Kirby Long Handle Fork Tube Fluted Smooth Model ?

[chicagomike]

Hi, can someone please tell me what Kirby vacuum cleaner model numbers are associated with the a.) fluted - handle fork tube long and b.)smooth handle fork tube long?

See the picture below for reference to my question and thanks in advance of your reply!
Michael

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Michael,

The detailed one, used since the model 518, is part no. 170058 and that actually replaced the earlier smooth one given as part no. 1700.

~Ben

 

[electrolux137]

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There were actually two different rib designs. The first design had the ribbing spaced about 1/8" apart and was rather fine -- not very deep. Later, the ribbing became deeper and were spaced much, much closer together. Somewhere in my stuff I have one of the early ones. If I can dig it out, I'll post photos of it.

 

[electrolux137]

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Re the ribbed handle part, I think it's one of those changes that were made mid-stream and kinda gradual. I've seen 517s with both smooth and ribbed handle sections, and ditto for 518s. So it was sometime during the reign of the 517/518 I'm pretty sure, but don't know that it could be absolutely pinned to one particular model.