Kirby 511 all done!!!

[eurekastar]

My Kirby 511 spent the day in the spa and she's finally done!  She looks better than ever! But like anyone looking at 63 years, she has a replacement part.  The original fan was busted, so I had to put in a new fan kit.  I'll be on the lookout for a six blade metal fan -- maybe from a donor machine. 

[this post was last edited: 6/21/2014-20:07]

 

[eurekastar]

I also installed new trim.  The old trim is in pretty good shape, but I want save it in case I sell it or give it away.  The new owner may want the original trim.  The bag is in amazingly good shape too.  Now all I need is a Sweet-Air plug. 

 

[marks_here]

It looks awesome!!!! Some many good memories looking at that which my aunt had that one & when I went to see her she would always have it out waiting for me!! Didn't get to see her all that often as we lived far away.

 

[vac-o-matic]

Like every Kirby that you've refurbed and posted pics of now and in the past, it's excellent! Good job!

 

[electrolux137]

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That's really stunning! Where did you find that beautiful bag??!

 

[kirbymodel2c]

WOW!!

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Bill, you've weaved your magic again. It looks amazing! That's one great looking bag!!</span>

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James</span>

 

[kirbymodel2c]

WOW!!

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Bill, you've weaved your magic again. It looks amazing! That's one great looking bag!!</span>

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James</span>

 

[eurekastar]

Bag

The bag came off a 510 that I have (and I think both models used the same bag).  The original bag on the 511 was in excellent shape except the screen printing all came off.  Other than a couple of small stains near the Em-tor, this bag is almost like new! 

 

[classicfan1]

Sweet

Sweet mother of all that is carpet fibers!

Stunning machine!

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Beautiful!!! Now I have to shine up my D50.... I feel inspired.

 

[eurekastar]

Sweet-Aire plug

Does anyone know what color the original Sweet-Aire plug would be.  I've only seen red (from later 500s), but I'm guessing it may have been gray or black.  I don't know if I've ever seen an original one.  I can always paint it out to change the color if I need to.  Thanks!


 

 

[vac-o-matic]

I just went and checked mine and it's red. The rest of the machine is all original, so I'm guessing to be as well.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hi Bill, All the "Sweet-Aire" Plugs were dark red in color. Kirby models 510-561 only had </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">"Sweet-Aire" </span>dispensers.


<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Some collectors believe that some grey ones was used on the very early run of 510s. I've never seen one tho.</span>


<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I hope this helps.</span>


 


<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>


 

 

[eurekastar]

Thanks for the replies! 

 

[electrolux137]

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Somewhere around here I have a gray Sweet-Aire plug. It's identical to the red one but of molded gray plastic (not painted). I have several boxes of small bits and pieces and "doo-dads" and it's in one of those boxes I think. When/if I come across it I'll post photos of it. I didn't store it in any particular place because at the time, I didn't think it was anything special as I had seen them before.