Kirby Classic III - Molded Speed Switch Cover on 120V Machines?

[kirbyclassiciii]

I wonder if there is anyone that may have a (120-volt) Kirby Classic III 2CB still wearing the red version of the molded plastic covering over the speed switch? I do acknowledge that such chances of there being any of these still with them are slim given the trouble the plastic covering in question had posed, but I also acknowledge the purpose it was supposed to serve: to protect the motor from getting moisture stuck in it when the Rug Renovator was being used.


 


~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Ben

The classic 3 either has D80 or Omega lever. I'd imagine the lever as the headlight lock was briefly on 3cb tradition for less than a year. I'm not sure if you mean a red trim piece.
Les

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Lesinutah

Les,


 


For the Classic III, it was the same speed switch used on the Classic Omega before it (134373).


 


Here are some pictures (in the attachments below) of the molded speed switch covering on a Tradition, which is in blue.


 


I only saw the red one, so far, on a few export (240 volt) Classic IIIs, and Roger Lang (ibaisaic) has a perfect one from 1979 with that over the speed switch.





(you'll see it there at 0:08 and at 38:38)


 


~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I see it. I wonder if any omegas had it also. You would think it was thrown out. I do remember one of my traditions had it. I thought it was for wiring inside of machine and came loose. It shows little things not noticed.
Les

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Lesinutah

Les,


 


I too am curious as to if the covering also existed in rosewood brown for the Omega... and that's considering the Omega was the first Kirby ever to have a double insulated motor.


 


And yes, these covers have been voluntarily removed from the speed switches over the years because they tended to cause interference with the speed switch control arm, which would be jammed in the "high speed" (bottom) position, and would also now mean the motor would be running at all times whenever the Kirby was plugged in.


 


~Ben

[this post was last edited: 1/2/2019-20:48]

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I wonder if it was put over to protect speed switch corrosion. I'd bet Omega, 2cb 3cb all had them. I'm not sure on heritage as new speed switch but I wouldn't doubt it. It like a protection for switches.
That would be neat if you could verify it. Just small detail almost everyone missed as after thought.
The few people who sold Kirby in 80s may have answer.
Les

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Lesinutah

Les,


 


Yes, it was supposed to guard against moisture and dirt from getting inside of the motor, especially when the Rug Renovator was being used (the foam generated from the water and Renovator shampoo).



~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Ben

I found you posted this in 5/2014. I believe you mentioned it was a UK version.
Recreating it or duplicating it would be easy. I believe a sheet of heat shrink might be same material. I'm not sure Kirby had part numbers for these. I checked my diagrams and I didn't see it on any exploded view in my Kirby diagram book from 505-sentria. It would be a good idea to make and use.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Lesinutah

Les,

I actually first found that in this particular post created in 2013:
https://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?20077
(this machine was restored by Chris S. aka machineage)

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Holy cow

That is the nicest for Kirby I've ever seen. Wow I am amazed.
Les

 

[sptyks]

My Kirby Classic III...

Lesinutah,


 


I am fortunate to own this beautiful Classic III which I acquired from ebay in 2015. It runs as good as it looks!

 

[lesinutah]

sptyks

Is the vacuum been showed yours now?
Even if not it looks like it. I'm not a classic 3 fan because of the red. I don't like red vacuums but good golly it's amazing looking.
I have a classic 2 or 3 traditions I'm not positive. I have 2 heritage 2 legends one of which I put micro matic on tradition and I converted it to straight cannister mode.
I have made bag assemblies for traditions and classic. It's 2.75 inch tube going to top of bag with Sentria 2 HEPA.bag clip.
All aside I like the tradition the most then heritage/Omega next then classic 3. But if I had a classic 3 looking like that it would be my new favorite.
Les

 

[sptyks]

Yes Les, I do still own this Classic III. I also have all the Red attachments for it in it's Kirby Roo Bag which is quite rare. But the only thing I do not have is the Rug Renovator shampoo kit.


 


See photos of the Kirby Roo Bag option:


 

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

I don't recall seeing a roo bag that's pretty sweet.
Your vacuum is made to take I think Kirby style one bags or the bags that tradition takes? Because I see those yellow bags they came with my tradition.
That's the best Kirby I have ever seen. Do we know who acquired the tradition he mentioned in the thread.
That vacuum could go to a car show and win.
Les