A pair of 505's, the one on the left has a aftermarket reproduction bag, the one on the right is original, I also have another 505 motor waiting in the wing's to be completed.
My pair of 505's
- Thread starter vacmadman
- Start date
kirbyvacuum
Well-known member
505 WOW
I have never seen two 505 Kirbys look like that what a wonderful job looks new ENJOY
I have never seen two 505 Kirbys look like that what a wonderful job looks new ENJOY
electrolux137
Well-known member
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ffffff;">~</span>
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ffffff;">~</span>
A few years ago an uncle came to Los Angeles for a visit. When we came home from the airport, as soon as he got in the front door he stopped in his tracks, turning as white as a sheet. I asked him what was wrong. He said, pointing to my beautifully restored 505, "That was the same exact Kirby that Mother [my grandma] had. It was my job to use it every Thursday." I said, laughing, "Tomorrow is Thursday — feel free to use it!" And he did!!
The first four photos are of that very Kirby and the remaining photos are of another one I found a few years later.
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ffffff;">~</span>
A few years ago an uncle came to Los Angeles for a visit. When we came home from the airport, as soon as he got in the front door he stopped in his tracks, turning as white as a sheet. I asked him what was wrong. He said, pointing to my beautifully restored 505, "That was the same exact Kirby that Mother [my grandma] had. It was my job to use it every Thursday." I said, laughing, "Tomorrow is Thursday — feel free to use it!" And he did!!
The first four photos are of that very Kirby and the remaining photos are of another one I found a few years later.
Thanks
Doug,
Thank you for the kind words.
Charles.
What a great story and memory...and what a wonderful find indeed, thank you for sharing. I would love to find an original handle grip for my 505's the one on the right is all original except the handle grip...I'm so close.
Thanks again
Jim
Doug,
Thank you for the kind words.
Charles.
What a great story and memory...and what a wonderful find indeed, thank you for sharing. I would love to find an original handle grip for my 505's the one on the right is all original except the handle grip...I'm so close.
Thanks again
Jim
VacMadMan
Jim,
The one at right in picture #4 looks like an earlier build, as I can see the bakelite safety switch wire insulator. That version would also have had the aluminum Emtor bottom painted black, as well as the version of the nozzle with the non-functional belt cover.
~Ben
Jim,
The one at right in picture #4 looks like an earlier build, as I can see the bakelite safety switch wire insulator. That version would also have had the aluminum Emtor bottom painted black, as well as the version of the nozzle with the non-functional belt cover.
~Ben
Early 505
Benjamin
I have never heard of a 505 having a black painted aluminum emptor tray. I know the earlier models had aluminum emptor trays that were not painted. I also have never seen one. I have seen the painted emptor's with the hammered on finish. I also have never seen a 505, or heard of one that came without the belt lifter? That is the 505's claim to fame.
Having said that anything is possible when it comes to Kirby and how the changes or upgrades came to be, and when. The earlier Kirby I have with the Bakelite safety switch wire insulator...or connector, did come with the belt lifter. Interesting info thanks.
Jim
Benjamin
I have never heard of a 505 having a black painted aluminum emptor tray. I know the earlier models had aluminum emptor trays that were not painted. I also have never seen one. I have seen the painted emptor's with the hammered on finish. I also have never seen a 505, or heard of one that came without the belt lifter? That is the 505's claim to fame.
Having said that anything is possible when it comes to Kirby and how the changes or upgrades came to be, and when. The earlier Kirby I have with the Bakelite safety switch wire insulator...or connector, did come with the belt lifter. Interesting info thanks.
Jim
They
Never had metal emtors painted black I've owned 5 505 emtors and 0 were metal painted black. I have a 505 produced in the first 3 months and it has a belt cap and hard plastic bottom with the metal petruding nipple.
Interesting paper on the floor polisher. I have a model 4c floor polisher in its original box but it doesn't have a letter from kirby.
Never had metal emtors painted black I've owned 5 505 emtors and 0 were metal painted black. I have a 505 produced in the first 3 months and it has a belt cap and hard plastic bottom with the metal petruding nipple.
Interesting paper on the floor polisher. I have a model 4c floor polisher in its original box but it doesn't have a letter from kirby.
electrolux137
Well-known member
~
~
I don't know about black-painted emptor bottoms, but I do know that the earliest 505s did not yet have belt lifters, just caps. The belt lifter was introduced sometime during the run of the 505.
~
I don't know about black-painted emptor bottoms, but I do know that the earliest 505s did not yet have belt lifters, just caps. The belt lifter was introduced sometime during the run of the 505.
oreck_xl
Well-known member
I have an early 505 that my father rescued from the trash back in the mid '80's that does not have the belt lifter. Originally I thought it might be a 2C/3C or 4C but no, it is an early 505, so Charles is correct.
505 belt lifter
Thank you for that little bit of 505 history. I thought all 505's came with the belt lifter, but like I said before, Kirby is famous for making changes mid stream. ...good to know.
Thank you for that little bit of 505 history. I thought all 505's came with the belt lifter, but like I said before, Kirby is famous for making changes mid stream. ...good to know.
Belt lifter
Another belt lifter that started mid stream was, what I call the silver back. Some say it started with the 516. When I got my 515, the belt lifter on the nozzle had the incomplete circle on the logo, but the 515 floor polisher that came with it had the silver back logo on it. The 515 also started with the black wheels, but ended with the grey "smooth" finish plastic wheels. I think the bag also changed mid stream that year going from the stripped bag to the plain round Kirby logo with the straight lined Kirby name, all grey bag. I think the 515 was also the first to use the bag protector trim.
Another belt lifter that started mid stream was, what I call the silver back. Some say it started with the 516. When I got my 515, the belt lifter on the nozzle had the incomplete circle on the logo, but the 515 floor polisher that came with it had the silver back logo on it. The 515 also started with the black wheels, but ended with the grey "smooth" finish plastic wheels. I think the bag also changed mid stream that year going from the stripped bag to the plain round Kirby logo with the straight lined Kirby name, all grey bag. I think the 515 was also the first to use the bag protector trim.
KirbyCollector01
Well-known member
So cool!!
I love those!! They look amazing. Here is my 505 & 4C.
I love those!! They look amazing. Here is my 505 & 4C.
zenith12
Active member
My 512
I noticed that the 515 has a different switch
I noticed that the 515 has a different switch
Zenith12
Mark,
The 513, 514 and 515 all have the step-type foot switch button... and the 515 also has a 10-blade fan.
~Ben
Mark,
The 513, 514 and 515 all have the step-type foot switch button... and the 515 also has a 10-blade fan.
~Ben
Nope
The 505 was introduced with the belt cap. The original manual shows a belt cap. The belt lifter was introduced in the second year of the 3 year run. I am showing my 505 belt cap from my 505 a model c belt NOS and 505 NOS belt lifter.
My 505 is a one owner every part is original not from another vacuum. I have a 508 all original except the bag.
You can piece together a 505 oem but all original is super rare like the condition of your bag.
You have to love the photo rotation. The link is to my 505 all original.
In my opinion it's the kirby everyone likes no matter what vacuum company they're loyal too.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35768
The 505 was introduced with the belt cap. The original manual shows a belt cap. The belt lifter was introduced in the second year of the 3 year run. I am showing my 505 belt cap from my 505 a model c belt NOS and 505 NOS belt lifter.
My 505 is a one owner every part is original not from another vacuum. I have a 508 all original except the bag.
You can piece together a 505 oem but all original is super rare like the condition of your bag.
You have to love the photo rotation. The link is to my 505 all original.
In my opinion it's the kirby everyone likes no matter what vacuum company they're loyal too.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35768
Bag collar
The bag collar first appeared on the 562. The open top bags 505 to 561. It rolled out with the 562 with the sani pocket. There also refered to as sanitronic style bags as opossed to open top bag.
If you look at a 519 and a 560 there almost the exact same. The big triangular belt lifter was introduced.
I corolate the switch with 4 amp motor. There is a large vent on the 3 amp 513s and the 4 amp is narrower? Thomas could explain it better a since he was the one who told me.
The bag collar first appeared on the 562. The open top bags 505 to 561. It rolled out with the 562 with the sani pocket. There also refered to as sanitronic style bags as opossed to open top bag.
If you look at a 519 and a 560 there almost the exact same. The big triangular belt lifter was introduced.
I corolate the switch with 4 amp motor. There is a large vent on the 3 amp 513s and the 4 amp is narrower? Thomas could explain it better a since he was the one who told me.
Correction
I am wrong again what can I say I married I'm used to it.
Bag collars were introduced on the 516 model. I look at my exploded diagrams, manuals and archives.
I do believe the sweet Aire ended with 561 model. It's not in my 562 manual and the few machines i own or have owned didn't have sweet Aire ports.
I try to be correct with my information and I'm here to post as accurate as possible information.
I am wrong again what can I say I married I'm used to it.
Bag collars were introduced on the 516 model. I look at my exploded diagrams, manuals and archives.
I do believe the sweet Aire ended with 561 model. It's not in my 562 manual and the few machines i own or have owned didn't have sweet Aire ports.
I try to be correct with my information and I'm here to post as accurate as possible information.
Bag collars
The bag "collars" at the top of the bag started with the Kirby 508. The 505 was the last to have a bag clip rubber boot. If your talking about the bag protector at the bottom of the bag around the top of the emptor, that stated at the end of the 515 run. The first 515's did not have them. Pictured is the 505 rubber boot clip cover.
The bag "collars" at the top of the bag started with the Kirby 508. The 505 was the last to have a bag clip rubber boot. If your talking about the bag protector at the bottom of the bag around the top of the emptor, that stated at the end of the 515 run. The first 515's did not have them. Pictured is the 505 rubber boot clip cover.
505 Belt cap
Les,
If you don't mind me asking, what is the serial number of your 505 with the belt cap cover?
Les,
If you don't mind me asking, what is the serial number of your 505 with the belt cap cover?
Clip
The rubber boot wasn't on all 505s. It's on mine but it's about half have the plastic collar. I'm thinking it was an upgrade. Mine also has all wiring with conduit and a black l shaped bracket on the underside.
The link above is my 505.
The rubber boot wasn't on all 505s. It's on mine but it's about half have the plastic collar. I'm thinking it was an upgrade. Mine also has all wiring with conduit and a black l shaped bracket on the underside.
The link above is my 505.
collar
Les,
We will have to agree to disagree, The bag "cuff" or collar, as I call them is at the top of the bag that covers the bag clip. The plastic piece that go's around the bottom of the bag is called A "Bag Guard" (Kirby 561 manual page 38). I have always called them bag protectors.
Jim
Les,
We will have to agree to disagree, The bag "cuff" or collar, as I call them is at the top of the bag that covers the bag clip. The plastic piece that go's around the bottom of the bag is called A "Bag Guard" (Kirby 561 manual page 38). I have always called them bag protectors.
Jim
Thanks
Les,
Thanks for posting that picture, if that is a serial number before they introduced the belt lifter or "magic finger" My first 505 must have originally come that way, and it was upgraded later It's serial # 24645, a very early one. Also my second 505 had no bakelite L shaped connector on it and was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run according to the motor field and armature, and it's serial # is W322365....interesting.
Jim [this post was last edited: 1/4/2021-20:27]
Les,
Thanks for posting that picture, if that is a serial number before they introduced the belt lifter or "magic finger" My first 505 must have originally come that way, and it was upgraded later It's serial # 24645, a very early one. Also my second 505 had no bakelite L shaped connector on it and was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run according to the motor field and armature, and it's serial # is W322365....interesting.
Jim [this post was last edited: 1/4/2021-20:27]
Bag
The bag guard I mis worded but it first came on the 516.
The black plastic cover that goes over the bag clamp assembly has no name but a collar would be proper.
The vacuum you have didn't come with a belt cap. The belt cap models fans were longer than the belt lifter models. I tried a belt lifter on my model and the spindle allows no room. If you have a 6 blade fan and a belt lifter fits it came with a belt lifter.
The serial numbers have no rhyme or reason associated with when there produced.
I'm not trying to prove a point. I'm just fixing incorrect information I gave.
You have two mint model 505s. I have an all original good condition and another very good condition one but there not polished up like yours yet. It's inspirational to get mine done.
The bag guard I mis worded but it first came on the 516.
The black plastic cover that goes over the bag clamp assembly has no name but a collar would be proper.
The vacuum you have didn't come with a belt cap. The belt cap models fans were longer than the belt lifter models. I tried a belt lifter on my model and the spindle allows no room. If you have a 6 blade fan and a belt lifter fits it came with a belt lifter.
The serial numbers have no rhyme or reason associated with when there produced.
I'm not trying to prove a point. I'm just fixing incorrect information I gave.
You have two mint model 505s. I have an all original good condition and another very good condition one but there not polished up like yours yet. It's inspirational to get mine done.
Collar
This is a collar or "cuff" at the top of the bag....The black "rubber" not plastic cover on the 505 and earlier models has been referred to as boots. Also to say "The serial numbers have no rhyme or reason associated with when there produced" is simply not true....I'm sorry but logic tells me that 24645 came long before 447601 I'd bet dollars to donuts....call me crazy or VacMadMan...LOL.
This is a collar or "cuff" at the top of the bag....The black "rubber" not plastic cover on the 505 and earlier models has been referred to as boots. Also to say "The serial numbers have no rhyme or reason associated with when there produced" is simply not true....I'm sorry but logic tells me that 24645 came long before 447601 I'd bet dollars to donuts....call me crazy or VacMadMan...LOL.
Ok
I'm aware what things are called but referring to them as boots is your opinion backed by no literature anywhere.
Okay enterprit the numbers. I'll just call you uneducated . 44 Year 7 month 601 production number. 2 46 or even 45 doesn't come before 44.
Your vacuum doesn't have a belt cap and it didn't come with one. The first models produced had belt caps.
Like I know alot about Kirby's obviously more than you since you can't comprehend my vacuum was produced earlier than yours.
I know your older and senile. I'm not paying attention to detail.
I'm not staying opinions my vacuum was produced before yours. Mine has never been modified and is original. It's model plate didn't come from another vacuum.
The model 1c kirby collector got from me. I have a 3c. I have parts to model C's. I made the best bag for a 505 that sold for more than anyone in ebay history. I have picked the brain of one of the handful of people who know more than me on 500 series Kirby's. Electrolux 137 I'm not acquainted but him and 2 other people know everything about kirby.
Until you can get someone who knows more than me to chime in and basically tell you serial numbers don't mean anything.
Please spare me your serial number is lower than mine. Mines never been modified.
If serial numbers are correct belt caps came after belt lifters.
Im glad your trying to prove a point but put your money where your mouth is because your wrong and you know it.
If you want a lesson on 505 great but don't try to give me one when you have nothing to back you up.
Don't stay up too late.
I'm aware what things are called but referring to them as boots is your opinion backed by no literature anywhere.
Okay enterprit the numbers. I'll just call you uneducated . 44 Year 7 month 601 production number. 2 46 or even 45 doesn't come before 44.
Your vacuum doesn't have a belt cap and it didn't come with one. The first models produced had belt caps.
Like I know alot about Kirby's obviously more than you since you can't comprehend my vacuum was produced earlier than yours.
I know your older and senile. I'm not paying attention to detail.
I'm not staying opinions my vacuum was produced before yours. Mine has never been modified and is original. It's model plate didn't come from another vacuum.
The model 1c kirby collector got from me. I have a 3c. I have parts to model C's. I made the best bag for a 505 that sold for more than anyone in ebay history. I have picked the brain of one of the handful of people who know more than me on 500 series Kirby's. Electrolux 137 I'm not acquainted but him and 2 other people know everything about kirby.
Until you can get someone who knows more than me to chime in and basically tell you serial numbers don't mean anything.
Please spare me your serial number is lower than mine. Mines never been modified.
If serial numbers are correct belt caps came after belt lifters.
Im glad your trying to prove a point but put your money where your mouth is because your wrong and you know it.
If you want a lesson on 505 great but don't try to give me one when you have nothing to back you up.
Don't stay up too late.
Peace
Have a nice day Les.
Have a nice day Les.
505 handle fork?
Les,
let me pick your brain...what can you tell me about this handle fork off my first 505, look closely it's slightly different from all the others I have seen on Kirby's, and I've never seen another.
Les,
let me pick your brain...what can you tell me about this handle fork off my first 505, look closely it's slightly different from all the others I have seen on Kirby's, and I've never seen another.
