New Toy

[bee-vac]

I couldn't help it. I just had to have it. It came with a bunch of gadgets and do-dads too! Surprisingly enough, the hose is soft and supple with NO air leaks! I couldn't believe it. Couple of strange things though. This has 2 smaller rear metal wheels, and what seems to be a painted emptor? I've never seen anything like it before.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

That's quite a toy.
I believe reason wheels are from 4c prior is wheels were narrowed to not hit emtor. Texaskirbyguy has a 505 with 4c or older emtor bottom as his is all metal. I see cord is not original.
How did you come across this gem. I have 1 all original and another that was rebuilt and trying to get back to original. I have a 508;509;2 510s only one original bag and cord.
Nice
Les

 

[bee-vac]

Les

I saw this on ebay. So the wheels on a 4c are metal?

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Hey
The wheels are not metal the emtor tray that is black plastic on 505. 2c-4c have metal emtor bottom instead of black plastic. If you look in archives texaskirbyguys 505 Johnny Cash restore you can see his emtor. I don't think Kirby ever made metal wheels. I just know 4c back the rear wheels were smaller so they wouldn't hit emtor.
Been can attest to this 505 was right after ww2 saving money some 505 vacuums may received 4c parts stock.

 

[bee-vac]

Metal wheels

Well the rear wheels are definitely metal. I don't understand why though. The two front wheels are standard black rubber. Maybe someone changed out the rear wheels for a slightly smaller size for the head to sit lower?

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

The emtor is a different plastic. I took pics of 3 emmtors. I took pic of bottom of my 505 and original handle. I have cord bag hose everything original but it's not in one place.
My model was 1945 I have a belt cap not a belt lifter.
I believe early 505s had that metal piece sticking out on bottom of the emtor. The later 505s had black emtor pictured. The 508 had grey emtor pictured.if you notice on bottom of the vacuum is black plastic wire bracket. I have noticed it's on early 505s passed on from 4c. I took a picture of the headlight too.
The emtor on 4cs are just like black early version just narrower and aluminum I believe. My bag is put away also but it's original too.
I have studied alot from 505 to 510. I learned a lot from bill [email protected].
If you look in archives I did a few explanation between 505 to 510s.
I added pix of 508 floor polisher.
Les

 

[bee-vac]

Switch

Being that this has that plastic wire bracket, would a standard switch for a 505 fit?

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

It is but it's only on early models is what I'm guessing. I think 4c has it too. It is not in any diagrams and it's not in any of them. I've asked people who know almost everything Kirby and they were unsure. I wish it was orderable and standard saves wires and very functional.
Les

 

[rivstg1]

Les,

might you have an extra early Kirby front cover cap like the one in the photo you holding? I need one for my Model C I recently obtained. I"m ordering a 505 rug plate as I"m betting its the same size as the original Model C's.

 

[bikerray]

1 I see you have the early floor polisher that clamps on to the bottom of the nozzle ( it uses the longer S3030 belt )

2 The rug plate from a 505 thru 512 will fit the 1C

 

[lesinutah]

Ribstg1

Hey
If I'm correct I have this and one for my 508 brush nozzle. The 508 is more rare than 505s as 505 was produced 3 years 508 just one.
I have been looking for one in my hand for a long time.
I have 509s.
If you look at 505 and older I'd say 75% are 509s painted black with sem paint. I have a 509 painted black just need to tape and paint lettering. If that's something you would be interested in shoot me an email [email protected].
If you give me a day or two I can check what I have.
I have maybe at least 5 floor polisher and about 5 or 6 belt lifters. I may have a spare 508. Ill try to have answer tommorow.
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

If you mean the black 505 cap I do not. I know Kirby Mike or mike baldo has some. If your missing anything he has it. It may be steep but when your one of maybe 5 people who has them and is only one selling you would expect that.
The 1c is different than mine. Ill post pic probably of Mike's on attachments.
Pic 1 2c
Pic 2 505' 508 620-512 ,513-515(Chuck Lester pics/
Pic 3@4 Mike's
3 this is correct one notice 2 red lines in all 4 corners a total of 8
4 close up view top is I believe 1c to 3c bottom is 4c 505
That's a guess.
If you get 508 take off everything except brass triangle piece
Paint belt lifter it's going to be like 505.
Les

 

[rivstg1]

Les,

Where do I find either of those guys?

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Look under profiles Chicago Mike email him. He has eBay account Michaelbald_O. Below is a link to an item he has for sale. I recently let him know you are looking for belt cap.
Les

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/152942545119