Kirby 517?

[dustin]

I'm supposed to pick this up on friday, but I'm not exactly sure what model it is. I found it on craigslist and the ad said it comes with lots of attachments and works. I couldn't beat the price of $20, even.though I need another vacuum like a hole in the head. From what research I have been able to do, I'm thinking it is a 517, can anybody confirm that?

 

[oreck_xl]

It could be anything from a model 516 to a 519, produced somewhere between 1956 and 1959. They're getting harder and harder to find with the original bag, and the price is right for sure.

- Hershel

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

Hi, Nice find, Yeah I'll stick my neck out and say its a 517 going from the attachment case design. It looks to have the original cord as well with the dark red ends which should have the kirby logo on the plug)

Make sure you take picks when you collect it.
I hope the bag still has the logo intact on it)

James)

 

[dustin]

Oh I will definitely take pics, if all goes as planned. This will be my oldest Kirby, so I'm pretty excited.

 

[dustin]

Well, I picked it up today, and it is a 517. It seems to run pretty well, but the bearings sound a little dry. I brought it home and emptied/chiseled about 3 pounds of dirt and dust out of the bag, and then took a before pic of everything. There is only two empty spaces in the attachment box, and I don't know what originally went there. I even got the carrying strap and the portable handle. Everything is in good condition, even the hose.

 

[dustin]

Dirty, but not smelly. Needs a good cleaning.

 

[dustin]

Model plate...

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Ooh...

Ooh We both guessed right! It was a 517)

Remember to take pics when you restore it to show how it turns out!!

James)

 

[dustin]

I doubt I'm going to completely restore it, it is in pretty nice original condition. I figured out what one of my missing pieces was... The adapter to connect the hose for suction. I have the one that connects to the exhaust. Here's my progress so far, cleaned up and working. I washed the nozzle and brushroll, washed the bag twice, dried it, and ironed it. I don't think I have the original bag, there is no trace of the decal left if it is. I wiped all the dirt off of the rest of tje body, and gave it a light hand polishing. I gave it a quick run through the house and it seems to work very well, even with somewhat noisy bearings. I do need to get a new lightbulb, and either get a new nozzle gasket (are they even available?) or make on out of silicone.

 

[dustin]

Nozzle...

 

[dustin]

Attachments (didn't wash them yet, I can't use them aonyway)