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.
Some people did that back then as they wanted to have the advantages of the two-speed motor for hose use.
So I am in the process of trying to acquire the parts to convert my Avalir 2 to Avalir Platinum spec but using the insulated fill tube sold on the European models. I want a quiet Kirby. When I die and someone else gets that Kirby are they going to think I was doing something by way of fraud?
I have too many Frankenvacs to do that. A lot of my working vacuums are modified various ways, different motors, added or improved filtration, hose creations ( like ten footers for the Metrovac and for old Eurekas ), even made a few custom expander cages ( those work ! ) to reduce the loss of airflow as the bag fills. A Frankenkirby is just part of the terrain here.
As I said in the earlier post, the clones I have are more than just a couple parts being replaced, it's every single part changed to make it look like a model it isn't. Wheels, bag, handle, handle color insert, handle grip, nozzle, power switch color, cord color, everything. And it was done that way decades ago when the model was new.
But of course that was all official, original name tag removed, new rebuilt sticker applied, all official, was it not? All the ones I have still have their original model tags.
