Infamous Tradition Safety Switch

[eurekastar]

I've read and/or heard about the problematic headlight safety switch on early Kirby Traditions, but I've never seen one. I was looking over this Ebay listing and noticed that it appears to have some kind of switch on the headlight casting. Does anyone know if this would be it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kirby-Tradition-3-CB-3CB-Upright-Vacuum-Cleaner-/270622642155?pt=US_Vacuum

 

[jfalberti]

Yes ...

That was it. I'd be willing to bet that it was converted over to the omega/classic III switch at some time as the headlight switch had a very high failure rate. The switch on the cap was a lock to keep the headlight closed during use.

 

[eurekastar]

I sent a message to the seller about the switch. He told me that the switch was bypassed; however, the upgrade to a safety switch on the fan case was not done. So there is NO safety switch on this Tradition.

 

[jfalberti]

I hope he didn't

Bypass it on the high speed. Bad for the motor.