My latest aquisitions

[kirby519]

Kirby Tradition Date of delivery Oct. 30, 1981

Kirby Model 516

Both came from a family friend today after carpet cleaning at their house yesterday. More parts may be around the family home they are clearing out so we will wait to see. Could possibly be yet another older Kirby at the home.

First time I have seen an air intake guard for a tradition that will also fit and trip the safety switch for the Heritage series machines.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

kirby519

Steve,

Your 516 still has its original factory gray cord/red plugs, but has a Sanitronic 562/VII bag!

And that Tradition was one of the last ones delivered going by that date!

~Ben

 

[kirby519]

Yes I know the cord is original and the bag is a replacement. It is also missing the motor cooling fan. Not sure what happened to that.

This Tradition is the first one that I have used that has the kind of suction power I expect from a Kirby. All Others of that model were weak even with a shake out bag like this one has.

The other thing that surprised me was the air intake guard that works on the Heritage series.

I can use the cord on the other 516 I have and also the brush roll in the one I just got is like the original as well and can change that out for the replacement one in the first 516.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

kirby519

Steve,

About that cooling fan on the armature being missing: you will really need to buy a new armature instead - ask for part no. 114959 or 114960.

~Ben