Kirby Classic III

[vinvac1977]

So I spent the past two days scrubbing and polishing my Classic 3 that I got at a thrift store. I put a new belt, light bulb, brush roll, and cloth bag, plus I was able to find some of the red trim that it was missing at a local shop. I have never polished one of these before so it was and adventure doing it by hand. The only thing it still needs is a new cord as someone had spliced an extension cord plug to the end of the cord. But for now I think I am going to put a real plug on it while I look for and original. At least that way I don't have to worry about getting zapped. The first is before and the second is after.

 

[rainbowd4]

Nice!

What are you doing with the old bag? I'm looking for an original bag like that. I know it's probably dirty, but that's ok. As long as it isn't torn or anything. I'm looking for one like this, made from the softer, wool like material. Let me know if you have it, and want to part with it.

 

[vinvac1977]

Chris

The old bag is in pretty fair shape, the only reason I switched it out was because the zipper is shot. I went to open it and more teeth pulled out than stayed on it. I am not sure that the bag that I took off is the original bag. The machine had a sticker on it from a local vac shop. They said that in the late 70's early 80's they would refurb these machines. The one that I got from them is according to them nos that the owner had stocked up on back then and couldnt get rid so he still had one. It matches the one I took off. I was planning on tossing it.

 

[rainbowd4]

Don't throw it out...

If you don't want it, would you mind rolling it up and tossing it in a little box, and mailing it to me? It should fit in one of those 4-$5 priority mail boxes. I will reimburse you through PayPal for the cost to mail it. If you're willing, I'll give you my address.

 

[human]

Fix the plug immediately, if not sooner!

My G5 had a similarly spliced plug. I got a heavy duty two-prong plug from Lowe's for less than $3 and used it like that for a year or so until I came across an OEM cord, albeit a light gray one for a G3, for an exceptionally cheap price. I would have been content to keep using the original cord with the replacement plug had the anchor tab down by the motor not also been torn off.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

Charlie....

I couldn't help but to notice your '56 Voice of Music portable in the back round...Just wanted to say that I am slightly jealous..

 

[vinvac1977]

Chris

Chris, email me your address and I will gladly mail it to you this week.

Edgar, the plug has now been replaced, so it is now safe to use with no worries, other than I am accident prone and some how ran over my bare foot with the motor running.. not fun, plus it scarred the dog....lol


Jae, thanks, it was my grandmothers and took almost a year to find the parts to restore it to working order.


Thanks,
Charlie

 

[paul]

Good work on the polishing and replacing. The 2CB Classic III's candy apple red is very attractive.

In case you haven't dated it yet by the letter in the serial # here's a chart:

A= July - December 1976
B= January - July 1977
C= July - December 1977
D= January 1978 - August 1978
E= September 1978 - June 1979

Also, here's a link to the warranty and instruction book: http://kirbywhq.powweb.com/manuals/classic3/index.html

 

[paul]

Bag Pattern

The Classic III's OEM bag had the windowpane check pattern. Your replacement is the tattersall pattern.

Chart copied from atailoredsuit.com:

 

[rainbowd4]

Charlie...

I sent you an email, at the address in your profile here.

 

[paul]

Re: Bag Pattern

Looking at the photo on the manual cover, I thought the OEM bag was windowpane check, but on zoomed view it's the tattersall pattern with bold black lines and faint blue lines. Yours appears to be all black lines from the photo but if it has the black & blue then it's probably the OEM bag.

 

[vinvac1977]

bag

Paul,
Thanks for the information. The bag that was on it appears to be the tattersal pattern and the one the vac shop sold me is the window pane pattern. At least it has a new bag. Now if I could just figure out a way to get the emptor off things would be great. It seems that whoever had it before used some kind of silicone or tar to glue it on.
I am still trying to find the serial number on this machine to compare to the dates that you provided.

Chris,

I got your email and it will be mailed today!!

 

[paul]

No problem, Charlie.

Re: the Em-Tor, I'd use a putty knife to carefully work it loose.

Re: the serial no., you'll find it on the nameplate.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

vinvac1977

Charlie,


 


The serial number on a Classic III is stamped on the fan case just left of the headlight.


 


~Ben