Kirby 516 Back in Action!

[hismastersvoice]

I finally found a nice original bag for my 516, and switched out the Em-Tor tray for the correct gray one. I'm very happy with how it turned out!

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hi Brandon, You have a great Kirby there. Just so you are aware the boxes belong to the Kirby 561 and the bag belongs to a Kirby 518-561.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hope you don't mind me saying. I don't want to appear to be "picking holes" in your new Kirby. It's in great condition. Did you do the polish job on it? </span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">You must be proud of it. I would be if it was mine.

</span>


 


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

</span>


 


Oh...P.S I love the dirt meter as well!

 

[hismastersvoice]

I knew the boxes were not from this model, but it's what it came in when I got it. Evidently the original owner had upgraded to a newer model, but somehow I ended up with the newer boxes and older machine. They still store everything nicely, though.

According to my research, and a few other collectors, the 516s did use this style bag near the end of production of that model. I have a nice 560 on the way as we speak, so I may swap it to that machine once I find a nice example of the "correct" 516 bag.

I did polish it all by hand using Mothers. A buffing wheel would probably be faster, but like all of my antiques, I like to "rejuvinate" not "restore". Polishing by hand is slower, but I think the finished product looks more natural. After all, these things are 60-70 years old now (and still out-perform the plastic junk you can buy today!)

With all of these Kirbys along with my toasters, coffee percolators, and classic cars, I buy mothers by the 5 gallon bucket!

 

[super-sweeper]

Lovely Kirby and lovely Kitchen! what are those old boxes on top of that Monitor Top fridge?