Great find Andy! Ive always loved the 500 series because my Grandma had one, so i was raised using it. My only gripe about the 500s is that the handle pole is too flimsy. At the time they were being made, it wasnt of course,,,the thick shag/plush carpets and padding hadnt come into vogue yet.
With the handle pole being flimsy, it makes a 500 series hard to steer and turn on thick carpet,,but if you replace the strait stick like handle with a classic, or better yet a HG1 or 2 handle,,,that solves the problem.
Of course now you have a franken kirby,,,but hey,,to each his own.
I put a HG2 handle on my factory rebuilt DS50,which makes it very easy to use.
I totally agree that there is nothing like the Classic series, if properly cared for, they will last forever.
A cousin of mine bought a Classic Omega brand new in 1973,when she got married and started housekeeping, and its still going strong to this very day. She has never had any other vacuum cleaner.
The motor still sounds like it did the day it was delivered. Of course she has had a new bag, brushroll and belt installed over the years, but i find it remarkable that even being 36 years old,,and had heavy use over the years, the machine still sounds and acts like its brand new. I know she has sent it in for rebuilding a few times over the years, but its been many years now since she even did that. Just goes to show,,,
Quality
Reliability
Performance!
She said the Kirby salesmen still come around once in awhile trying to show her the new G series machine,and to talk her into
"Upgrading" to the newer model.
She says she always tells them NOTHING DOING! WHY would i want to get rid of my Kirby? Its like an old friend! Has never let me down yet~, and works as well as it always has!
Besides, YOUR company promised me they would rebuild my Kirby for 39 dollars for as long as i live, as often as i want. So, you can take your Kirby and ride it back to your office! lol
