Kirby Model 515 Rebuild

[compactelectra]

Thanks

I've ordered two. When I get them I will try out the embroidery and let you know how it turns out. I'll probably have to open the seam in the back to be able to embroider, but can seam it back up again. This opens all new possibilities for color combinations on these machines that would be fabulous. Here is my original 562. I have a almost brand-new 519 that I would like to try this out on. I'll send it up to Racine for a polishing and then a whole new outfit, cord and bag with the original red trim. Love it! If I can perfect the techique, you'll get payback Bill. I'll also play around with the trim on the bag. I may use the second bag for a pattern and experiment with different fabrics to mimic the original. What fun. I'll let you know when I am taking orders.

 

[compactelectra]

BTW

This is how the replacement bags are coming from Kirby. All the old machines being refurbished by them are with black trim. Not sure I like it, but the bags are fabulous.

 

[eurekastar]

Fred

I look forward to seeing what you're going to do!

 

[briankirbyclass]

I think the hoses and attachments comming back from the factory for rebuilds are all black now too. At least the last several ive sent in have come back this way. Havnt gotten a machine with a black bag yet. The last time i sent in my Tradition, it came back all blue except for the bag guard, hose and attachments,,were all black. Everything else was blue. This was 3 months ago.

I do know for certain that the long strait extension tube, curved tube, large floor nozzle, swivel coupler and crystalator are no longer avalible, and wont be replaced by the factory. Neither will they replace any shampoo systems,floor polishers,floor pads,Handy Butlers, hair clippers, turbo brush, turbo sander, or Handy Waxer's.
Also all cartons, boxes, attachment carriers,not replaced in the FR.
They are considered "Optional Equipment", and not part of the Factory Rebuild Agreement. - According to the last notice i got when i sent in a machine for rebuilding anyway.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Got to fix my last posting about the 513-515 bag...

(Photo: Charles R. Lester, aka electrolux~137)

@eurekastar
This is what the 515's original bag looked like, although there were only slight differences between the original 513 and subsequent 514-515 versions. I suspect the bag that was on it when you discovered it looked like a replacement (absence of stripes). In the 1960s and '70s, Kirby had the #190058 bag (models 518-561) as a replacement for all their 5XX series.

~Ben

 

[a007kirbyman]

eurekastar, black bag & parts...

Again Bill, you've done a nice job on this restoration as well as the others.

Black Genuine Kirby replacement bag. The price of this zipper pocket bag (190073) thru me would be ONLY $21.62 plus (applicable shipping for your order). *[SEE OTHER thread.]

I am posting a link to a thread I posted on the Off-Topic forum, as it applies to both vintage & contemporary model Kirby vacuums.

In case the link does not work, here it is also:

http://www.vacuumland.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/9569.htm
Cheers & have a great day all,

Bill

http://www.vacuumland.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/9569.htm