Kirby 508 before and after

[vacmadman]

This is my Kirby 508 from 1948 this Kirby took me some time to restore, but I was very happy with the way it turned out. The bag is a aftermarket reproduction. The light trim was replaced with Kirby grey trim cut to fit, not painted. The 508 is one of my favorite Kirby's made.

 

[human]

Wow... Just wow...

I could easily be convinced the before and after were two different machines. Simply an amazing transformation.

 

[zenith12]

Looks great

I’m getting a Kirby 512 for Christmas maybe I say maybe because I’m having trouble with the usps have you ever had a vacuum get lost in shipping?

 

[vacmadman]

Lost in shipping

I have had one get lost in shipping, But was able to track it down with the help of my local post office.

 

[kirbyklekter]

From "Rags to Riches"

What a really great job you've done resurrecting this little beauty now. The headlight trim looks fantastic as does everything else you've done~ Did you stay with the original 3 amp motor? I love the way they sound at startup. If I were judging this would be a no brainer, 5/5. Congratulations! Billy

 

[suckolux]

Very pretty! Nice job

 

[vacmadman]

kirbyklekter

Thanks Billy, Yes I did stay with the original motor. It didn't run when I got it, but after removing some rust, and cleaning it up it runs like new. Not to bad for $19.00

 

[vacman1961]

Beautiful restoration. I miss having my buffing machine, I restored many old Kirby's in my day.

 

[vacmadman]

vacman1961

Thanks so much, I don't use a buffing machine, I use a variable high speed, low profile hand drill for polishing. I also wet sand before buffing or polishing. A polishing machine will do a better job, but this works for me...thanks.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Very nicely

done.
As far as vacuums lost in shipping, I've had a few nightmares.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Kirby vacuums in general

WOW Best Job I have ever seen. Looks Better than new. That Bag LOOKS wonderful finishes THE Kirby as a Vacuum of TRUE WONDERFUL CLASS I think BETTER THAN ANY NEW KIRBY OF TODAY ENJOY. KEEP IT IF you can DO NOT. SELL IT

 

[louvac]

What brand

are those low profile drills? And, where did you get them and how much did they cost?

 

[lesinutah]

Harbor freight

Chicago electric drills might be clearanced out but $35 is the price. I had one and there good drills.

 

[vacmadman]

low profile Drill

I bought mine at Harbor Freight.