When an outgoing Kirby model has its parts changed entirely like this, where every part from the then-current new model is installed to make the old model look identical to the newest model, would that be considered fraud? Who would be doing it? A vacuum store or a salesman's office trying to move old inventory out and pass it off as the newest model? I've encountered a few like this for various models. I just classify them as "clones" but I always wondered why it was done. It's a ton of work to do, and deliberate, so it isn't just parts being replaced as they break. I can't imagine the everyday vacuum owner ever noticing that their "new" Kirby is actually the past model with new model parts on it, since they usually all look identical after all.
Correct, and the original serial number plate is (often) either removed or scratched over, so for future reference, make sure you have the model and serial numbers of your cleaner as written by the original dealer handy.
Good to know. I just got a 517 that was converted into a DS80 and they actually went through the trouble to take apart the entire power switch and change that to a DS80 green switch, wheels, handle, nozzle, the works. Not by the seller - whoever owned it before the person I bought it from. It's been sitting in a basement likely 30, 40, 50 years. But it sure fooled me. It had all the correct attachments in the kit for the DS80, the manuals, I checked the photos carefully for things that didnt match and seen everything looked right.
