Kirby belt lifter question

[tom519]

In the photo below there are two Kirby belt lifters. The one on the left I believe was used on Models 508 & 509, however I have seen it on later models, even up to the 512, but who knows if they were interchanged between machines. Does any one know when the transition was made between the two? Notice the lettering size is different. [this post was last edited: 12/22/2010-16:05]

 

[eurekastar]

I've always wondered about that too. There is a distinct difference. It's always hard to know since parts are interchangeable. I have one belt lifter that appears almost orange too. I've wondered if it was installed that way or it's just faded a lot.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi

Hi, The one on the left is from a 508/early 509. The one on the right was used from the 509 onwards.

I'm quite sure if you found a early lifter on later models it was prob put on after at some later point.

James)

 

[electrolux~137]

The logo style seen above on the left was also used on the plastic cover plates before the belt lifter was introduced, and then on the belt lifter for 505. Those cover plate caps were black plastic with orange-red lettering, as was the 505 belt lifter.

The earliest cover plates were brass with black and red lettering, and the logo style was different. I am not at home, so I can't post a photo of one.

btw the original Kirby logo was based on James Kirby's signature!

 

[tom519]

Belt Lifter

Charles,

If you get a chance at some point, I would like to see a picture of the brass belt lifter with black and red lettering. Was it actually made of brass or just plastic to look like brass? Another thing I just noticed on the pictures I posted, the older belt lifter on the left does not say On/Off, like it does on the belt lifter on the right. I guess people couldn't figure out if the belt was on the pulley or not, so they added the on/off. [this post was last edited: 12/22/2010-20:55]

 

[electrolux~137]

If you go to James Brown's web site [see link], have a look at the "early model C" and you can see a brass belt cover. There's a full shot of the entire machine plus a close-up of the motor.


http://mrvacuumcleaner.co.uk/page4.htm