Kirby 562 (Sanitronic) Question

[eurekastar]

I recently acquired a Kirby Model 562. The handle grip, bag guard and bag top are all a bronze color with a metallic shimmer. However, the rest of the trim is this light chocolate color. Does anyone know if ALL trim (including the headlight and bumper) would have been that bronze color? The part number on the headlight trim is 161956. It also has M-65 stamped on it. When I eventually get around to restoring it, I want to make sure the headlight trim and nozzle bumper are as close to the original color as I can get them. Spraying them out with vinyl/plastic paint is an easy process. I just want to make sure the color is correct. Thanks!

 

[electrolux~137]

I have a 562. The handle grip, lighthouse bumper, bag guard and bag top are as you describe, copper in color with a metallic sparkle.

The on-off switch, handle lock button, and rug nozzle bumper are "coppery" in color [darker and redder than the tan trim on the Sanitronic VII and dual 50], but don't have the metallic sparkle.

I imagine the reason for this is that the "soft" plastic material of the first four components would readily lend themselves to the metallic sparkle whereas the "harder" plastic of the other three components would not.

The cord is off-white with dark tan plugs, and the looped metal hook on the cord is about 5 inches long.

I've never seen a 562 in new or restored condition. I imagine it's quite glorious with the sparking plastic and sunburst belt lifter reflected in the highly polished aluminum housing.

 

[eurekastar]

Charles . . .

I have the original white and tan cord, but it has several breaks in the outer insulation and therefore isn't in very good shape. I'll clean it up and keep it, but I won't use it. A little too risky I think. I have a couple of friends who confirmed the differences in trim color. Now the challenge will be to find the right color plastic/vinyl paint that will closely match the original.

 

[kc_kirby]

I have had a 562 in the past. I unfortunately sold it to a friend. It was in great shape when I got it but I took it apart and polished it up. It was a complete set with all the boxes and accessories. I do believe the headlight trim was a different color than the later Sanitronics. I don't think the nozzle bumper was a different color or if it was, it wasn't that much different than the later Sanitronics.

 

[eurekastar]

Chad, thanks for that photo! The headlight and bumper trim is definitely a different color than today's tan trim. I think I'm probably being a little too anal about the color match! LOL!