Kirby Classic 1cr?

[firebirdman55]

I just bought a classic 1cr with all attachments for $30. Is that a good deal? And what are your opinions on this cleaner? They don't seem as common as the omegas. What are the good/bad points and how rare are they exactly? Thanks!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

It should be if you can study the condition of the machine.

~Ben

 

[firebirdman55]

It seems in very good shape. Original metal can. Bearings sound fine. But the prong where the power cord plugs in has a loose prong. So the cleaner has a tendency to shut off when moved certain ways.

 

[firebirdman55]

*fan, not can lol

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Time for a new power cord (192069)?

~Ben

 

[Miss Mercy]

Kirby Classic 1-CR (1970 - 1973)

The Kirby Classic was a very well received machine for it's time! When it was released, it was the only vacuum cleaner with a nozzle that wide. In fact it sold so well, Kirby had to build a second plant in 1972 called Kirby West in Andrews, Texas to help keep up with production! Some of the draw backs of the Classic was the motor. I have never found a Classic that did not have bearing issues, unless it had just recently been rebuilt. This is because the engineers at Kirby at the time simply took a Dual Sanitronic 80 motor, changed the exterior motor housing design, put the on/off switch in the back and put that huge nozzle on the front. By doing so, the motor wore out faster. In 1973, Kirby released the Classic Omega. This was not only the first double insulated motor, but it also had sealed bearings. They did away with the front bearing plate as well. That is not to say these bearings shouldn't be replaced every so often. I know I am going to catch some flack for what I am about to say because as much as I love originality in a vintage Kirby(Pre Classic Omega), I prefer using the newer plastic fans in them as a means to help give the bearings a longer life span. The metal fans sound awesome, but they tend to weigh the motor down. They also have a tendency to wobble when they get off balance. Just some food for thought and my own personal opinion, observation and research. I hope you like you Kirby Classic as much as I like mine.

 

[kirby519]

I never seemed to have any issues with the bearings in the 1CR. Seems that the Omega model had more bearing issues. But that is my experience. I have several 1CRs I used to do commercial cleaning with and never had any bearing problems. I still have the machines and the bearings are not an issue at all.

 

[firebirdman55]

Thanks for all the replies and details about the 1cr. I do have an omega and it has bearing issues, but the classic 1cr doesn't. And it looks as if it were rebuilt at any time, it was many many years ago.

As for the power cord issue, it's not in the cord at all. The prong inside of the sweeper, back by the power switch where the cord inserts is what the problem is. I highly doubt ill ever actually use it. I bought it just to have.

Also, I have noted that the castings have "69" stamped on them. Does this mean anything?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

It means the approximate date of the introduction of those parts you mention. The Kirby Classic 1CR originally went on sale in February 1970; its instruction book was printed January 1970.

Despite its obvious departure from the "lightweight" Kirbys (from the model C to the Dual Sanitronic 80), it sold well enough that in 1972 Kirby established a second manufacturing plant in Andrews, TX.

~Ben