Using a "brand new in the box" Kirby 519 today ... or is there a better way?

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moderncleveland

moderncleveland

New member
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
1
Location
Cleveland
Hello!

We are the happy owners of a very unique Kirby 519. It's the complete package with all accessories, and all of it is mint in the box and never used. All the wrapping paper is still on everything!

We bought this from the estate of a Kirby dealer and we've owned it for five years, but we've never used it. We wanted to wait until we moved to our vintage "dream home" where we'd then be able to use the perfect vacuum for it!

Now is that time. We're in our "new" 1957 home and want to retire the 1995 Simplicity that's been our primary vacuum for so long. We're open to anything and just want to find a good solution, a vacuum that can handle all the varied tasks that we need it for. I looked at the new Dyson that everyone is talking about and I must say that I was turned off by the all-plastic design. Then I looked at our old Kirby and thought, "why don't we use this? Everything else in our house is vintage!"

So I have two questions for the board:

1. If we use this Kirby, is there a recommended conversion kit so that we can use disposable bags? The Kirby saleswoman I talked to said that my 519 was incompatible with the kit she was selling. I heard there's a kit out there for $30 or so, but I can't seem to find it.

2. Is there a better solution for us out there? We love vintage things in general and prefer them over what's new today. If there was a brand-new vacuum that was better than the old models, we'd consider it. But our Kirby just looks so nice and can do so many different things. What do you experts think?

We're very happy to have found this board and we look forward to all of your advice!
 
I have a suggestion that I think may work to convert the 519 to a bagged setup, but I may be wrong and hope someone would correct me.
I do believe that the emptor and fill tube for the heritage and legend series of kirby would fit on the 519 and you would just apply your bag to that one or you could just use a heritage or legend bag

Sam
 
I wouldn't use it.. I would just have it on display as if it was being used so you can show it off to friends etc.. Once you use it it's never gonna be "new" again.
 
Welcome to the Group

Glad to have you as part of the group. What a wonderful gift
you have given yourself. A brand new in the box 519 is special.
What area of Cleveland did you find your vintage 1957 home?
I'm assuming it's a rambling ranch?
I grew up in N E Ohio, Ashtabula county. Grew up with a lot
of friends and neighbors having "new" Kirby's in those days.
There has been a zipper bag, that you put directly on the
fan case (opposed to the emptor) which I put on a few Kirby's
back in the 80's when people requested them. They used Eureka F & G disposable bags. Which are common.
Not sure where you'd find a red or gray one these days.
Ask around maybe someone out there in vacuumland can help you out !
Norm
[email protected]
 
Hello and welcome. I agree with useing the Heritage convertion and I also agree with not useing the vintage vacuum but rather looking at it insted.
If you like the Kirby then maybe you might look into buying a reconditioned G series model. They are great cleaners and are built to last a lifetime. I too have a 519 but it has been used hard and still works very well. However I don't use it.
 
Welcome Marie, have to agree with others, just keep the Kirby for display. If you really want to use a vintage vacuum there are many of them available. What types of flooring will you be cleaning in your "new" home?
 
Keep it for Display!!!

Marie, I HAVE to agree with Pete and Terry!! You have SUCH a unique machine, and once it's used, IT'S USED!! If you love that or a similar model, I would acquire one (certainly not difficult) and use that rather than your pristine one. In fact, it would be great to have a 'daily driver' of the same model (converted, if you wish) and be able to show people "What it looked like 52 years ago.")
Rick
 
Preserve the pristine 519 Kirby...!

Let me add my support to the idea of keeping the Kirby 519 pristine. I wouldn't use it. Late 500 series Kirbys pop up quite regularly on eBay, usually complete with attachments. And often late 500 attachments are available too; so if you find the main unit without attachments, you can easily get the attachments later.

Yes the Legend and Legend II mini-emptor and bag assembly fits the late 500 series [516- Dual 80]perfectly. I regularly use a Kirby 519 [not pristine NIB; but in very good shape]with the Legend II assembly and bag. It works great! The thing is, you can get one of these late 500 Kirbys serviced well and it will last and last if you take care of it. Definitely worth it.

Pictures would be great!
 
Pictures would be great! I have a differing opinion about not using your vacuum. If you don't use it, I think at least it should be run several times a year to keep the grease in the bearings good, the hose should be moved around so as not to get stiff.

I purchased one of the vault machines from Hoover. The gentleman I purchased it from had all ready re-greased all the bearings. I do not use the machine for daily cleaning, but do run it about everything three months just to keep it in shape. The hose is all ready showing signs of wear, just from lack of use. The cord winder is also slow as the cord is becoming brittle, just from lack of use.

The machine will dull regardless of use depending on the air quality and dampness it may experience. You can keep the machine in great condition and still use it to some degree....

I just couldn't stand looking at it...I would have to use it some.

But that is just me. LOL

Morgan
 
Kirby 519

Hi Mirie I am getting very soon from a dear friend a Kirby 519 in mint condition. we would all love to see some pictures of yours right out of the box. take good care of it I am sure you will. i love the G series they realy do a wonderful job on the rugs But i have a soft spot in my heart for the 500 series that is what got me started on Kirbys the 505 to be exact. My parents had theirs for over 30 years turned it in for a new Kirby I wish the would have keeped it. Ok take care Doug
 
Hi everyone!

First of all, thanks to all of you for all the tips and responses. I apologize for the delay in reply. Yes, the Kirby came out of a rambling ranch in North Olmsted on the west side of Cleveland. My husband remembers that there was a lot of other Kirby-related memorabilia there, and a few other vacuums, but we didn't have the vacuum "bug" yet so unfortunately we didn't get any of that other stuff.

My husband is in favor of keeping the 519 unused as display (and maybe turning it on once in a while and moving the hose), but I really wanted to use it. I kind of still do. It's so nice! And we need a good vacuum badly (our Simplicity is on a death watch!), but if we can find something else I might consider it. (My husband is really pressuring me to "keep it mint" ... is anyone out there on *my* side? :)

But seriously, we finally took some pictures and I will post them shortly.
 

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