Introduction and a Repair Question

[lotsofkirbys]

Hi, everyone! This is my first post here on Vacuumland, so sorry if this comes across as a little blunt. I have been collecting pretty much as long as I can remember and have been reading the forums for about five years. I finally decided to join after I realized that I had a problem that I couldn't find the answer to...

I am a fifteen year old collector in need of some advice on what to do with a Kirby Classic 1-CR. I bought it about ten years ago at a garage sale from the original owner. It did not come with anything but a split hose, and I am sure that at some point he re-did the original wiring with his own. It is missing the headlight socket, doesn't have the original foot switch, or cord socket. It does run. I have finally decided to restore it but I am not sure if it's a smart idea to do so. I have very limited funds so I cannot always afford new parts. I guess my main question is. Is it smart to take on a project like this? Or should I buy a new Classic or Classic Omega to refurb? I can post pictures if needed.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

lotsofkirbys

Welcome to VacuumLand!

Yes, please do show us pictures of your Classic 1CR, that way we all know better as to how we can help.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 9/13/2021-14:34]

 

[lotsofkirbys]

Here are those pictures. The previous owner drilled holes into the body to mount the new switch and cord socket. The cleaner head is severely gouged, he had used it as his shop vacuum for 20 years.

 

[suckolux]

Welcome! Great first post, fun project. Good advice also,Good luck

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

lotsofkirbys

I have never seen a Classic 1CR or any Kirby in particular modified like that (in picture 6)!

I wish you the best of luck restoring this. This picture shows what the original cord socket and foot switch looked like. Basically, Kirby used the same foot switch module from models Dual Sanitronic 50 and 80 but re-oriented it vertically.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 9/13/2021-15:06]

 

[gottahaveahoove]

WElcome!!!!

I hope you enjoy the forum.
John

 

[lotsofkirbys]

Ben

Do you think it could/should be restored? Or do you think I've "bit off more than I can chew"? I don't know Kirby part numbers, so I have no idea what It would need (other than the switch) or if I can even get them still...

Thank you all for the welcome!

 

[human]

It's not hopeless...

What's been done to that machine gives a whole new dimension to the concept of a 'frankenkirby' but I don't see why it couldn't be restored closer to original. The most cost effective way to source the parts will likely be to buy another machine that also needs some work and use parts from both to make one good one out of the two. Lots of parts are available online but they ain't exactly cheap. I had to buy a foot switch for a Legend II a couple of years ago and it cost me a little over $20 for a new one. That's probably why the previous owner did what he did. By comparison, in the past couple of months, I bought a complete Classic III with a hose and a few tools from Shopgoodwill.com for $28 shipped and picked up a G3 that was in dire need of some TLC (and a new brush roll) from a local Goodwill store for $10. Thrift shops can be very hit-or-miss but sometimes you do get lucky.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

lotsofkirbys

Yes, I do believe you can restore this.

Here's the official parts breakdown and list for this machine from a 1974 Kirby service manual.

And as Edgar (human) suggested, you can also buy another non-working Classic 1CR with the parts that you need for yours.

~Ben

 

[lotsofkirbys]

Thank you,

For all of the advice! Human, I have definitely been looking for a parts machine. There's just not very many "for parts" 1CR's out there. Ben, thank you for the diagram, and more specifically the part numbers! The only other problem is that I think the fan is threadlockered on...
I wish I had something to give for the hospitality!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

lotsofkirbys

You're most welcome.

~Ben

 

[hoover300]

I know for a fact I have 2 parted out Kirby 1crs sitting in my basement, with every part you need on them. Post some more pics of the rest of the machine, and I'll see what I can dig out next week.
Welcome!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

lotsofkirbys

If there is one person on here in particular that could provide you some help, I recommend: Rob Young, aka texaskirbyguy.

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

If

You look up kirby motor units on ebay. Caroljean on ebay in Oregon usually has parts machines. Your going to want a whole motor unit because with the setup on the cr1 it has no skid plate. If you keep the outer motor shell it the screw holes would look bad. Being he wired a new switch the outer shell on the motor unit is needed. The oxidation on the nozzle can be sanded down and polished.
Just know the ds80, classic 1 and classic omega models are not similar to other kirby models. Basically in laymen terms take pics, use diagrams pay attention to parts.
I have no doubt you can do it and you will learn alot doing so.

 

[lesinutah]

Link

The thread attached is on a classic omega. I'm attaching it because it gives you great tips and easy to understand how to's on restoration.

https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?33991

 

[lotsofkirbys]

Question/Here you go

Here it is put back together.

@ben. Is there a way to alert him to this thread or do I just have to hope he sees it?

@hoover300. Here are those pictures you wanted. The picture of the coin case is an attempt to show that it's cracked.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

lotsofkirbys

He can be reached by email at:
[email protected]

~Ben

 

[hoover300]

I have the coin case, a rear housing, an original handle grip, and a switch assembly. If you can wait about a week, I'll gladly sell them to you.

 

[lotsofkirbys]

Les

I'm not aiming this directly at you, I just thought I should clear some things up.

I've restored other vacuums before, and I have taken apart my entire collection. I've never had a project this big. This Kirby has always frightened me because I honestly didn't really know all of what the guy had done, or what to do about it. I am also very familiar with Kirby models and differences between them. It's just the parts I'm not sure about.

What did you mean by "skid plate"?

Thank you for the attached thread! Very helpful!

How would you go about getting the gouges out of the cleaner head?

@hoover300. Thank you! Can I email you? I take it that you have no headlight socket?