Kirby Vacuums w/ Mid-Year Changes

Who remembers all of the Kirby vacuums that had mid-year changes?

The list of Kirby vacuums w/ mid-year changes (some info by Charles R. Lester):
*Model 515 - around July 1955 the wheels changed from black vulcanite to gray phenolic plastic (same style used on models 516-518), and the bag was also changed to remove the stripes (the V-striped version was used on models 513-514 also)
*Model 518 - around July 1958 the wheel treads were also ribbed. The bag was also changed to add more detail.
*Classic 1-CR - for the 1972-73 production season, some models had the newer-style safety switch (also on Classic Omega 1-CB, Classic III 2-CB, and the latter run of the Tradition 3-CB)
*Classic Omega 1-CB - during the 1973-74 production season, the bag was changed from gold to pinstriped khaki; during the 1974-75 season the bag was changed again to a diamondback design. Some 1975-76 season production models also had the bag cap changed to the style seen on the Classic III and Tradition.
*Classic III 2-CB - during the 1977-78 production season the handle grip design reverted back to the Dual Sanitronic 80/Classic/Classic Omega design, and the plaid bag was also slightly changed. The cord hooks on the long handle were moved from the left to the right. The bag was slightly changed once more around January 1979.
*Tradition 3-CB - around October of 1979 the safety switch design reverted back to the design used on the Classic Omega and Classic III; and as a result the special latch on the headlight cap disappeared; also, the metal fan was replaced by a new plastic fan made of Lexan. Also, during the summer of 1980, a new-style attachment case appeared, which was made of blue plastic (in the 1979-80 season version of the instruction book, this attachment case was white in color). The Rug Renovator housing was changed from silver to dark blue during the summer of 1980 as well.

If anyone knows differently about any of the model traits I mention, please respond.

Thank you,

Ben


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Post# 78724 8/17/2009 at 23:16 (5,358 days old) by kirbyclassiciii (Milwaukie, Oregon)
Checkrate/Likes Who remembers all of the Kirby vacuums that had mid-year changes? The list of Kirby vacuums w/ mid-year changes (some info by Charles R. Lester): Model 515 - around July 1955 the wheels changed from black vulcanite to gray phenolic plastic (same style used on models 516-518), and the bag was also changed to remove the stripes (the V-striped version was used on models 513-514 also) Model 518 - around July 1958 the wheel treads were also ribbed. The bag was also changed to add more detail. Classic 1-CR - for the 1972-73 production season, some models had the newer-style safety switch (also on Classic Omega 1-CB, Classic III 2-CB, and the latter run of the Tradition 3-CB) Classic Omega 1-CB - during the 1973-74 production season, the bag was changed from gold to pinstriped khaki; during the 1974-75 season the bag was changed again to a diamondback design. Some 1975-76 season production models also had the bag cap changed to the style seen on the Classic III and Tradition. Classic III 2-CB - during the 1977-78 production season the handle grip design reverted back to the Dual Sanitronic 80/Classic/Classic Omega design, and the plaid bag was also slightly changed. The cord hooks on the long handle were moved from the left to the right. The bag was slightly changed once more around January 1979. Tradition 3-CB - around October of 1979 the safety switch design reverted back to the design used on the Classic Omega and Classic III; and as a result the special latch on the headlight cap disappeared; also, the metal fan was replaced by a new plastic fan made of Lexan. Also, during the summer of 1980, a new-style attachment case appeared, which was made of blue plastic (in the 1979-80 season version of the instruction book, this attachment case was white in color). The Rug Renovator housing was changed from silver to dark blue during the summer of 1980 as well. If anyone knows differently about any of the model traits I mention, please respond. Thank you, Ben

Post# 78734 , Reply# 1 8/18/2009 at 05:09 (5,358 days old) by edgar (Belgium)
Checkrate/Likes G5 Hi I know of a little change between the first and the later g5. the difference is perhaps to small to mention but the headlight of the first one does not have the name kirby on it, and later they did.

Post# 78745 , Reply# 2 8/18/2009 at 13:08 (5,357 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)
Checkrate/Likes True and the bp indecator on the G5 dissapearing then reapearing. Oh! and the Sentria changes like the base and the top of the bag fill tube changing. Oh! And the G4 the way the cord attached to the power plant either from under the back plate to over the top of it. Oh! and the early to late 505 when the belt lifter appeared. James

Post# 78750 , Reply# 3 8/18/2009 at 14:20 (5,357 days old) by lux1521 ()
Checkrate/Likes If you go way back, the Model C had two complete versions. One with headlight, and one without.

Post# 78751 , Reply# 4 8/18/2009 at 15:08 (5,357 days old) by kirbyclassiciii (Milwaukie, Oregon)
Checkrate/Likes *I Also Need to Mention ...* Models 517 to 519 (1957 to 1960 respectively) were the trio that seemed to have many changes made here and there, in regards to the hose and attachments. Oh, yes, the early 505s had a non-functioning belt lifter; by September 1945, that was changed. ~Ben

Post# 78768 , Reply# 5 8/18/2009 at 16:56 (5,357 days old) by camelotshadow (Valley Village)
Checkrate/Likes When did they come out with a tradition white cardboard box? I know I have seen the plastic cases but I have a tradition white cardboard box so as to whether it was before or after the plastic I don't know when but they did make one.

Post# 78792 , Reply# 6 8/18/2009 at 18:56 (5,357 days old) by kirbyman89 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Heritage and Heritage II changes* The Kirby Heritage accessory boxes changed. The attachments box had room for the powered hand tool, Home Freshener, and Odorific II in the beginning, but Kirby redesigned the style of the box. Also for a short time the Utility Air Nozzle was retired, but brought back in 1983. The Rug Renovator changed its name to The Super Renovation Group. The Handi Butler ran for about a year or 2 and was retired altogether. They released the Home Turbo Group in 1981 and the Turbo Clippers Attachmet was retired in July 1984. The fill tube for the 1981 - 1982 season was made of cloth or leather to prevent clogging like its cousin the Tradition. It was redesigned in 1983 or late 1982 with the larger fill tube made out of gray plastic and wire. The Kirby Heritage II attachment box was made in the style of cardboard in 1984 and had the hammerhead shark power nozzle. That was dropped when they came out with the new streamlined nozzle in 1985 also introducing the patented Kirby Zippbrush. The Kirby HII had a black Turbo Brush like the Heritage, but retired it in 1985. Also they came out with the Kirby Kaddy made out of vinyl or plastic. The only other optional accessories were the Reno Group and the Turbo Sander. In 1987 or 1988, The Kirby Video: Use and Care Manual was avaliable for the 1st time on VHS and BETA. these are extremely rare. I am currently searching for one.

Post# 78793 , Reply# 7 8/18/2009 at 18:59 (5,357 days old) by kirbyman89 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Also* In 1987 the Kirby Company added for the 1st time the Brushroll Performance Indicator light on the Heritage II. Besides for about half of the first year [1997] of the G5, this feature has been equipped on every Kirby from 1987 - Present Day.

Post# 78797 , Reply# 8 8/18/2009 at 20:12 (5,357 days old) by dualsanitronic (Omaha)
Checkrate/Likes *the mean green Kirby machine* According to an old "proofs" book I used to have, the Dual Sanitronic 80 featured a new Delta Styled Handle and with a total of 26 changes,improvements and refinements,it gave a peak into the future of Kirby models to come. Who can name what they are?

Post# 78887 , Reply# 9 8/19/2009 at 20:23 (5,356 days old) by dualsanitronic (Omaha)
Checkrate/Likes Calling all Kirby experts!

Post# 78957 , Reply# 10 8/20/2009 at 14:29 (5,355 days old) by kirbyman89 ()
Checkrate/Likes *RE: Calling all Kirby experts* What can I do for you?

Post# 78963 , Reply# 11 8/20/2009 at 16:27 (5,355 days old) by camelotshadow (Valley Village)
Checkrate/Likes I still like the simple streamlined pre Dual 80 Kirby line with the tubular handles.

Post# 78974 , Reply# 12 8/20/2009 at 21:35 (5,355 days old) by dualsanitronic (Omaha)
Checkrate/Likes I agree! But Kirby was claiming the D80 had the Delta handle, which I don't like plus a total of 26 changes, improvements and refinements over the D50. The D80 is still fabo however. But what were all those changes?

Post# 78979 , Reply# 13 8/21/2009 at 05:44 (5,355 days old) by edgar (Belgium)
Checkrate/Likes *herritage II* THe atachments caddy changed also over here. THe last models of the heritage II had the same cady as the G serie, and the atachments were also the same, instead of the original atachments. I do not know if this also changed in the US because I only find them on ebay with the higher caddy and old style atachments.

Post# 78980 , Reply# 14 8/21/2009 at 05:50 (5,355 days old) by edgar (Belgium)
Checkrate/Likes *pic* heritage II new style