Kirby 505 bag

Gary, if I was doing this, what I would do is purchase a black OEM replacement cloth bag from Kirby and have Chicagomike, Mike Balda, make a reproduction 505 bag for your Kirby.

If you bought a used bag, UNLESS it was on a Kirby 505 that sat in a closet for decades with no use, the fabric will start to show wear in small spots. And it will need repairs, and possibly leak through the fabric. You might feel like you wasted your money. With a NOS bag, yes that can be a good option, BUT only if the bag was stored under the right conditions and the fabric hasn't deteriorated or became colour faded.

If you decide to go with the reproduction route like I suggest, you're going to get a bag that will look virtually like the Kirby 505 bag was originally and match well with your cleaner. With the added benefit that you can actually use the cleaner on occasion and show it off at mini meets and have other collectors use it without worry about what may happen to the bag. All you will have to do is be careful in how you clean and care for the bag. Because of this, you may also consider finding a way to put a bag fill tube in and use the Kirby Style F HEPA Cloth bags. Sure, going with buying a new bag and having a reproduction bag will be a bit more expensive than a used or NOS bag would be, but it will be worth it in the long run to complete your Kirby without any worries after.


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Post# 464816 7/25/2023 at 09:54 by gmkubancsek (Indianapolis)
Checkrate/Likes Although I check the forum at least a few times per week, as well as ebay, I thought I would mention once more that I am looking to purchase a NOS, used, or reproduction Kirby 505 cloth bag. Any leads are appreciated. Thank you.

Post# 464820 , Reply# 1 7/25/2023 at 13:46 by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes What's your budget for a 505 bag?

Post# 465176 , Reply# 2 8/8/2023 at 11:05 by gmkubancsek (Indianapolis)
Checkrate/Likes "Budget" is a relative term - it depends on condition - is it NOS, used, actual OEM part, or reproduction? It's hard to determine value and to offer a budget that might be unfair to one party or another.

Post# 465178 , Reply# 3 8/8/2023 at 11:40 by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)
Checkrate/Likes Gary, if I was doing this, what I would do is purchase a black OEM replacement cloth bag from Kirby and have Chicagomike, Mike Balda, make a reproduction 505 bag for your Kirby. If you bought a used bag, UNLESS it was on a Kirby 505 that sat in a closet for decades with no use, the fabric will start to show wear in small spots. And it will need repairs, and possibly leak through the fabric. You might feel like you wasted your money. With a NOS bag, yes that can be a good option, BUT only if the bag was stored under the right conditions and the fabric hasn't deteriorated or became colour faded. If you decide to go with the reproduction route like I suggest, you're going to get a bag that will look virtually like the Kirby 505 bag was originally and match well with your cleaner. With the added benefit that you can actually use the cleaner on occasion and show it off at mini meets and have other collectors use it without worry about what may happen to the bag. All you will have to do is be careful in how you clean and care for the bag. Because of this, you may also consider finding a way to put a bag fill tube in and use the Kirby Style F HEPA Cloth bags. Sure, going with buying a new bag and having a reproduction bag will be a bit more expensive than a used or NOS bag would be, but it will be worth it in the long run to complete your Kirby without any worries after.

Post# 465182 , Reply# 4 8/8/2023 at 14:12 by gmkubancsek (Indianapolis)
Checkrate/Likes Thank you, great idea. Does Mike Balda still do reproductions? If anyone knows, please share. Thank you.

Post# 465193 , Reply# 5 8/9/2023 at 08:45 by VacMadMan (Pueblo Co.)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *505 bag* Gary, Here is a picture of Mike's reproduction bag next to my NOS 505 bag. Mike's is on the left and the NOS on the right. These are difficult to find. I don't know if Mike is still making bags. He made a number of different styles over the years. Good luck on your quest. Side note: Mike's bags sold for about $150.00 the last time he had them up for sale. Jim Photos... < > Photo 1 of 2 View Full Size This post was last edited 08/09/2023 at 09:44

Post# 465203 , Reply# 6 8/9/2023 at 19:14 by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes I Will text Mike and ask him. It will take a few days usually. I just text him when someone inquires about him.

Post# 465209 , Reply# 7 8/9/2023 at 21:35 by odavid123 (Los Angeles ca )
Checkrate/Likes 2 Please email me I can help with the bag

Post# 465293 , Reply# 8 8/14/2023 at 13:26 by gmkubancsek (Indianapolis)
Checkrate/Likes LesinUtah - thank you

Post# 465319 , Reply# 9 8/15/2023 at 18:36 by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes *Your* Welcome. I'm glad you got helped.