Kirby model 512 parts needed.

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redgeminipa

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Joined
Apr 7, 2020
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6
Location
Altoona, PA
I stumbled upon this 512 in the basement, hidden in a corner of a thrift shop for under $12.00. It runs great, to my surprise, and I'm really hoping to restore it to as original condition as possible.

Here are a few things I need...

Belt lifter - original red would be great, but I'd settle for black
Nozzle bumper - black/gray should be about right.
A bag would be great, but I might make one and have it silk screened - keeping the original, of course.
Black cord - it appears the one on it is not original, it's tan

These are just the few things I know it needs for now.

I've searched all over and it seems there aren't 2 of these things that look alike. Some have all red trim, while others have different bags, etc...

Any leads would be great! Thanks in advance for the help!

You can email me at: [email protected]

redgeminipa++8-14-2011-22-10-15.jpg
 
from what I can tell it looks like yours has original parts, I am not sure about the cord though. Does it say Kirby on it? While it looks tan it may have faded from grey- try a little lacquer thinner on it (on my 510 the trim looked green, but it cleaned up to gray nicely.)

It would be so nice to find a grey bumper guard to keep it original, but I've been looking on ebay for the last month on parts for these things and there is not much out there! I think red is easier to find because it was on the newer models. If you decide to put red trim on it and put a red handle on as well, I'd be very interested in buying that grey handle grip off you! (if it's not cracked or anything)

If you go to Kirbyfans ebay store (or just go to kirbyneeds.com) there is a nice belt lifter it's a little different than the original (red letters on grey) but looks nice. Is yours broken? They are plastic so you can likely polish it up a bit if it's just dull.

Your bag looks like the same color as mine- grey but looks green due to age. Not much you can do about that but I'd keep it the way it is. If its got some rips get them stitched up but I would not wash the bag or even remove it from the emtor (incase the old spring decides to snap). Perhaps consider getting a mini-emptor and putting a bag with full zipper (add the silk screening if you like) put in the paper bags and then you can actually use it without blowing dust everywhere! lol

Check out this link I think it's accurate info regarding the changes of the 500 series.


http://www.1377731.com/kirby/page2.html
 
Congratulations on a great find, Ron!   The cord is the only major thing that isn't original.   The one you have is from a 60's era Sanitronic.  The orginal cord would have been shorter, grey, and the machine end had a round plug rather than flat.  Finding a cord and a grey bumper is going to be tough but after finding a machine with the original bag, luck appears to be on your side!  I can't see in the pic but is the little tab on the belt lifter broken and that's why you're looking for a different one?  Though rare again, they do show up sometimes on ebay and elsewhere.  I would gently vacuum out the inside of the bag and leave it as-is.  I learned the hard way once that even rinsing can cause the pattern to lift off the fabric.  If you want to use the 512 I would get a different bag and preserve the original one.  The plain black bag available from Kirby now would look fine on the machine and I've thought about the same thing;  taking a plain bag and silk-screening the design on it.  Good luck restoring this great piece of Kirby history!
 
Kirby belt lifter

Yes, the belt lifter is broke, the local vac store had one but it was green and wouldn't look right on it. We also have a kenmore deluxe automatic, kind of looks like a bug eye without the lights on the side, justnone in the middle. Cord looks like it has a new plug on it but other than that it appears to be all original. I will have Ron take a pic and put it up Later.
 
Thanks, Neil. I almost thought it was a 505 at first glance (my first Kirby), but it turned out to be a 512.

I'll keep searching periodically for a belt lifter and maybe a nice original bag. The belt lifter from the eBay seller is tan... mmmmmmmm nah... just can't do tan.

I can't find "Kirby" anywhere on the cord, but it sure looks like a Kirby cord from maybe a Dual Sanitronic.

The handle is in good condition - no cracks and looks original.

I took a couple of quick shots of a couple of our machines for your enjoyment (G6 Limited Edition, Kenmore Deluxe Automatic and the Fantom) . Speaking of which. Does anyone know where I might find some bags, filters and attachment pieces for this little Fantom canister?

redgeminipa++8-15-2011-14-23-55.jpg
 
OH MY!!!!!

That KENMORE is amazing! LOVE IT! I have never seen one quite like it. I have seen some pretty close, but not quite as cool.
 
Hi Drake. Any chance you could check with the store you mentioned to see if maybe they have a red belt lifter for this 512? That would be awesome if they do! Please let me know!!

P.S.... The handle on this lifter is what's broke. Otherwise, it's ok.

Thanks,
Ron
 
Thanks to Bill (a007KirbyMan), I'll be getting closer to getting my 512 ready for reconditioning. He's very helpful and knows his stuff.

Check with him for anything you may need. Shoot him an email: a007kirbyman @ aol . com.
 

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