Open question--condition

I have a few machines that have been modified. My Sanitaire SC686 has a totally stock looking, albeit aftermarket, F&G bag setup to replace the original dump bag (I despise dump bags) and a Vibragroomer II brush roll to replace the original VGI. The cool thing is it looks totally stock.

My Sanitaire S645 (blue line) has had the damaged original gray 30-foot cord replaced with a black 40-footer, both cord hooks were replaced with white ones for the red commercial line, and the gray Dial-A-Nap knob was replaced with a black one, just because it looks cool. The changes aren't drastic but they do change the appearance somewhat.

And then there's my Kirby G5, which I affectionately call the frankenkirby, which has parts from several models. It was in rough shape when I got it and I was determined to keep my cost down on refreshing it so it has an Ultimate G (not diamond) bag with the original burgundy G5 bag topper in place of the gray one, a charcoal G4 back panel on the handle, and a light gray Ultimate G cord. Amazingly, it all kind of hangs together. The cord and the bag match and the bag has some flecks of burgundy in it to tie it into the G5's burgundy color scheme.

I also have a Legend II and a Heritage II that I got at about the same time and for some perverse reason, I decided to swap the bags between them so that the Legend II has a gray Heritage II bag but with its proper red topper and bag guard and the Heritage II similarly has the red Legend II bag but with its black topper and bag guard. It's not permanent. I could swap them back to their factory appearance in about 10 or 15 minutes.


Forum Topics & Rules Manuals & Literature	New users Click-here to sign-up

Post# 445065 8/23/2021 at 17:50 (975 days old) by texbodemer (Mountlake Terrace)
Checkrate/Likes Hi! I'm curious: does anyone else here like vintage vacuums with various replacement parts? (I know the classic American cars in Cuba are considered works of art). I kind of like it when a 1959 vacuum has a 1970s or 1990s bag, a new brush roller, and maybe alternate trim pieces? For instance, my Eureka 260 has a Sanitaire bag, a new cord, and a replacement hose port cover is on its way. (when I bought it, it was missing the cover, so I taped an index card to it). I like non-original vacuums because it's easier to tell their history. (It also makes me feel less weird about replacing bits, lol) Photos... < > Photo 1 of 3 View Full Size

Post# 445066 , Reply# 1 8/23/2021 at 18:11 (975 days old) by Louvac (A)
Checkrate/Likes *It all depends I guess...* For me it depends on how and what is done to the machine. For example, I like the small head Kirbys (aka...First Generation, or small head) that are redone in the blue Tradition model. And, any kirby that has a replacement BLACK CORDUROY bag (which used to be priced at $19.99 when they first appeared on the scene at vacuum parts vendors.) These look great on any machine. Again, it all depends on how and what is done to the machine.

Post# 445068 , Reply# 2 8/23/2021 at 20:27 (975 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Checkrate/Likes If I pick up a machine from a thrift store that has one of those vac shop contact stickers on it I always keep it on. That's definitely a part of the history. Your Eureka is cool since it looks like it was in regular use for a few decades. I can see why you like it!

Post# 445070 , Reply# 3 8/23/2021 at 21:10 (975 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes I have a few machines that have been modified. My Sanitaire SC686 has a totally stock looking, albeit aftermarket, F&G bag setup to replace the original dump bag (I despise dump bags) and a Vibragroomer II brush roll to replace the original VGI. The cool thing is it looks totally stock. My Sanitaire S645 (blue line) has had the damaged original gray 30-foot cord replaced with a black 40-footer, both cord hooks were replaced with white ones for the red commercial line, and the gray Dial-A-Nap knob was replaced with a black one, just because it looks cool. The changes aren't drastic but they do change the appearance somewhat. And then there's my Kirby G5, which I affectionately call the frankenkirby, which has parts from several models. It was in rough shape when I got it and I was determined to keep my cost down on refreshing it so it has an Ultimate G (not diamond) bag with the original burgundy G5 bag topper in place of the gray one, a charcoal G4 back panel on the handle, and a light gray Ultimate G cord. Amazingly, it all kind of hangs together. The cord and the bag match and the bag has some flecks of burgundy in it to tie it into the G5's burgundy color scheme. I also have a Legend II and a Heritage II that I got at about the same time and for some perverse reason, I decided to swap the bags between them so that the Legend II has a gray Heritage II bag but with its proper red topper and bag guard and the Heritage II similarly has the red Legend II bag but with its black topper and bag guard. It's not permanent. I could swap them back to their factory appearance in about 10 or 15 minutes.

Post# 445072 , Reply# 4 8/23/2021 at 21:46 (975 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes I only keep vacuums that are rebuilt to a particular way as they are. Otherwise I restore the vacuum back to its original state.

Post# 445073 , Reply# 5 8/23/2021 at 21:49 (975 days old) by texbodemer (Mountlake Terrace)
Checkrate/Likes *My Eureka* Was last serviced between 1997 and 2017 by Bellevue Vacuum