Thread Number: 41175  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
My pair of 505's
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Post# 436908   12/30/2020 at 10:15 (1,184 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        

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A pair of 505's, the one on the left has a aftermarket reproduction bag, the one on the right is original, I also have another 505 motor waiting in the wing's to be completed.

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Post# 436910 , Reply# 1   12/30/2020 at 12:56 (1,184 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)        
505 WOW

I have never seen two 505 Kirbys look like that what a wonderful job looks new ENJOY

Post# 436911 , Reply# 2   12/30/2020 at 13:17 (1,184 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture

~
~

A few years ago an uncle came to Los Angeles for a visit. When we came home from the airport, as soon as he got in the front door he stopped in his tracks, turning as white as a sheet. I asked him what was wrong. He said, pointing to my beautifully restored 505, "That was the same exact Kirby that Mother [my grandma] had. It was my job to use it every Thursday." I said, laughing, "Tomorrow is Thursday — feel free to use it!" And he did!!

 

The first four photos are of that very Kirby and the remaining photos are of another one I found a few years later.


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Post# 436916 , Reply# 3   12/30/2020 at 15:33 (1,184 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Thanks

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Doug,

Thank you for the kind words.

Charles.

What a great story and memory...and what a wonderful find indeed, thank you for sharing. I would love to find an original handle grip for my 505's the one on the right is all original except the handle grip...I'm so close.

Thanks again

Jim


Post# 436918 , Reply# 4   12/30/2020 at 17:03 (1,184 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
VacMadMan

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Jim,

The one at right in picture #4 looks like an earlier build, as I can see the bakelite safety switch wire insulator. That version would also have had the aluminum Emtor bottom painted black, as well as the version of the nozzle with the non-functional belt cover.

~Ben



Post# 436919 , Reply# 5   12/30/2020 at 18:27 (1,184 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Early 505

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Benjamin

I have never heard of a 505 having a black painted aluminum emptor tray. I know the earlier models had aluminum emptor trays that were not painted. I also have never seen one. I have seen the painted emptor's with the hammered on finish. I also have never seen a 505, or heard of one that came without the belt lifter? That is the 505's claim to fame.

Having said that anything is possible when it comes to Kirby and how the changes or upgrades came to be, and when. The earlier Kirby I have with the Bakelite safety switch wire insulator...or connector, did come with the belt lifter. Interesting info thanks.

Jim


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Post# 436920 , Reply# 6   12/30/2020 at 18:37 (1,184 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
They

lesinutah's profile picture
Never had metal emtors painted black I've owned 5 505 emtors and 0 were metal painted black. I have a 505 produced in the first 3 months and it has a belt cap and hard plastic bottom with the metal petruding nipple.
Interesting paper on the floor polisher. I have a model 4c floor polisher in its original box but it doesn't have a letter from kirby.


Post# 436921 , Reply# 7   12/30/2020 at 19:05 (1,184 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture

~
~

I don't know about black-painted emptor bottoms, but I do know that the earliest 505s did not yet have belt lifters, just caps. The belt lifter was introduced sometime during the run of the 505.


Post# 436932 , Reply# 8   12/30/2020 at 22:40 (1,184 days old) by Oreck_XL (Brooklyn, New York 11211)        

oreck_xl's profile picture
I have an early 505 that my father rescued from the trash back in the mid '80's that does not have the belt lifter. Originally I thought it might be a 2C/3C or 4C but no, it is an early 505, so Charles is correct.

Post# 436936 , Reply# 9   12/31/2020 at 02:16 (1,184 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Yes

lesinutah's profile picture
Like I stated early models have the belt cap.

Post# 436939 , Reply# 10   12/31/2020 at 09:28 (1,184 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
505 belt lifter

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Thank you for that little bit of 505 history. I thought all 505's came with the belt lifter, but like I said before, Kirby is famous for making changes mid stream. ...good to know.

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Post# 436941 , Reply# 11   12/31/2020 at 10:12 (1,183 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Belt lifter

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Another belt lifter that started mid stream was, what I call the silver back. Some say it started with the 516. When I got my 515, the belt lifter on the nozzle had the incomplete circle on the logo, but the 515 floor polisher that came with it had the silver back logo on it. The 515 also started with the black wheels, but ended with the grey "smooth" finish plastic wheels. I think the bag also changed mid stream that year going from the stripped bag to the plain round Kirby logo with the straight lined Kirby name, all grey bag. I think the 515 was also the first to use the bag protector trim.

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Post# 436950 , Reply# 12   12/31/2020 at 12:48 (1,183 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        
So cool!!

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I love those!! They look amazing. Here is my 505 & 4C.

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Post# 436952 , Reply# 13   12/31/2020 at 12:58 (1,183 days old) by Zenith12 (Canfield Ohio )        
My 512

I noticed that the 515 has a different switch

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Post# 436961 , Reply# 14   12/31/2020 at 16:18 (1,183 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Zenith12

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Mark,

The 513, 514 and 515 all have the step-type foot switch button... and the 515 also has a 10-blade fan.

~Ben


Post# 436972 , Reply# 15   12/31/2020 at 19:33 (1,183 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Nope

lesinutah's profile picture
The 505 was introduced with the belt cap. The original manual shows a belt cap. The belt lifter was introduced in the second year of the 3 year run. I am showing my 505 belt cap from my 505 a model c belt NOS and 505 NOS belt lifter.
My 505 is a one owner every part is original not from another vacuum. I have a 508 all original except the bag.
You can piece together a 505 oem but all original is super rare like the condition of your bag.
You have to love the photo rotation. The link is to my 505 all original.
In my opinion it's the kirby everyone likes no matter what vacuum company they're loyal too.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Lesinutah's LINK


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Post# 436974 , Reply# 16   12/31/2020 at 19:44 (1,183 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Bag collar

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The bag collar first appeared on the 562. The open top bags 505 to 561. It rolled out with the 562 with the sani pocket. There also refered to as sanitronic style bags as opossed to open top bag.
If you look at a 519 and a 560 there almost the exact same. The big triangular belt lifter was introduced.
I corolate the switch with 4 amp motor. There is a large vent on the 3 amp 513s and the 4 amp is narrower? Thomas could explain it better a since he was the one who told me.


Post# 437069 , Reply# 17   1/3/2021 at 22:13 (1,180 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Correction

lesinutah's profile picture
I am wrong again what can I say I married I'm used to it.
Bag collars were introduced on the 516 model. I look at my exploded diagrams, manuals and archives.
I do believe the sweet Aire ended with 561 model. It's not in my 562 manual and the few machines i own or have owned didn't have sweet Aire ports.
I try to be correct with my information and I'm here to post as accurate as possible information.


Post# 437086 , Reply# 18   1/4/2021 at 09:27 (1,180 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Bag collars

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The bag "collars" at the top of the bag started with the Kirby 508. The 505 was the last to have a bag clip rubber boot. If your talking about the bag protector at the bottom of the bag around the top of the emptor, that stated at the end of the 515 run. The first 515's did not have them. Pictured is the 505 rubber boot clip cover.

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Post# 437087 , Reply# 19   1/4/2021 at 09:36 (1,180 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
505 Belt cap

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Les,

If you don't mind me asking, what is the serial number of your 505 with the belt cap cover?


Post# 437089 , Reply# 20   1/4/2021 at 13:10 (1,179 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Collar

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The bag collar is the plastic piece that goes over bag on the lip of the emtor.
The serial number is pictured 447601 I believe.


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Post# 437090 , Reply# 21   1/4/2021 at 13:13 (1,179 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Clip

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The rubber boot wasn't on all 505s. It's on mine but it's about half have the plastic collar. I'm thinking it was an upgrade. Mine also has all wiring with conduit and a black l shaped bracket on the underside.
The link above is my 505.


Post# 437096 , Reply# 22   1/4/2021 at 19:27 (1,179 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
collar

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Les,

We will have to agree to disagree, The bag "cuff" or collar, as I call them is at the top of the bag that covers the bag clip. The plastic piece that go's around the bottom of the bag is called A "Bag Guard" (Kirby 561 manual page 38). I have always called them bag protectors.

Jim


Post# 437098 , Reply# 23   1/4/2021 at 20:03 (1,179 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Thanks

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Les,

Thanks for posting that picture, if that is a serial number before they introduced the belt lifter or "magic finger" My first 505 must have originally come that way, and it was upgraded later It's serial # 24645, a very early one. Also my second 505 had no bakelite L shaped connector on it and was built in Nov. of 1947 at the end of the 505 run according to the motor field and armature, and it's serial # is W322365....interesting.

Jim


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This post was last edited 01/04/2021 at 20:27
Post# 437099 , Reply# 24   1/4/2021 at 20:24 (1,179 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Bag

lesinutah's profile picture
The bag guard I mis worded but it first came on the 516.
The black plastic cover that goes over the bag clamp assembly has no name but a collar would be proper.
The vacuum you have didn't come with a belt cap. The belt cap models fans were longer than the belt lifter models. I tried a belt lifter on my model and the spindle allows no room. If you have a 6 blade fan and a belt lifter fits it came with a belt lifter.
The serial numbers have no rhyme or reason associated with when there produced.
I'm not trying to prove a point. I'm just fixing incorrect information I gave.
You have two mint model 505s. I have an all original good condition and another very good condition one but there not polished up like yours yet. It's inspirational to get mine done.


Post# 437101 , Reply# 25   1/4/2021 at 21:34 (1,179 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Collar

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This is a collar or "cuff" at the top of the bag....The black "rubber" not plastic cover on the 505 and earlier models has been referred to as boots. Also to say "The serial numbers have no rhyme or reason associated with when there produced" is simply not true....I'm sorry but logic tells me that 24645 came long before 447601 I'd bet dollars to donuts....call me crazy or VacMadMan...LOL.

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Post# 437103 , Reply# 26   1/4/2021 at 22:18 (1,179 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Ok

lesinutah's profile picture
I'm aware what things are called but referring to them as boots is your opinion backed by no literature anywhere.
Okay enterprit the numbers. I'll just call you uneducated . 44 Year 7 month 601 production number. 2 46 or even 45 doesn't come before 44.
Your vacuum doesn't have a belt cap and it didn't come with one. The first models produced had belt caps.
Like I know alot about Kirby's obviously more than you since you can't comprehend my vacuum was produced earlier than yours.
I know your older and senile. I'm not paying attention to detail.
I'm not staying opinions my vacuum was produced before yours. Mine has never been modified and is original. It's model plate didn't come from another vacuum.
The model 1c kirby collector got from me. I have a 3c. I have parts to model C's. I made the best bag for a 505 that sold for more than anyone in ebay history. I have picked the brain of one of the handful of people who know more than me on 500 series Kirby's. Electrolux 137 I'm not acquainted but him and 2 other people know everything about kirby.
Until you can get someone who knows more than me to chime in and basically tell you serial numbers don't mean anything.
Please spare me your serial number is lower than mine. Mines never been modified.
If serial numbers are correct belt caps came after belt lifters.
Im glad your trying to prove a point but put your money where your mouth is because your wrong and you know it.
If you want a lesson on 505 great but don't try to give me one when you have nothing to back you up.
Don't stay up too late.



Post# 437106 , Reply# 27   1/5/2021 at 09:02 (1,179 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Peace

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Have a nice day Les.

Post# 437107 , Reply# 28   1/5/2021 at 09:57 (1,178 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
505 handle fork?

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Les,

let me pick your brain...what can you tell me about this handle fork off my first 505, look closely it's slightly different from all the others I have seen on Kirby's, and I've never seen another.


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Post# 437109 , Reply# 29   1/5/2021 at 10:02 (1,178 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
I sort of wish...

My Dad hadn’t decided to get rid of the old Kirby. It was one of these models based on all the pics on this thread. I see the same bag, the same belt switch, the same power switch and so on. It was, however, very difficult to use on the matted carpet that was in the basement where it resided as you could only vacuum in one direction or it wouldn’t push forward.

Everything was quality about it. I always wondered what year it was made because it looked so old and that was back in the 70s that I thought that! Dad did get a bulb and a belt finally to make it work as it should as for years I used it without the belt not realizing it should have one. Also the roller brush seemed to be too far inside the nozzle and the bristles wouldn’t touch the carpet once we got the belt. Hence I rigged it with some washers under the roller mount to keep it out further. I was a kid and didn’t really know any better at the time of what was the issue. Maybe the bristles were just worn down or something else was out of adjustment?

Jon


Post# 437111 , Reply# 30   1/5/2021 at 10:40 (1,178 days old) by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)        
Roller brush ajustment screws.

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Jon,

All Kirby's have adjustment screws on them to lower and raise the roller brush. They have changed a little over the years and I don't know what model you have. In the picture below you can see the adjustment screws on each side of the roller brush on this early 505 Kirby model.


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Post# 437120 , Reply# 31   1/5/2021 at 13:11 (1,178 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hmm

lesinutah's profile picture
I'm guessing your meaning it's more of a wishbone shape as opossed to regular circular shape. Your handle is 90 degrees straight up. It's supposed to be between 22.6 and 45 degree angle. That's how they came originally.
The brush nozzle if it's correct the adjustment screws would be the same size.
The pin for the handle of original has something very distinct about it. That I'm not going to mention.
If you bought a reproduction bag it's not the correct material.
In the video it's thomas who I traded my model 1c to. The bag is the right material and is exactly like the one I sold for $350.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Lesinutah's LINK


Post# 439310 , Reply# 32   3/1/2021 at 03:18 (1,124 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
VacMadMan

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Jim,

Is it true that the #6 screws that are used to secure the two clamps for the front wheel shaft, on both your 505 and 2C, are the same 3/8" length as that for the headlight socket?

The reason I think these two screws are of the 3/8" length is because I know these particular length screws were used with the clamps for years (even when the screw size changed from #6 to #8 with the 517), save for the 1970s when the Kirby Classic 1CR switched to the slightly shorter 5/16" length screws (same as those that hold in the front bearing plate on this model and earlier machines), which ran through the Tradition 3CB.

I do know that the same #6 size screw used to secure the rear wheel shaft is slightly longer at 7/16".

The attached picture is of these two screws from my non-working D80 I got from Thom (KirbyCollector). The left screw goes to the rear shaft, and the right one goes to the light socket.

~Ben


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