if they build it i will come

[vacuumssuck213]

I don't. know if this is possible but if you have say a kirby classic or any older model kirby can you simply have it sent back to the factory for a total rebuild. or is it only certain later model versions they will honor

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Kirby rebuild program

Hi Nathan Yes they have a wonderful rebuild program however you must show that you are the owner. You must enclose a sales recite or something like that. they will rebuild any age Kirby however if it is to old the Kirby will not be returned with the corect color BAG OR TRIM as it had when it was new. i had my Dual 80 rebuilt i think it was 27.99 plus shipping HOWEVE it same back with the correct BAG AND CORD the NOZZEL trin was BROWN I was not happy. However they did a WONDERFUL JOB it looks and sounds as good as the day my parents bought it. If you dont have the paper work you can still send it back i think the price is between 2oo.oo to 300.00 still you cant buy a new Kirby for that. Look up Kirby on the web site you can call their rebuild dep- they are very nice and will tell you everything you need yo know. Good luck Doug Let me know what you do

 

[vacuumssuck213]

rebuild program/repo?

I've done another forum on this before but seeing as Kirby replaces bags trim etc do they also reproduce hoses attachments tools for older models?

 

[kirbyvertibles]

They will replace tools too but again color might be different

 

[vacuumssuck213]

hey Doug

Thanks for the information I would sure like to see that d 80 if you have a picture of it I my self am thinkin of sending in my classic and heritage maybe even my gsix a big plus would be if I could get all the hoses and attachments they all came with as top of the line package

 

[briankirbyclass]

Call the Kirby Rebuild Dept, and they will get your name and address, and send you a Rebuild Certificate that contains the paperwork for you to fill out and return with your Kirby.

They will also send a mailing label with their address, ect. to put on the box and instructions on how to pack the machine. Make sure the bag is empty, or no inner bag attached. Also, if the handle of your machine is OK, do not send it in, altho its not an extra cost if you do,,,and they will polish and rebuild it, if you send it. ( I always do send it, take it apart tho first of course)

On this This Rebuild Certificate, you will need to attach a copy of your proof of original purchase, if you are using the Kirby Service Rebuild Program, for the amount it states in your Purchase Agreement.

If you are not the original owner, or have no proof, the price of the rebuild depends on the make, and model year. It is anywhere from around 300 -400 dollars i believe, dependiong on the model and what shape it is in, and exactly what needs to be replaced, broken or missing parts,,ect.

You pay shipping to and from the factory.

Kirby no longer replaces ANY of the optional attachments in the Rebuild Program(such as the Shampoo System,(Rug Renovator) Floor Polisher,(Miracle Head) Handi Butler, ect) other than the hose, upholstry Brush,Dusting Brush and Crevice Tool. They DO NOT replace any of the extention polls, small handle, Air Intake Guard,,ect, attachment holder/boxes, hard floor pad,sprayer,Zipp Brush, Turbo Clipper, ect.

(If you need new ones, go buy them yourself evidently?)

Also ALL of the attachments they do replace, including the Hose will ALL be BLACK in color. Except for G Series machines. However, eventually all G series machine hoses comming back from rebuilding will be all grey, Once supply of the individual colors runs out.

Also, any of the older models, (Pre Tradition machines) will ALL get BLACK Bags, cords,and some trim pieces will also be black,,such as the Sani Emptor bottom door, Bag Guards,,ect. Or any pieces that are color specific they are running low on. Once supply is depleted, they will all be black.

All 500 and earlier machines will come back with TAN trim parts, black bags. ect. Black hose and black attachments.

Red trim parts are running low. Once supply is gone, all Classic 3 machines will be sent back to the owner with Classic Omega trim color, dark Rosewood brown. Also, if the Classic 3 belt lifter needs replacing, it will come back with a Classic Omega metal lifter, with no window. The Vis-a-Belt is no longer being made, or at least supply is running out or not being replaced with the Rebuild Program. (from what i hear)
Same for the Tradition.


Once they receive your Kirby, and inspect it for what needs replaced, they will send you an Authorization Statment and total cost for your Rebuild, for you to sign, and send back with full payment, including shipping back to you.

Once you get the Authorization Statement you can call and charge to your Credit Card, or just send a check or MO.
It will then take approx 2-3 weeks for your Kirby to come back,,brand spanking new,,just like the day it was born!

The only thing the factory will not replace or polish, if its not broken is the belt lifter, and the belt lifter handle.

Remember, if there are any broken,torn up, or NON GENUINE KIRBY parts sent in with your machine,,there is an extra charge
. In other words, if you send in a Franken Kirby of ANY sort,,it will cost you, no matter what. Even if its a non genuine cord, bag, fan,,ect.

Also, for Factory Rebuilding per the Purchase Agreement,,( where you can prove you are the original owner and have the paperwork,,for the amount stated in your PA), the label of the model and serial number MUST BE in tact.
IF it is missing, or defaced,,the Rebuilding Agreement is null and void.
You can still have it done,,but you will pay what anyone else would pay that cant prove ownership.

Some of the 500 series machines, such as the 516, 518, 560, ect,,the Factory Rebuild charge is only about 16-20 dollars,,for as long as the original owner lives,,and they can send it in as often as they want, as long as they live! lol
Talk about a good deal! With the shipping charges to and from the factory, (about 20 dollars each way) the original owner can have a NEW KIRBY for about 60 dollars,,as often and as long as they live and own the Kirby.
Kirby will also replace the machine, and the basic attachments for the rebuilding amount if the Kirby should ever be distroyed in a fire. But you have to send in proof of ownership, and the Fire Report,,and a sworn and notorized statement.
I think all the machines including the Heritage models have the Fire Insurance protection too. Not sure about the G Series machines.

I know the G series machines have a clause in the Rebuild Service Plan that the price is NOT fixed,,and goes up with the Consumer Index,,whereas the older machines that dont have this clause in the contract, DOES have a fixed price, and Kirby HAS TO rebuild the machine for that price,,if you have proof of ownership.

 

[caligula]

Hi BrianKirbyClass.

Thanks for the information.


 


You've spelled out the process very well, and said a lot of what I already knew, except for the opening paperwork. I'm planning to have my G-4 rebuilt. I called the Rebuild department, and was told simply to box it and ship it to Cleveland. The person I spoke with a few weeks ago sounded uninterested, even though I gave her the serial number, date of purchase, and name of the distributor. Should I call Kirby again and request the forms, or was telling the person I spoke to, at great length, enough? I was not going to include the handle, but I'm taking your advice and shipping it with the G-4? Should I send a photocopy of the information my distributor wrote in the front cover of the instruction book with the G-4?, or send it beforehand? (That was the information  I provided to the person at the rebuild department during the phone call!) I'll keep you posted on the process, which I've never used.


 


Thanks again,


Alex Taber.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

[briankirbyclass]

Alex, yes, call them again and request a Rebuild Certificate. It makes the process go ALOT smoother and faster than just sending in the machine in willy nilly without the correct paperwork. (whoever you talked to had their head up their you know where evidently)

IF you send in your machine willy nilly, even with just your name and address, without THEIR Rebuild Certificate, they can say they never received it and had no knowledge of you or your machine,,and goodbye Kirby!

The factory WILL accept a COPY of your proof of ownership for the Rebuild Program Agreement.

DO NOT send in any original paperwork, you may not get it back,,and then you will have no proof of anything.
Infact, make SEVERAL COPIES of your original paperwork, that way if the original ever does go missing, you have back up.

I think for the G series machines, back to the Heritage machines, you will need a copy of the sales reciept/contract showing Paid In Full, and the dealer/salesman's signature, name, address and phone number.
They will take other forms of proof of purchase too,(depends on the model) this is all stated in the Rebuild Certificate.

The Rebuild Certificate they will send you has all the information for you to fill out about proof of ownership, model and serial number, ect. which you return in the box with your machine. This way, they and you both know from their OWN paperwork (the Rebuild Certificate they sent you to fill out) what machine/serial number belongs to which person/address.

Yes definatly send your handle in too,,that is part of the agreement they made with you when you bought the machine,,they have to recondition it wheather it needs it or not. (They tell you to not send in the handle if its not necessary, just so they dont have to deal with it.)

Keep in mind tho that ANY missing, broken or Non Genuine kirby parts that have to be replaced will be an additional charge.

 

[briankirbyclass]

Alex, forgot to say, DO NOT send in ANYTHING beforehand, without the machine. Once you receive and fill out the Rebuild Certificate,and box up your Kirby, simply send in your Rebuild Cert. right in the same box with your Kirby.

Once they receive your machine and your Rebuild Cert. and have inspected your machine, they will send you a confirmation letter, stating the total charge for the rebuild process and any extra charges for missing or broken parts,,and the cost of the return shipping. You can then call them with your credit card info, or send back the confirmation letter with a check or MO. You should then receive your Kirby within 2-3 weeks.

One time when i sent in my Classic Omega, it came back within a week of me sending the Confirmation letter, so the whole process took less than 3 weeks.

Just depends on how busy they are evidently.


Good luck and let me know how it goes!,,,and take pics for us when you get the machine back,,its like opening a new toy on Christmas day!

Ive never seen a Factory Rebuilt G4,,will be interesting.

 

[caligula]

Hi BrianKirbyClass.

Thanks for the info. The man I bought my G-4 from was not only a distributor, he was also my former boss. Many times I've told about working as a training manager, well that was in his branch office where I worked, from 1976 to 81. When I decided to buy a new Kirby, I contacted him. In this case, there was no demo, it was a cash sale!


 


That was a fun afternoon, because he didn't know about the V.C.C.C. or my massive collection, many of which were trade-in's from his office.


 


That Kirby saw a lot of work and was my main machine all the years I was in San Diego. Then after my partner died, it went into storage, and because I didn't expect to store things more than a few weeks, it went in unprotected. As you know, however, it was in storage for seven years, exposed to all sorts of things. And while I got the Classis 111 last year, and love it, I want to put the G-4 back to work.


 


So I'll call Kirby today and ask for the correct paperwork. Thanks again for the great info.


Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi BrianKirbyClass.

Here's a look at the information I gave that person at the Kirby rebuild dept. And yes, I will make several copies!  However, I don't have the original paperwork, and I paid for it with my American Express card. I also know that the registration card was sent to Scott/Fetzer the same day, as my friend Will Hart was a stickler for that.   


 


Alex Taber.

 

[ultralux88]

I've got a D80 that was rebuilt in 2001. It was sent tools and all and every bit of it looks new new tools and all, in the right color. Was a lucky find for $150 from a collector friend!

 

[briankirbyclass]

Alex, im not sure if this will be sufficent proof of original ownership or not. The Rebuilding Dept has the final say on that, but i think in order to get the rebuilding done for the price stated in the Rebuild Agreement, that comes with every new in box Kirby, you have to have the actual Sales Reciept on the distributor's letterhead,showing their company name, address, phone, ect,, that is filled out by the distributor/salesman, Showing the price paid, and to whom, with your name, address and phone at the time of the sale, along with what extras were sold in the transaction,(Rug Reno, Miracle Head, Zipp Brush, ect)date of the transaction, and the words "Paid in Full" written by the dealer/salesman.
At least thats what was required of me when i have sent my machines in for Factory Rebuilding.

 

[caligula]

Hi BrianKirbyClass.

If they require the copy of the receipt of  my American Express card from back then, I'm in real trouble! I haven't used American Express since 1997.


 


I bought that Kirby in 94, and have no idea where that paperwork is as I never save anything of that kind. But my registration form with address of my house in Naperville, Illinois, where I lived at the time, is on file with Scott/Fetzer.


 


Seriously, how many people keep the paperwork of things they buy? Tomorrow I'll call Kirby and ask exactly what I do. But I'd think the serial number can be traced to the original owner, which is me. As for the page in the instruction book, I have that, and will keep you posted after I call Kirby.

 

[briankirbyclass]

Thanks Alex, good idea,,will be interesting to hear what they say. Good luck with it all.
I dont think you would need the recept from American Express,,but your copy of the sales reciept (carbon copy, the dealer and factory have the others) showing all the info may be necessary. Of course its up to them. Good thing you sent in that regristration card,,that may help!

Yep, Im a former salesman too,,sold thru a long established dealer here in KS. When i started, we were just getting rid of the last of the Traditions,,and the new Heritage was comming in.
I stopped selling right at the end of the G3. (was just a part time job for me to earn a little extra money, not full career)

Those were good ol days werent they! Luckily the dealer was honest,and treated his help with respect. And, we were all making good money too. I never went on any of the fancy trips,vacations,ect,,,or earned a car,,but the big boss sure did!
Which, we were all happy for him,,him and his wife were really nice people, and worked hard,,they deserved it.

We didnt have to do much cold calling back then,,at least not out of our office.

The dealer and service center had been there since the early 1950s, and was going very strong, so alot of repeat customers, and their families, friends, neighbors,ect.

We also did alot of repairs, and rebuilds right in the service center conected with the sales office.

The 500 series machines Rebuild Agreements all stated that the dealer/service center would do the rebuilding for the same pricce as the factory,,so we did alot of the rebuilds in house.
NOT ME,,,i was just a salesman, and ocasionally worked the window selling belts, bags, and taking in machines, ect.
We did sell rebuilt machines too,,and were allowed by the factory to do it.
They were rebuilt with all genuine Kirby parts, and buffed on our small machine in the back.
If after the home demo, the customer absolutely couldnt afford a new machine, but still wanted a Kirby,,we would send them into the service center to buy it. All much older models, of course, trade ins.
I remember we were NOT ALLOWED to sell any other machine but Kirby. We could repair other machines, but not sell them. All of the non Kirby trade-ins went to the basement where they were heaped in big dusty piles according to make and model.

Selling for Kirby was fun back then,,people were different back then too. Good ol days.

Sadly, that dealer turned it over to his son, who ran it into the ground within a few yrs, and it closed up seveal yrs ago now. Too bad,,they had a good thing going.

 

[caligula]

Hi BrianKirbyClass.

Whew, that was a close one, but it's a done deal!


 


I talked to the lady from the rebuild department this morning. I gave her the serial number and she found my registration card in seconds, and asked "was the address 5 s. 437 Sherman Ave. Naperville, Illinois?" That was a match, and the purchase date was June , 1993. So the paperwork will go out tomorrow and take about 4 business days. Base price without replacement parts will be $200.00. So it looks like sometime next month, I'll have a Kirby G-4 that looks brand new.

 

[stricklybojack]

A complete like new Sentria for the same price...

l thought this rebuild was a reason to buy a Kirby new? The numbers don't add up, with parts you'll be at or over $300. I see offerings like my link all the time on Ebay. Coupled with all the caveats Brian enumerated, well i'm nonplused about the rebuild program. That having been said, if keeping your old vac feels better, more power to ya...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Kirby-...380818226177?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item58aa88fc01

 

[briankirbyclass]

YAY! Good Job Alex,,,be sure to take pics when the machine comes back!

Yes, having the G series machines Factory Rebuilt is alot more expensive than the older ones, but still worth taking advantage of, IMHO.

With shipping to and from the factory, it cost around 100 dollars to have my Classic Omega rebuilt,,but was well worth it,,it came back in beautiful A1 Condition,,shiny as a new mirror, and the motor sounded better than when it was new!
Of course they dont put the metal fans on anymore, but i have always been very well pleased with their work overall. The one thing i wish was that they had buffed the belt lifter on my Omega. Looked a little strange with the shiny new rug nozzle, and tarnished belt lifter, and the old label.
I ended up polishing the belt lifter by hand and put a new label on myself from some old stock that my local Kirby service center had left over.

 

[caligula]

Hi BrianKirbyClass.

I would love to swap notes on your years with Kirby. Share experiences of demo's gone wrong, or in my case, embarrassing things my trainees did while I was with them on the first demo's in the homes of pre-set prospects. Those were at times very funny, and at others moment's when I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me! I'd love to hear how you were recruited, and how you were trained. Was it in a class with 10 other future salespeople or one on one? I feel it's different with those of us who love vacuum cleaners than the guy off the street who sees this as just a job.


 


More tomorrow, and yes, I will take pictures of the G-4.


 


Alex Taber.