Kirby 512 with Red Bumpers?

[kirbyclassiciii]

Did Kirby ever make their last 512s with the red headlight and nozzle bumpers (meaning new from the factory) that would make themselves known on the model 513?

In Kirby's 1957 proof book, it mentions 1952 being the year that "...introduced vinyl plastic handle grip and plastic massage cup. New color design for greater eye appeal."

~Ben

 

[human]

It could be one that had been 'updated' by a dealer to resemble the then-current model.

 

[huskyvacs]

Maybe the color was designed ahead of time for the next model's release and just told about to get people interested in the new model? A lot of times old sales brochures can be kind of cryptic with what they mean, and harder still looking back in retrospect.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

huskyvacs

It is true Kirby did showcase changes to an older model what would be on the next one. They did this quite a lot then.

For example, Kirby did make the last 515s with the same gray Alathon wheels and red tools as the forthcoming 516.

Also, the 513 changed to the pivoting top cord hook and 4 amp motor during the second quarter of production.

That's why I still envision that the few last 512s might have gotten out with the red headlight and nozzle bumpers as its successor the 513.

~Ben

 

[vap0rtranz]

my 514 is red & black

Ben,

I've no idea about 512/513s but my 514 is all red bumper and black wheels.

Poor quality pictured below. I can't take a new pic b/c my 514 is currently disassembled Tan power cord is obviously not original.

Justin

https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?39321

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

vap0rtranz

Justin,

513 was definitely first to have the red headlight and nozzle bumpers throughout its run, along with the new-style brush roll, rug plate and foot switch.

The 514 continued with the 4 amp motor, pivoting top cord hook and red plastic handle grip introduced with the second batch of 513s, but had one slight change to its brush roll beginning with its own second batch, using longer 1-3/8" adjustment screws of the original 1" long screws.

And, the 515 had a new style angled single-mount headlight socket and ten-blade fan. When Kirby previewed the 516, the 515 then had the new gray Alathon wheels and red attachments that made their formal appearance with the new 516.

~Ben