Kirby 519 find and questions

[fantomfan57]

Yesterday I picked up a amazingly great shape 519 at a local thrift. I am getting the hang of things in that I really examine vacuums before I buy them. This one ran great, the bag (may not be original for this model) is in very good shape, grip is original and smooth. Cord is red on both ends and gray in between. There is one gray wheel, the rest are tan. One of the tan wheels is damaged. The headlight trim is tan and damaged, the nozzle bumper is red and needs cleaning.

Already cleaned out the bag a bit, wiped it down and did some very light polishing. I will take pictures later of it's original condition.

Prior to this machine, I had fallen for a Royal 880 which I just replaced the adjust-o-mat knob and cord to the original light blue cord and knob.

Now I like them both the same.

So, why so many color components to this machine?

Red: grip, nozzle bumper, on-off switch, bag ring.
Tan: 3 of 4 wheels, headlight trim
Gray: Emptor base, wheel.

Bag is tan with red repeating Kirby round logos.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

It sounds like it's part original part unoriginal. The cord is obviously the original grey with red plugs.
The grey wheel is original, the tan ones are newer replacement wheels. The bag is a 1960s genuine replacement bag. Yes light grayish tan bag with red Kirby logos all over it. The grip, nozzle bumper, on-off switch and bag ring are the original red ones. Anything tan is not original. Sounds like a good looking machine. Is the impeller fan the original aluminum one or a newer lexan/polymer (plastic) one?
A picture would be nice.

Ps, my 508 is like your Kirby

Try this link to my 508 video

 

[fantomfan57]

Hey Thomas, I just came from my Kirby Rep. He said the wheels were red on this one??

The fan is aluminum.

The only trim for the headlight housing was green. He also gave me a brown wheel because my tan one is on it's last leg. I will repair it with my crazy glue/baking soda fix until I get the replacements. He said he can not get the red ones.

Loved your video, dig the camo crocs.

So if anyone has the red...going with red, wheels, PLEASE contact me.

Thanks in advance.

Pictures today, for sure.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Thanks I dig my crocs too

No the wheels were grey. Red wheels first appeared on the classic III.
People often make that mistake when determining what color the original wheels were on these old machines.

And you're welcome

 

[fantomfan57]

Do you or does anyone else know where I can get some used or old gray/red (to match the rest) wheels?

 

[kirbyvacsandmor]

You could probably find them on Ebay.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

eBay, Craigslist or even any vac shop near you

 

[fantomfan57]

Ebay has the wrong color, Kirby Dealer does not have or can he order red. BTW, There is a green Model 80 for $100, but I can't spend that.

Somehow, I will find them.

Thanks.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Are you going to update your collection on your profile by adding the 519 to your collection?

 

[kirbyvertibles]

All trim on this was red and I believe the cord was grey with red ends. The bag would be greyish silver speckled. Year of production was 1959

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I love this site check it out for all early Kirby history www.1377731.com and look for the pages for Kirby among several other brands

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Here's some a pic of an all original 519 and a bag logo close up

 

[speedqueen]

1377731.com that's our very own

Charles Richard Lester! (electrolux137). From what I've seen on here he is one of our most knowledgable members.

 

[fantomfan57]

So gray wheels....okay. But am I seeing a tan light bulb hood trim??

I love the bag I have, but the gray would be awesome.

I will check the site.

Thanks for that.