Hi! Searching for Info, Help!!

[mommawash]

Hi, my name is Lorie. My husband purchased a Kirby Omega 1-CB at an auction with 2 boxes of attachments. I have looked for hours to try to find some info on this vacuum! I think it has all original parts and attachments? We are asking for information and value of this sweeper. Your expertise and knowledge is greatly appreciated!! I will attach some photos if I can!

 

[human]

Missing the rug nozzle?

It looks like you have a nice assortment of attachments but if the photos you posted are any indication, you're missing one very important part--the rug nozzle that normally inhabits the front of the machine when you're using it as an upright. The last photo of the serial number plate actually shows a line drawing of the vacuum with the nozzle in place. One of the best ways to determine the value of the machine you have is to see what similar machines are going for on eBay. You can even limit your search to past auctions so you can see what they've actually sold for.

 

[mommawash]

I do have the rug nozzle! Just forgot to put it on. Thank you for the info. I will try to post it.

 

[mommawash]

Here's the rug nozzle.

 

[mommawash]

These were also included in the attachment boxes. As you can tell, never been used.

 

[dysonman1]

Info:
The Kirby Classic Omega ran from 1973 - 1976. It featured a newly designed motor over its predecessor, the Kirby Classic. It sold for anywhere between $250 - $600 depending upon several factors including where it was sold, what accessories was sold with it, and how the customer was paying for the machine.

Kirby sold tons of them. It was very common to see them in the trade-in piles of vacuum repair shops, waiting the trash or rebuild department. Today they are still very common. The accessories - not so much.

The "value" is debatable. While many on Vacuumland like Kirby cleaners, these are not rare machines. There's almost always one on craigslist, almost always for less than $50. As it's not a rare model - the amount you can get for it will depend where you try to sell it. A church rummage sale would net you about $10. A flea market, about the same. eBay - you will compete with all the other vintage Kirbys for a VERY limited audience of collectors, who most likely already have an Omega model.

 

[mommawash]

Thank you dysonman1 !!! That was exactly what I was looking FOR! That was awesome information! I think it's pretty cool machine. I own a Kirby that was my father's. I love it, although it is a bulky machine and quite heavy, I use it too this day!
Thanks again for all of the information!

 

[caligula]

What's in the boxes?

Hi Lorie:

I was a salesman for Kirby when this model was being sold so I know this machine very well. And while the standard tools like the hose, wands and so that go with it are common to every vacuum cleaner, there are certain things that are exclusively Kirby.

In reply #4 you say "these were also included in the attachment boxes."

In picture 1. it's the 'Handi-Butler,' a device for sanding, grinding, polishing and even knife sharpening. The main unit fits where the rug nozzle usually goes and you snap on a buffing, or grinding wheel. In the cardboard holder is the 'Flexible shaft,' it attaches to the Handi Butler letting you do things like polish door knobs.

Picture 2. shows the assorted tools that fit on a special chuck letting you use a drill bit, or a sanding disk for all types of household tasks. The idea was to provide things the husband could use for the car, or around the house.

Picture 3. is the 'Rug Renovator,' a device used to shampoo carpets. As for the water tank, that's in the main box with the hose and spray gun. And resting atop the Rug Renovator box is the 'Miracle Head' used for polishing floors.

In the main box is the spray gun whith a special cap that turns it into a 'suds-o-gun' to shampoo upholstered furniture. That long thing with the curved teeth is a shag rake. Back in the 1970's shag carpeting was common and this rake fit over the main rug nozzle. The red thing I can't see very well but think it' the 'Handi-Waxer,' a wax applicator used with both the curved and straight wands, and works in conjunction with the Miracle Head. But that tool is not part of the model you have, it goes to the Classic III which followed in June of 1976.

You may have noticed holes in the hose coupling, these were government regulations and called 'Safety Bleed Holes' designed to prevent injury.

What I don't see is the box with the standard tools, wands, bare floor tool, dusting brush and so on but they are easy to acquire. These are not needed if you decide to use the Kirby in upright mode only. And as a 'portable' the only thing missing is the 'lifter grip,' a small handle used to replace the long handle. But more on that and other features later.

Generally speaking you have a nice machine and aside from the wands and brushes it's a complete unit.

Alex Taber
Former Kirby training manager.

 

[caligula]

Hi Lorie.

Here's a look at several Kirby tools used on previous models over the years. There are also a few things that followed the Classic Omega.

Start with the spray guns, next to those are several Handi-Butlers and buffing disc's and under them is a set of hair clippers, then polishing tools. What follows is a series of lifter grips, (the brown one goes to the Classic Omega) and the long things are shoulder straps used in conjunction with the lifter grip to carry the main motor unit over your shoulder. As to the cords thay are also Kirby. All other parts are Electrolux, Air-Way,and so on.

I spent almost 15 years as a training manager for Kirby, so if you want any further information on the Classic Omega or the history of the Kirby company in general feel free to contact me privately at [email protected]. I can also provide you with missing parts if you need them.

Alex Taber

 

[caligula]

More Kirby parts.

Kirby Rug Renovators and Miracle heads used over the years. Yes, that is the handle of the Classic Omega! And the long round thing is the correct Handi Waxer for your model. But it's not the waxer, it's just the case the waxer went in. Waxers to follow.

 

[caligula]

Hi again Lorie.

The pictures of the waxers I was going to post are Electrolux not Kirby I'll need to locate the ones that are Kirby and post them later, but you have a lot of info here. I may have an instruction book for the Classic Omegs that I can scan if for you if you want one.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

mommawash

Lorie,

http://kirbywhq.powweb.com/manuals/...52A725F85A259C448387E/ClassicOmega Manual.pdf

Here's the Omega manual uploaded by Kirby itself. . .

~Ben

 

[mommawash]

Thank you KirbyClassicIII Ben. WOW! do you know your stuff! My husband wants to sell it. I think it's pretty cool. I own 2 of my own Kirby's. I love them!
Thanks again for the info!