Thread Number: 33097  /  Tag: Vintage Floor Polishers/Floor Care Products
New Addition - Kirby 516
[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 361524   10/26/2016 at 19:45 (2,709 days old) by poman31 (hagerstown)        

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.




  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 5         View Full Size
Post# 361527 , Reply# 1   10/26/2016 at 19:55 (2,709 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        

kirbycollector's profile picture
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


Post# 361529 , Reply# 2   10/26/2016 at 20:55 (2,709 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture

~
~

 

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!!

 


  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 361709 , Reply# 3   10/30/2016 at 17:42 (2,705 days old) by poman31 (hagerstown)        

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


Post# 361713 , Reply# 4   10/30/2016 at 17:57 (2,705 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        

kirbycollector's profile picture
Could you post a video of it please?

Post# 361715 , Reply# 5   10/30/2016 at 18:47 (2,705 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
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



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy