Kirby F&G Conversion

[repairman]

If these conversions were so bad, why did Kirby use their own version on the commercial models such as the Super Sweep? Also, where does the "K" brand originate from? I see it all the time on "bojack" parts but don't know where it's from. Didn't these aftermarket companies also sell trim kits too?

 

[repairman]

Now that I think about it...

I have to wonder if those conversion bags were meant for Hoover Convertibles initially because the F&G bag was always too big and would sometimes explode.

 

[lesinutah]

No

Hesco and Amvac in the catalogs I got from henry vacuum sold items like this.
It wasn't Kirby but various companies sold them.
The K I imagine was only thing they could put on a bag without getting in trouble with Kirby.
Have you noticed a green pistol grip handle among other things.
Commercial vacuums didn't have a good setup for disposable bags yet. The lady commercial vacuum in 1984. The Hoover, eureka, royal etc all used f&g. I believe they wanted to keep costs low while using the vacuum.
Les

 

[repairman]

I know Kirby had nothing to do with these parts.

But who made these trim kits, was it DVC? I remember seeing a blue D80 on eBay years ago and as far as I'm concerned, Kirby never made blue trim of any kind to my knowledge. Or did they? Wasn't there something about bojack handle grips on the 500 series not having a lip on the bottom or something like that?

 

[lesinutah]

Dvc

Was one of the companies. The wheels the nozzle and headlight trim and belt lifter were all available in the magazines.
The bag I've not seen.
Kirby never made any Bojack parts.
Les

 

[lesinutah]

K

I don't know if thread posts are in order by time.
The companies who made aftermarket Kirby bags used the k for Kirby. I'll find pics in my old magazines and show you.
The catalogs had k and a part number next to it.
If you go on eBay and look up Kirby handles. I have a blue pistol grip and a green pistol grip. They have k and part number either on the item or in description.
Les

 

[repairman]

If you could find some magazines,

That would be great. I'm really curious to see what they were all about.

 

[lesinutah]

Ask

And you shall receive.
I found some magazines and took pictures. I even rotated so they all are easy to see.
One pic was contacted but when I uploaded it rotated back.
There may be duplicate uploads. My browser keeps crashing.
Enjoy
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Website

https://thevacuumcenter.com/products/replacement-kirby-classic-iii-2cb-conversion-cloth-bag
https://generic.vacuum-cleaner.org/...-bag-for-paper.html?product_id=8TUbwr8yOJhnZA
Here is 2 places online.
Les

 

[repairman]

Thank you so much. No wonder there were so many frankenKirby machines back in the day! Parts were cheap and no one knew the difference. Just out of curiosity, what year was that catalog from?

 

[lesinutah]

Magazines

They were 1977 & 1983. .
There were a couple magazines but those were the years.
Les

 

[oldskoolguy]

I know that an F&g conversion COULD be done easily. I have a goodwill find 561, and it has an aftermarket bag conversion. All you need is a eureka outer bag without the bellows and a Kirby hose cuff, and if needed, a wood dowel and a spring. Tighten the screw once the bag cuff is over the hose cuff. If your bag doesn’t have a spring or a clamp, slide the spring on the wooden dowel, then insert the dowel through the opening in the middle on the top of the bag. If there is no opening and your bag uses a clamp, then this goes without saying: buy a new clamp. Attach the bag with the cuff to your Kirby and voila! You have an f&g bag conversion!

 

[repairman]

Well,

I have one of the conversions where the seams split apart because it was so old. I'm thinking about buying some corduroy and making it into a first time sewing project. I have always wanted to get a junk 500 series and retrim it with an F&G conversion and make it either red or blue. Don't get me wrong, I am all about keeping things original. But I was always fascinated by the creativity of vac shop owners.

 

[lesinutah]

Conversions

I have 2 prong version, 3 prong and mini emtor machine conversion bags.
The bag on the inside has about a 4 inch material . It has a small sleeve where the hole is connecting spring through an opening made ad bottom of the bag similar to a bag spring. Sometimes it's a clamp type screw.
I'll have to access my bags to show exactness.
If people would like I can show a couple bags.
Les

 

[repairman]

If you don't mind,

That would be great. The one I have is actually where that "K" logo came from. I scanned a picture of it. My favorite ones have the DVC pattern which look like a bunch of "I"s next to each other.

 

[lesinutah]

K

I have that same bag but mine isn't a f&g.
Les

 

[repairman]

Do you own any F&G Conversions you could take a picture of?

 

[lesinutah]

Yes

I just catching up wîth projects.
Les

 

[repairman]

Thanks Les

No rush.