Kirby Cord Identification

[eurekastar]

Can someone identify what model(s) this cord may have come from? It came on a Heritage model (with the orange bag) that was given to me a few days ago. You can see where someone cut a groove into the machine end so it would fit the Heritage. If I had to guess, I would say it comes from a 516 or later. I have a service manual for the 500 series which indicates that the original cord would have been gray, but the photos are in B/W so the color of the cord ends can't be distinguished. The cord is in very good shape (aside from someone's hack job, which should be largely hidden when installed). If this is a correct cord for my 516, it would be nice to use it on that machine. Thanks for any help!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Yes, the presence of the red plugs at both ends indicate this cord to be from a model 516, 517, 518, 519, 560 or 561.

For the Heritage series (and perhaps the Tradition as well) the plug that the female end goes into has a different entryway, which explains the groove on those cords and the one the previous Kirby owner had modified to work with his Heritage.

~Ben

 

[electrolux~137]

wow, too bad they messed up a vintage cord like that. at least, it won't show when it's plugged into a machine.

 

[eurekastar]

There used to be a vacuum shop here in town owned by a guy who probably made that little modification. I've been to his shop (now closed), and it is always in disarray. He's a very nice man and always gives me things when he has something I need. When he decided to retire, he simply shut down his shop and didn't bother to sell his inventory. He's usually traveling in a motor home, so he's hard to catch. But when I find him at home, he's always generous with his time and the parts he has on hand. He's a very interesting guy too. He's full blood Comanche and a descendant of Quanah Parker, the last Comanche Indian Chief.