New Addition - Kirby 516

[poman31]

What a great day. I was finally able to pickup a vintage Kirby 516. It looks all original to me, but I am not an expert. My collection is now 3 Kirbys.

The motor needs some work, but its still a great machine.

So, Is this all original. Not sure about the cord or bag.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Nice find

It's all original except the bag
The original bag would've been a grey speckled bag with the Kirby logo printed in the middle of the bag

 

[electrolux137]

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Actually, the 516 bag would have been a solid dark gray. The speckled bags didn't come until later in the 5## model run. (See photos.)


 


However, your bag is a fairly early replacement bag. That style hasn't been manufactured since the mid-1970s, so I think it qualifies as "vintage, new-old-stock, genuine Kirby" if not original!


 


The gray cord with red plugs is original.


 


Enjoy it!!


 

 

[poman31]

KirbyCollector and electrolux137. Thanks for your replies and sharing your knowledge.

I now just have to complete overhaul the motor. It is very loud and sounds like the bearings are going bad.

Does anyone have the service manual for a 516? I would be willing to trade or pay for it.

Thanks
Ed

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Could you post a video of it please?

 

[kirbylux77]

Ed, Charles is right, the bag is a genuine Kirby replacement. Your cord, however, is the original cord that it would have come with when it was sold.

I have read here on Vacuumland that your replacement bag was first offered for sale thru distributors around 1965, & as stated above was discontinued by the mid 1970's. So that gives you a more definitive timeframe from which it is from.

Rob