani-Scraper, might not look as nice as the flap-top bag that they sell for the 505-561...

Which incidentally is cheaper from Kent (speaking as a cheapskate, of course!!):



http://www.ebay.com/itm/180703328283

 

[twocvbloke]

And of course, the Sani-Scraper pocket version:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180638536922

 

[kirbylover]

If you decide to put another bag on it, get a second emtor as well and leave the original bag attached to it. You don't wanna pry it off and wreck the bottom of the bag! I think any of the Sanitronic ones will fit so there are lots out there.

 

[twocvbloke]

Nope, the later Sani-Emtors use 3 lugs to attach, the 505-515 uses 2 lugs, so they're incompatible, and the only decent one I can find is a bit on the expensive side:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/180647473227