Thinking about upgrading my Kirby D50 to use HEPA bags

[superocd]

I'd like to use disposable HEPA bags in my Kirby D50. What I have been contemplating is finding a dry cleaner shop that does alterations and see if they would put a zipper on the bag for me. The bag is an aftermarket tan bag with a houndstooth pattern, not the OEM bag.

For the emptor, I was thinking about switching out the original full-size emptor with a NOS Kirby mini-emptor which came equipped on the Heritage machines and then installing the discharge hose and bag adapter. Of course I would keep the original emptor that came with the D50 stored away, however, I would use the mini-emptor with the machine as it has a discharge outlet molded into the body.

Has anybody done this specific upgrade to a D50/D80? As far as the zipper on the bag, are there any recommendations for the kind of zipper? I know nothing about sewing, I just want something that would hold up.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

I added this mini-emtor setup to my mom's D50, but used the Legend II bag - it works well. She did not care about looks; the original parts hang in the closet.
However I would prefer the original type bag like you.

As for zippers I would use an all metal one with coarse teeth for longevity, similar to the short one already on the original. Heavy polyester thread would last a long time.

An alternative to the breakage-prone plastic mini emtor is the grey oval powder-coated aluminum one from the Heritage. It will have the fill tube adapter screwed in. The Heritage II fill tube and bag adapter can then fit onto it.

 

[lesinutah]

I have

Here is my pic that Pinterest has one of it's top 50 Kirby pics.
Easiest upgrade. The legend 2 bag is on it. If you can live with the style no need to get bag altered.

 

[lesinutah]

The bag

You can get everything in pic off eBay around $40. It increases airflow and brings D's 50 to life
Les

 

[KirbyCollector01]

I have two 519s. One is all original, and the other has been upgraded.
It has a higher axle with wider wheels, heritage handle, longer cord, new fan, and hepa bag setup.
Here they are for comparison.

 

[dandagreer]

Keep the original emptor

You can keep the original bag and emptor if you’re willing to do a little DIY. I’ve converted all my former shake-out Kirby’s to this system and it works very well.

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

I'm digging the heritage 2 13 nozzle on the 519. It's a nice spin.
Dan
I have a similar conversion. It's a little more entailed. I'd not reccomened tin because if you slip you can get a nice cut. I like it.
Les

 

[RugPileDial]

Nice conversion pics and instructions! “love that puffy bag!” Me too!