Kirby Classic III Metal Fan Question

[jhoop31]

Recently got a Kirby Classic III and after taking it apart I have a question about the metal fan. There is not a part number anywhere on the fan. It looks like a genuine Kirby fan but the only marking is on the front face of the fan between the blades. In raised letters are -100. Not sure if this is a original fan or some type of replacement fan.

Any ideas?

 

[eurekastar]

There are lots of replacement fans floating around out there. But I'm thinking that an original fan will have the part number stamped on the back. It also seems like you'll find two or three half inch circles machined into the back of an original fan. I don't know why they are there, but I'm guessing it's done to balance the fan? Not sure.

 

[kirbylux77]

One thing I have noticed about the aftermarket metal fans is a lot of them have the belt pulley built into the fan, whereas a genuine Kirby metal fan has the belt pulley separate & you have to attach onto the shaft after your fan is installed.

Rob

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Rob,

The oldest Kirby metal fans (the genuine ones) did not have a separate belt shaft. They only first did that on the first plastic fan when they introduced that with the 1980-81 season run of the Tradition.

~Ben

 

[a007kirbyman]

jhoop31 (Jason) & C III fan...

Hello Jason.

That would be an aftermarket fan that you describe.

And Bill is correct on both accounts; by the 50's & 60's, MOST, Genuine Kirby parts started to have part numbers on them; secondly, those 'circles' on the back of the metal fans are/were for balancing.

Another thing, is that prior to the two (2) plastic fan versions, (Lexan ['80~'96] & Amodel ['96~present]), the Genuine Kirby fans were/are a one-piece fan assembly. Component fans did not start 'til the Lexan fan.

If you have further questions about this or other Kirby questions, shoot me an email & I will provide you all of my contact info. And, if you are after Kirby parts, keep me in mind next time as a source for your Genuine Kirby wants & needs. I'm sure I will be able to save you substantially.

I carry only Genuine Kirby parts.

Cheers & hagn/d all,

Bill

046

 

[sptyks]

Jason, a077kirbyman hit the nail on the head regarding those Kirby fans. He definitely knows his stuff when it comes to Kirby's.


 


It is almost impossible to get a replacement Kirby metal fan these days. Kirby stopped making metal fans many years ago. Most likely any metal fan you find nowadays is a cheap aftermarket fan that may not be perfectly balanced and also may be prone to break easier if you suck up something like coins, pebbles etc.


 


You're much better off with the newest Kirby replacement fan which is made of Amodel. The new Amodel fan is stronger but lighter than the metal fan which allows the motor to spin at a little higher RPM and thus may improve airflow as well. Amodel is a substance that is much stronger than metal and almost impossible to break.


 


Keep in mind, If you have any questions or need any Genuine Kirby replacement parts, a007kirbyman is the guy to go to.


 


~Stan


 

 

[jhoop31]

Thanks to everyone for all of the info. This was my Grandmothers Kirby that I got from my mother. We have always been a Kirby family with my mother currently having a G5 and my wife and I have a Diamond Edition.

My mom gave me the Classic III to clean up and if I'm lucky I may get to keep it. I will probably put the new style fan in this one although this metal fan doesn't seen too be in too bad of shape.

Here are some pictures of the fan in question sine everyone likes pics.

 

[jhoop31]

Not sure if you can tell from the photos put this is a one piece fan. So if it's not genuine it's a fairly good reproduction.. Not sure if I should use this fan or not. I don't see any cracks but there are small nicks on it.

 

[eurekastar]

I wouldn't have a problem reusing it. It looks like the manufacturer took the time to make sure it's balanced. When you place it on the armature shaft again, you might put a little grease on the threads just to make sure it doesn't rust on there!