Thread Number: 7380
Kirby 500 series questions 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 81435   9/26/2009 at 00:19 (5,325 days old) by stunnerable ()        

First off let me introduce myself. My name is Joe Garvey and I am 28 years old. When I was very young (about 2) I saw my first Kirby. My grandmothers 561. Something about it.. I don't know if it was the simplistic beauty or the big puffy bag but I was literally obsessed right away. Every single time I visited my grandmother I went straight for the Kirby. I pushed it all over the house until someone had enough and told me to give it a break! haha! The real treat was when they let me turn it on and push it around. The big bag was really unique and exciting to me. It was just so different. Anyway, as time passed I forgot all about it.. it didn't help that when I was 12 or so my aunt who inherited the Kirby decided to throw it out when it "stopped working so well". She didn't think about my obsession as a child and I think she knew I was pissed.

Anyway, lets fast forward to this year. I was going through one of my families old photo albums with my new wife Corrine and all of a sudden.... there I was!!... in my superman pajamas pushing my grandmothers old 561. I couldn't have been more than 3 years old. Later that day I felt compelled to go onto Google and, of course, I searched around for Kirby info. I didn't know my grandmother had a 561. Well I still don't because it could be a 560 too. Anyway, I couldn't believe all that was out there including this site!!

That being said, I'll admit it! The bug has bit me and I am hell bent on restoring a 561 to better than new condition. Think Fred Nelson!!!

The questions I have are simple:

1. Is anyone selling a 561 I can start with?
2. I NEED an original bag.. where do I start??? Can I have one made?
3. How do I clean up that red trim to make it glow new again? Again... can I have it made?
4. Who can polish this thing to an absolute mirror when I get on top of all the other details?
5. Are there any instructions for doing this? Or do I have to figure it out all by myself???

Thats about it!

Everyone, any help would be very appreciated. I'm glad I am now a part of this forum.

Joe

Post# 81441 , Reply# 1   9/26/2009 at 09:01 (5,325 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Hi

 kirbymodel2c's profile picture
Hi Joe,
Hope your ok.Nice 2 hear your story.
Its a good one.
I think ya best chance is to find 1 on ebay.
You might have to buy 2 or more to make 1 good 1.
If u use a bench grinder it will buff ya kirb up nice.
Your best buyig a kiby 561 with its original bag.

Hope his helps.

James

Post# 81451 , Reply# 2   9/26/2009 at 11:53 (5,325 days old) by electrolux~137 ()        

So let's see the photo! :)

Post# 81456 , Reply# 3   9/26/2009 at 14:30 (5,325 days old) by kirbyclassiciii (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Replacement Parts You Need, Joe

 kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
For your 561:

*190058S complete bag assembly
*160056S complete headlight assembly
*132056 wheels
*144360 belt lifter
*192059 power cord
*119056S fan and pulley
*1525 brush roll

~Ben

Post# 81457 , Reply# 4   9/26/2009 at 15:30 (5,324 days old) by stunnerable ()        

Thanks guys. I'll have pics up soon enough!

Ben,

Are these part number original factory spec? I guess what I am trying to say is; are the the right color. It's essential to me that I build it up to the exact "colors" if you will.. of the factory original. I know there's a lot of tan floating around and that jut wont do. The cord is in fantastic shape. I jut found an original bag in strikingly new condition and I still need help with the red trim.

Seriously, I have no idea how to get that old red trim looking new and bright like a fire engine again. Any advice there?

Joe

Post# 81466 , Reply# 5   9/26/2009 at 17:36 (5,324 days old) by kirbyclassiciii (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Yes, Joe

 kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
These part numbers are indeed from official Kirby service manuals.

Some more:
*136659 - handle lock button - red
*161956 - headlight cap bumper - red
*1404 - nozzle bumper - red
*1727 - handle grip, complete - red
*1860S - Sani Em-Tor bottom, complete - gray
*1916 - bag guard - red

~Ben

Post# 81467 , Reply# 6   9/26/2009 at 17:45 (5,324 days old) by stunnerable ()        

I am assuming I can't just call up Kirby an have em mail me these parts?? Can I???

Post# 81469 , Reply# 7   9/26/2009 at 21:03 (5,324 days old) by kirbyclassiciii (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
No, Joe ...

 kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Among other suggestions, your best bet is to search for donor Kirbys containing these parts. Unless you intend to start your own business devoted to replacement parts like these.

~Ben

Post# 81470 , Reply# 8   9/26/2009 at 22:27 (5,324 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

Joe,

If the rubber parts aren't split (headlight bumper tends to split), clean them off and put some Armor All on them. There might be special kits for conditioning rubber but I am not sure.

If there are any scuff marks or tough dirt, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are your friend!!!!

~Alex

Post# 81473 , Reply# 9   9/27/2009 at 00:27 (5,324 days old) by stunnerable ()        

HAHA! Got ya! Thanks everyone!


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