Thread Number: 39384  /  Tag: 50s/60s/70s Vacuum Cleaners
Thinking about upgrading my Kirby D50 to use HEPA bags
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Post# 417805   12/30/2019 at 18:09 (1,550 days old) by superocd (PNW US)        

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.


Post# 417808 , Reply# 1   12/30/2019 at 18:46 (1,550 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

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.


Post# 417815 , Reply# 2   12/30/2019 at 19:59 (1,550 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
I have

lesinutah's profile picture
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.


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Post# 417817 , Reply# 3   12/30/2019 at 20:00 (1,550 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
The bag

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


Post# 417819 , Reply# 4   12/30/2019 at 20:18 (1,550 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        

kirbycollector's profile picture
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.


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Post# 417840 , Reply# 5   12/31/2019 at 07:11 (1,549 days old) by Dandagreer (Nashville, TN)        
Keep the original emptor

dandagreer's profile picture
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.

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Post# 417975 , Reply# 6   1/1/2020 at 21:26 (1,548 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Nice

lesinutah's profile picture
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


Post# 418074 , Reply# 7   1/3/2020 at 16:40 (1,546 days old) by RugPileDial ()        

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


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