Thread Number: 19929
Early, Kirby 508 |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 223009   3/10/2013 at 23:57 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
This (1948) kirby 508, most thankfully did not fall victim to the rebuild program. The 508 was more in style with the 505 in design and use of materials. All the rubber was grey instead of black, and it also lacked a perfume port. The belt lefter is red and white, and embossed with James Kirby's signature - just like the 505 and all of the C series. These are the only ones which bore Kirby's actual signature, before the western look with the 509.
|
Post# 223010 , Reply# 1   3/11/2013 at 00:05 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 223011 , Reply# 2   3/11/2013 at 00:13 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 223013 , Reply# 3   3/11/2013 at 00:20 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 223019 , Reply# 4   3/11/2013 at 00:32 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 223021 , Reply# 5   3/11/2013 at 00:50 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 223023 , Reply# 6   3/11/2013 at 01:19 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 223025 , Reply# 7   3/11/2013 at 01:39 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 223026 , Reply# 8   3/11/2013 at 02:18 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
When I got the 508 its rubber hand grip resembled a piece of dried, cracked charcoal with many missing segments. I believe at the time they must have not used enough sulfur to vulcanize the rubber. So, I revitalized the rubber with a tub of windshield gasket repair - using my finger. (VERY MESSY) It took several coats, but well worth it.
|
Post# 223027 , Reply# 9   3/11/2013 at 02:23 (4,035 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 223052 , Reply# 10   3/11/2013 at 08:11 (4,035 days old) by Vinvac (Dubuque IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 223186 , Reply# 13   3/11/2013 at 18:56 (4,034 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Bless your Grandmother's heart. I'm glad you got her D-50, it's right were it belongs. About the D-80 bag, I got a original replacement bag off ebay and it is really super nice. I just checked and there is one left for $32.90. If you decide to check it out on ebay; type in the search box ( Kirby D 80 ). The seller is Kirbyfans.
|
Post# 223346 , Reply# 17   3/12/2013 at 21:37 (4,033 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 225345 , Reply# 18   3/28/2013 at 00:59 (4,018 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 225498 , Reply# 19   3/28/2013 at 21:42 (4,017 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
|
Post# 225501 , Reply# 20   3/28/2013 at 22:06 (4,017 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 225504 , Reply# 21   3/28/2013 at 22:25 (4,017 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 226057 , Reply# 22   4/2/2013 at 03:03 (4,013 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
|
Post# 250346 , Reply# 23   9/16/2013 at 01:27 (3,846 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 250358 , Reply# 24   9/16/2013 at 06:47 (3,846 days old) by Vinvac (Dubuque IA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 250371 , Reply# 25   9/16/2013 at 10:38 (3,846 days old) by TASE (Colorado)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 250417 , Reply# 27   9/16/2013 at 20:18 (3,845 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Or as Stan Kann used to say, "A vacuum cleaner only needs enough suction to get the dirt from the floor to the bag." The suction on the early Kirbys is hardly strong enough to "suck dry paint right off the wall" (where have I heard that before?!), but it's strong enough for dusting. And I love the sound of an early 500-series with the hose attached. It's downright musical!! |
Post# 250423 , Reply# 28   9/16/2013 at 21:09 (3,845 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 250434 , Reply# 29   9/17/2013 at 01:22 (3,845 days old) by Electrolux137 (Los Angeles)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 349449 , Reply# 30   4/3/2016 at 19:44 (2,915 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
3    
I got a 508, it's not fully original but I'm working on getting it all original
|
Post# 349452 , Reply# 31   4/3/2016 at 19:58 (2,915 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
So far the priginal parts on it are the six blade fan, the red belt lifter with Jim Kirby's real signature engraved on it, the grey nozzle trim, the metal part of the hand grip, the grey emptor tray, the black cord isn't an original one from the 40s and is brand new but I still call it original because it's black like the original. The parts it has that's not original at the moment is the bag, the headlight trim, the wheels, the rubber sleeve on the hand grip, the sani emptor is a 1950s replacement as it has a sweet aire which first appeared on the 510 I believe. I am ok with that emptor. I have a tan 70s replacement hose for it that I use on it. That is what I have to say. Happy vacuuming
|
Post# 349966 , Reply# 32   4/10/2016 at 11:46 (2,909 days old) by Watsonw (Newport, Shropshire, UK)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
If only they still made them like that now; they would probably sell far better over here in the UK!!! A truly beautiful machine, l had the chance to try one (a 240 volt UK version) and it was most impressive. Cheers, Walter, UK. |
Post# 349969 , Reply# 33   4/10/2016 at 12:33 (2,909 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 349981 , Reply# 34   4/10/2016 at 14:30 (2,909 days old) by cb123 (Mobile, Al.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 350013 , Reply# 35   4/10/2016 at 17:44 (2,909 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 360283 , Reply# 36   10/3/2016 at 14:24 (2,733 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 413016 , Reply# 37   8/22/2019 at 17:39 (1,680 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
Here it is with my 519 (also all original)
View Full Size
|
Post# 413038 , Reply# 38   8/23/2019 at 15:29 (1,679 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
They look fantastic and congratulations on finding all the parts needed! |
Post# 413083 , Reply# 39   8/25/2019 at 20:11 (1,676 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Beauty
I think that's the cream color bag I mentioned. If I'm correct you have the 508-512 darker color bag also? The belt lifter was in immaculate condition. I'm glad to see the belt lifter fits the vacuum. I do have pics of my model 3c and 505 headlight trim is thinner. It has a rivet on outside corner and where rivets are on outside on yours the rivet is on opposite side. I don't know if 508s trim would be similar. I'm envious of your bags. The 508 bag 1970 janitronic Kirby vacuette or model 1c or 2c are left on my bucket list. It's rarest Kirby in mint condition. I did say people painted washers on wheel screws with red paint. I don't know how true but ya. I got a classic 3 from thrift store my wife bought me. I replaced sanatronic bag with red bag with adapter. I need a sticker for the lens cover. It just needs polished up. The fan is metal bearings are solid, carbon brushes are good and brush roll is good. The lights good. The handle the plastic part on the back that holds pennies or quarters needs replaced. I also chipped the red cover by power switch. I thought I'd mention as I seen you posted a video on your channel. Les |