Another 505 is ready to go.
My third 505 restoration
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VacMadMan
Jim,
Very good restoration right there! Serial number on this one says 337396, and I still see the Bakelite connector for the wires going between the foot and safety switches.
My 505 (what Thom aka KirbyCollector gave me) is serial number W221230 (the "W" indicating the use of the 10176 field and 10175 armature), so I wonder if mine in fact also had the black Bakelite connector before?
~Ben
Jim,
Very good restoration right there! Serial number on this one says 337396, and I still see the Bakelite connector for the wires going between the foot and safety switches.
My 505 (what Thom aka KirbyCollector gave me) is serial number W221230 (the "W" indicating the use of the 10176 field and 10175 armature), so I wonder if mine in fact also had the black Bakelite connector before?
~Ben
Serial number
Ben,
Thank you, I bought the Fan case, nozzle and belt lifter, Light cap, and motor, all separately. Having said that I was told by our friend Les that the serial numbers are random and mean nothing. Anyway this 505 was pieced together so don't base your 505 off this one. I think I might put this one up for sale. I have another one waiting in the wings for parts.
Jim
[this post was last edited: 6/25/2021-20:28]
Ben,
Thank you, I bought the Fan case, nozzle and belt lifter, Light cap, and motor, all separately. Having said that I was told by our friend Les that the serial numbers are random and mean nothing. Anyway this 505 was pieced together so don't base your 505 off this one. I think I might put this one up for sale. I have another one waiting in the wings for parts.
Jim
[this post was last edited: 6/25/2021-20:28]
VacMadMan
Jim,
I figured you would say that about the swapping of parts for this one!
Hence, I would love to know more about at exactly which serial number Kirby did away with the Bakelite connector for the wires going between the foot and safety switches. I would think it was also at that serial number that Kirby changed the nozzle to have the built-in belt lifter instead of just a belt cover.
When Kirby did eliminate this black Bakelite connector, it also eliminated the two screw holes on the motor housing used to mount it.
~Ben[this post was last edited: 6/26/2021-01:17]
Jim,
I figured you would say that about the swapping of parts for this one!
Hence, I would love to know more about at exactly which serial number Kirby did away with the Bakelite connector for the wires going between the foot and safety switches. I would think it was also at that serial number that Kirby changed the nozzle to have the built-in belt lifter instead of just a belt cover.
When Kirby did eliminate this black Bakelite connector, it also eliminated the two screw holes on the motor housing used to mount it.
~Ben[this post was last edited: 6/26/2021-01:17]
No
Ben bagman here's the resident genius. His theory that his belt lifter 505 was produced before my all original 505 belt cap model.
Ben the bottom of the housing would have 2 screws where the bakelite connector attaches.
Listen to madman but take it with a grain of salt. His attention to detail is lacking .
Ben ask Thomas he can confirm what I said.
Ben bagman here's the resident genius. His theory that his belt lifter 505 was produced before my all original 505 belt cap model.
Ben the bottom of the housing would have 2 screws where the bakelite connector attaches.
Listen to madman but take it with a grain of salt. His attention to detail is lacking .
Ben ask Thomas he can confirm what I said.
Serial number
Les,
You did say that the serial numbers are random, with no rime or reason. You also said that your 1st year all original pre belt lifter model 505 had a serial #447601. My first 505 has the bakelite connector and belt lifter it's serial# is 24645, so common sense and logic would dictate by the serial number that 24645 came well before 447601 Right??
So in order for this to make any sense the serial numbers must be random with no rime or reason...can you fallow any of this?? I would put my work up against yours any day of the week. It didn't require any skill to find an all original 505 just a little luck. It takes time skill and knowledge to piece back together these old Kirby's and do it right. If calling me names helps you sleep at night go for it you sad little man.
Side note: Ben,
James Brown in the UK might be able to help answer your question about the end of the Bakelite connector. I trust his word and knowledge when it comes to Kirby, a great go to guy.
Jim
[this post was last edited: 6/26/2021-09:35]
Les,
You did say that the serial numbers are random, with no rime or reason. You also said that your 1st year all original pre belt lifter model 505 had a serial #447601. My first 505 has the bakelite connector and belt lifter it's serial# is 24645, so common sense and logic would dictate by the serial number that 24645 came well before 447601 Right??
So in order for this to make any sense the serial numbers must be random with no rime or reason...can you fallow any of this?? I would put my work up against yours any day of the week. It didn't require any skill to find an all original 505 just a little luck. It takes time skill and knowledge to piece back together these old Kirby's and do it right. If calling me names helps you sleep at night go for it you sad little man.
Side note: Ben,
James Brown in the UK might be able to help answer your question about the end of the Bakelite connector. I trust his word and knowledge when it comes to Kirby, a great go to guy.
Jim
[this post was last edited: 6/26/2021-09:35]
Okay
Every Kirby prior to 505 had a belt cap. Every model after the 505 has a belt lifter. The belt cap came before the belt lifter.
If 4c's parts were used on 505 early run vacuums the serial number would be high.
The serial number is theory. The fact of when the belt cap was made isn't. When the belt lifter also is a fact.
We can speculate all day but the cap came before the belt lifter.
My 505 is all original so it came with a belt cap.
We can guess but nobody has linked serial numbers with anything.
If plates were made by sections and each station had to stamp the machine. Why is my belt cap a higher number? If yours was a belt cap and got converted to belt lifter idk.
My guess is either stations had stamps, 4c plates were left and put on early 505s or your machine was altered and made before mine. Bill who I have talked to knows a lot but we don't speak. Mike baldo knows a lot and is friends with bill. I texted him in late April. Tom Stepien is a genius and I thanked him a couple days ago.
Tom doesn't know a link between serial numbers. He has mentioned a 505 emtor with a clear type adoninized emtor on 505s.
Kent oyler doesn't know anything about seri numbers and he had either 2 or 3 brothers were Kirby dealers. He told me I had an early 505. I noticed my fan petrudes out further than belt lifter models. I tried a different 505 belt lifter nozzle and the fan hits the belt lifter. It's all original it came with a 1950 floor polisher.
I have a 4c floor roller. You remove the brush roll and belt. The brush roll goes on bottom of the nozzle and used a long belt. The floor polisher in the website from electrolux137 is not on early models. Notice the bristles are vertical and not horizontal. I've seen a floor polisher with a 505 belt lifter but the brush roll had been replaced questioning if someone put a 505 cap on a version similar to my 510 polisher.
Were just chasing our tails arguing. I'll open my motor case in good time but I don't want to ruin anything. I'll gladly show you the stamps on the motor but I'm not going to yet.
Let's agree to disagree. Were focusing alot of energy in proving each other wrong. I will concede you could be right but the belt cap disagrees and the serial number agrees. Neither of us knows. I'll be helpful and nice but I honestly quickly read and posted when answering the question the other day. I just ask when I say I misread I did. I don't lie to make myself look better. I'll respect your opinion and you respect mine. We can use each other as resources instead of arguing. This forum isn't posted on very often. If we're getting along we both will save wasted energy and time.
Every Kirby prior to 505 had a belt cap. Every model after the 505 has a belt lifter. The belt cap came before the belt lifter.
If 4c's parts were used on 505 early run vacuums the serial number would be high.
The serial number is theory. The fact of when the belt cap was made isn't. When the belt lifter also is a fact.
We can speculate all day but the cap came before the belt lifter.
My 505 is all original so it came with a belt cap.
We can guess but nobody has linked serial numbers with anything.
If plates were made by sections and each station had to stamp the machine. Why is my belt cap a higher number? If yours was a belt cap and got converted to belt lifter idk.
My guess is either stations had stamps, 4c plates were left and put on early 505s or your machine was altered and made before mine. Bill who I have talked to knows a lot but we don't speak. Mike baldo knows a lot and is friends with bill. I texted him in late April. Tom Stepien is a genius and I thanked him a couple days ago.
Tom doesn't know a link between serial numbers. He has mentioned a 505 emtor with a clear type adoninized emtor on 505s.
Kent oyler doesn't know anything about seri numbers and he had either 2 or 3 brothers were Kirby dealers. He told me I had an early 505. I noticed my fan petrudes out further than belt lifter models. I tried a different 505 belt lifter nozzle and the fan hits the belt lifter. It's all original it came with a 1950 floor polisher.
I have a 4c floor roller. You remove the brush roll and belt. The brush roll goes on bottom of the nozzle and used a long belt. The floor polisher in the website from electrolux137 is not on early models. Notice the bristles are vertical and not horizontal. I've seen a floor polisher with a 505 belt lifter but the brush roll had been replaced questioning if someone put a 505 cap on a version similar to my 510 polisher.
Were just chasing our tails arguing. I'll open my motor case in good time but I don't want to ruin anything. I'll gladly show you the stamps on the motor but I'm not going to yet.
Let's agree to disagree. Were focusing alot of energy in proving each other wrong. I will concede you could be right but the belt cap disagrees and the serial number agrees. Neither of us knows. I'll be helpful and nice but I honestly quickly read and posted when answering the question the other day. I just ask when I say I misread I did. I don't lie to make myself look better. I'll respect your opinion and you respect mine. We can use each other as resources instead of arguing. This forum isn't posted on very often. If we're getting along we both will save wasted energy and time.
Okay
Every Kirby prior to 505 had a belt cap. Every model after the 505 has a belt lifter. The belt cap came before the belt lifter.
If 4c's parts were used on 505 early run vacuums the serial number would be high.
The serial number is theory. The fact of when the belt cap was made isn't. When the belt lifter also is a fact.
We can speculate all day but the cap came before the belt lifter.
My 505 is all original so it came with a belt cap.
We can guess but nobody has linked serial numbers with anything.
If plates were made by sections and each station had to stamp the machine. Why is my belt cap a higher number? If yours was a belt cap and got converted to belt lifter idk.
My guess is either stations had stamps, 4c plates were left and put on early 505s or your machine was altered and made before mine. Bill who I have talked to knows a lot but we don't speak. Mike baldo knows a lot and is friends with bill. I texted him in late April. Tom Stepien is a genius and I thanked him a couple days ago.
Tom doesn't know a link between serial numbers. He has mentioned a 505 emtor with a clear type adoninized emtor on 505s.
Kent oyler doesn't know anything about seri numbers and he had either 2 or 3 brothers were Kirby dealers. He told me I had an early 505. I noticed my fan petrudes out further than belt lifter models. I tried a different 505 belt lifter nozzle and the fan hits the belt lifter. It's all original it came with a 1950 floor polisher.
I have a 4c floor roller. You remove the brush roll and belt. The brush roll goes on bottom of the nozzle and used a long belt. The floor polisher in the website from electrolux137 is not on early models. Notice the bristles are vertical and not horizontal. I've seen a floor polisher with a 505 belt lifter but the brush roll had been replaced questioning if someone put a 505 cap on a version similar to my 510 polisher.
Were just chasing our tails arguing. I'll open my motor case in good time but I don't want to ruin anything. I'll gladly show you the stamps on the motor but I'm not going to yet.
Let's agree to disagree. Were focusing alot of energy in proving each other wrong. I will concede you could be right but the belt cap disagrees and the serial number agrees. Neither of us knows. I'll be helpful and nice but I honestly quickly read and posted when answering the question the other day. I just ask when I say I misread I did. I don't lie to make myself look better. I'll respect your opinion and you respect mine. We can use each other as resources instead of arguing. This forum isn't posted on very often. If we're getting along we both will save wasted energy and time.
His motor housing looks 508 to me. The metal looks different. My 505 rebuilt in 1960-1961 has a 1947 stamp and it's serial number is just higher than yours. That's what I can say.
Every Kirby prior to 505 had a belt cap. Every model after the 505 has a belt lifter. The belt cap came before the belt lifter.
If 4c's parts were used on 505 early run vacuums the serial number would be high.
The serial number is theory. The fact of when the belt cap was made isn't. When the belt lifter also is a fact.
We can speculate all day but the cap came before the belt lifter.
My 505 is all original so it came with a belt cap.
We can guess but nobody has linked serial numbers with anything.
If plates were made by sections and each station had to stamp the machine. Why is my belt cap a higher number? If yours was a belt cap and got converted to belt lifter idk.
My guess is either stations had stamps, 4c plates were left and put on early 505s or your machine was altered and made before mine. Bill who I have talked to knows a lot but we don't speak. Mike baldo knows a lot and is friends with bill. I texted him in late April. Tom Stepien is a genius and I thanked him a couple days ago.
Tom doesn't know a link between serial numbers. He has mentioned a 505 emtor with a clear type adoninized emtor on 505s.
Kent oyler doesn't know anything about seri numbers and he had either 2 or 3 brothers were Kirby dealers. He told me I had an early 505. I noticed my fan petrudes out further than belt lifter models. I tried a different 505 belt lifter nozzle and the fan hits the belt lifter. It's all original it came with a 1950 floor polisher.
I have a 4c floor roller. You remove the brush roll and belt. The brush roll goes on bottom of the nozzle and used a long belt. The floor polisher in the website from electrolux137 is not on early models. Notice the bristles are vertical and not horizontal. I've seen a floor polisher with a 505 belt lifter but the brush roll had been replaced questioning if someone put a 505 cap on a version similar to my 510 polisher.
Were just chasing our tails arguing. I'll open my motor case in good time but I don't want to ruin anything. I'll gladly show you the stamps on the motor but I'm not going to yet.
Let's agree to disagree. Were focusing alot of energy in proving each other wrong. I will concede you could be right but the belt cap disagrees and the serial number agrees. Neither of us knows. I'll be helpful and nice but I honestly quickly read and posted when answering the question the other day. I just ask when I say I misread I did. I don't lie to make myself look better. I'll respect your opinion and you respect mine. We can use each other as resources instead of arguing. This forum isn't posted on very often. If we're getting along we both will save wasted energy and time.
His motor housing looks 508 to me. The metal looks different. My 505 rebuilt in 1960-1961 has a 1947 stamp and it's serial number is just higher than yours. That's what I can say.
Link
Look at Chris's 505 serial number. It is longer like mine. It has where the bakelite was.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?38043
Look at Chris's 505 serial number. It is longer like mine. It has where the bakelite was.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?38043
This
Is a thread you should look at. It has other people share their thoughts on belt caps.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35953
Is a thread you should look at. It has other people share their thoughts on belt caps.
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35953
LesinUtah
Les,
Now, that one looks more like mine, without the Bakelite connector there.
~Ben
Les,
Now, that one looks more like mine, without the Bakelite connector there.
~Ben
KirbyCollector01
Well-known member
What would you sell this for out of curiosity?
Kirby 505 serial #
Ben,
Here's a picture of the 505 in my collection. The serial# is W322356, you can also see a W stamped on the bottom of the housing. This is the original fan case and ID tag. According to the armature this 505 was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run.
Ben,
Here's a picture of the 505 in my collection. The serial# is W322356, you can also see a W stamped on the bottom of the housing. This is the original fan case and ID tag. According to the armature this 505 was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run.
Kirby 505 serial #
Ben,
Here's a picture of the 505 in my collection. The serial# is W322365, you can also see a W stamped on the bottom of the housing. This is the original fan case and ID tag. According to the armature this 505 was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run.
You talked about 2 different 505's 337396, and W221230 so I was confused about witch one you said may have come with the Bakelite connector? As Les said if it originally came with the connector there would be two taped out holes on the bottom of the housing just below the switch housing.
The one pictured in your post has a very long rubber sleeve on the safety switch wiring tub, as "I call it", this may have been replaced at some point I have never seen one that long before. Your 505 # 337396 was most likely a late model as well. I would love to see the date on the armature of your 505. I would also like to see the armature on Les's 505 it could be very telling indeed.
I think it would be next to impossible to find out what was the last serial# 505 to have the Bakelite connector, I don't think Kirby kept those kinds of records. I would like to know how Kirby started the serial# on each model. What was the very first serial# 505? and so on. [this post was last edited: 7/1/2021-11:29]
Ben,
Here's a picture of the 505 in my collection. The serial# is W322365, you can also see a W stamped on the bottom of the housing. This is the original fan case and ID tag. According to the armature this 505 was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run.
You talked about 2 different 505's 337396, and W221230 so I was confused about witch one you said may have come with the Bakelite connector? As Les said if it originally came with the connector there would be two taped out holes on the bottom of the housing just below the switch housing.
The one pictured in your post has a very long rubber sleeve on the safety switch wiring tub, as "I call it", this may have been replaced at some point I have never seen one that long before. Your 505 # 337396 was most likely a late model as well. I would love to see the date on the armature of your 505. I would also like to see the armature on Les's 505 it could be very telling indeed.
I think it would be next to impossible to find out what was the last serial# 505 to have the Bakelite connector, I don't think Kirby kept those kinds of records. I would like to know how Kirby started the serial# on each model. What was the very first serial# 505? and so on. [this post was last edited: 7/1/2021-11:29]
Kirby 505 serial # Note
Going through my files and found this picture for the first 505 I restored serial# 24645. This is it's armature and the date stamp Dec.1945.
Going through my files and found this picture for the first 505 I restored serial# 24645. This is it's armature and the date stamp Dec.1945.
VacMadMan
Jim,
Mine is serial no. W-221230. I wish I could show you the armature from mine, but that'll be for another time.
~Ben
Jim,
Mine is serial no. W-221230. I wish I could show you the armature from mine, but that'll be for another time.
~Ben
505 front bearing plate
Pictured is the original front bearing plate from the same 505 serial# 24645 it still works like new.
Pictured is the original front bearing plate from the same 505 serial# 24645 it still works like new.
