Here is a list of all the Kirby vacuum models whose updates occurred on a "running change basis."
Model C (1934-1937) - early production models had no headlight
Model 505 (1945-1948) - early production models had non-functional belt lifter
Model 513 (1953-1954) - early production models still assumed the 3.0 amp motor, grey handle grip, and the usage of the older Kirby logo on the nameplate; most had the 4.0 amp motor, red handle grip and newer Kirby logo on nameplate
Model 515 (1955-1956) - introduced 10-blade impeller fan; but early units still had the black Vulcanite wheels (these changed to gray Alathon wheels)
Model 518 - unknown changes occurred after serial #238000 or so.
Model Classic Omega 1CB (1973-1976) - early production carried over both the gold shake-out bag and the old-style safety switch from the prior Classic 1CR; most units assumed the newer-style safety switch that had also been used on the Classic III and most Tradition models. The second bag (early '74) was a coffee brown pinstriped jean bag and the third bag (early '75) was a coffee brown vinyl diamondback bag.
Model Classic III 2CB (1976-1979) - 1977-78 production (the second) season assumed new-style handle grip with bag/cord hook moved from back to left-hand side (when vacuum is viewed from the front), and also the cord is moved from the left hand side of the handle fork to the right hand side (again front, or nozzle, view). Bag design is also changed slightly.
Model Tradition 3CB (1979-1981) - initial production had a new location for the safety switch (on the headlight), but features that were carried over from the Classic III included the 10-blade metal impeller fan, and the Suction Relief Vent on the rug nozzle. Most units assumed the Classic Omega/III safety switch, and also switched from a 10-blade metal fan to an 11-blade Lexan plastic fan (and the deletion of the Suction Relief Vent from the rug nozzle.)
Model Heritage II 2HD (1984-1988) - starting in the 1987-88 production season (the fourth season), "Legend" was added to the model name, and by early 1988 the bag and hose were made of newer material for stronger usage.
If there are other Kirby models out there that assumed updates on a running-change basis, please reply to this thread.
Thank you,
Ben Edge (KirbyClassicIII)
Model C (1934-1937) - early production models had no headlight
Model 505 (1945-1948) - early production models had non-functional belt lifter
Model 513 (1953-1954) - early production models still assumed the 3.0 amp motor, grey handle grip, and the usage of the older Kirby logo on the nameplate; most had the 4.0 amp motor, red handle grip and newer Kirby logo on nameplate
Model 515 (1955-1956) - introduced 10-blade impeller fan; but early units still had the black Vulcanite wheels (these changed to gray Alathon wheels)
Model 518 - unknown changes occurred after serial #238000 or so.
Model Classic Omega 1CB (1973-1976) - early production carried over both the gold shake-out bag and the old-style safety switch from the prior Classic 1CR; most units assumed the newer-style safety switch that had also been used on the Classic III and most Tradition models. The second bag (early '74) was a coffee brown pinstriped jean bag and the third bag (early '75) was a coffee brown vinyl diamondback bag.
Model Classic III 2CB (1976-1979) - 1977-78 production (the second) season assumed new-style handle grip with bag/cord hook moved from back to left-hand side (when vacuum is viewed from the front), and also the cord is moved from the left hand side of the handle fork to the right hand side (again front, or nozzle, view). Bag design is also changed slightly.
Model Tradition 3CB (1979-1981) - initial production had a new location for the safety switch (on the headlight), but features that were carried over from the Classic III included the 10-blade metal impeller fan, and the Suction Relief Vent on the rug nozzle. Most units assumed the Classic Omega/III safety switch, and also switched from a 10-blade metal fan to an 11-blade Lexan plastic fan (and the deletion of the Suction Relief Vent from the rug nozzle.)
Model Heritage II 2HD (1984-1988) - starting in the 1987-88 production season (the fourth season), "Legend" was added to the model name, and by early 1988 the bag and hose were made of newer material for stronger usage.
If there are other Kirby models out there that assumed updates on a running-change basis, please reply to this thread.
Thank you,
Ben Edge (KirbyClassicIII)
