kirby classic omega bag and the blowing dust question

[eurekastar]

I'm not certain about this, but I think that may be an aftermarket bag. The reason I'm thinking that is because the "Classic Omega" emblem is missing. I had one like that on a machine I once had, but it was rotted and moldy so I threw it out. That bag certainly has the look! My favorite is the simple corduroy bag. But I'd love to have them all some day! Maybe someone else can answer the emblem question.

 

[broomvac]

I also wondered about that missing logo as well. The bag seems quality enough to be an original Kirby bag, but pinstripe Omega bags of any kind seem to be pretty elusive and through the years I really haven't seen any other Kirby Omega bag that could be described as pinstripe outside of mine, so I guess I can't think of any other pinstriped Omega bags to compare it to. I just assumed it was the same type of bag people referred to. Any input on the originality of this bag would be appreciated.

One other thing I forgot to mention is that I feel that this bag filters a little better compared to the others because of the thicker material. Still doesn't beat a modern white "Micron Magic" bag, though!

 

[broomvac]

Ok, after a little searching throughout this site, I came up with some info:

I found this thread (link below) discussing the various bags, and there is a picture of a pinstripe bag that seems darn identical EXCEPT it has the logo! That makes me wonder if the logo was sewn on or like ironed or glued on. If the logo was not sewn on, perhaps the bag on my Omega used to have one but it fell off. That's a wild guess, but that's what came to my mind after looking at how similar they look.

Again, more info would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?8685

 

[bnsd60m9200]

the patch is most definitely sewn on. no matter what one of the 3 bags it is. and that is DEFINITELY a rare pinstripe kirby bag. perhaps from a rebuild. but its not a 3rd party. its def genuine kirby. on the back of the bag, near the top of the middle, a little tag sewn into the center seam saying "kirby" or "scott fetzer" should be a 100% dead giveaway to its authenticity.

will

 

[bnsd60m9200]

actually, my omega bag doesn't have the center seam tag. so it may not. but the bag is original for sure. sans logo patch, which is unusual.

Will

 

[broomvac]

Sorry to hijack the thread...

Maybe I should create a new thread. Just tell me if you want me to and I will.

Now, getting back to my Omega bag, I was pretty sure it was genuine (because it is), but I was questioning its originality. You mentioned it may be a bag from a rebuild, but I flipped the old beast over and the serial plate did not say rebuild. This does not entirely rule out the rebuild idea, but I believe it wasn't shipped to be rebuilt at the factory that they would have changed the plate. I have a feeling it was locally rebuilt though, since our local store pretty much does only Kirby refurbs and Kirby repair. When I was given this vacuum (from the same store mentioned, as a matter of fact) it had a plastic fan and a Kirby Service Center sticker on it, showing that it could possibly have been locally rebuilt. The reason the bag looks identical to the original pinstripe just without the logo is probably because it was a Kirby replacement during a rebuild. I have a feeling it is a similar setup like how Kirby now makes modified G3 bags for replacements and rebuilds that looks close to the original one but (like my Omega bag) lacks the logo on the front.

So, does the lack of logo make this bag MORE or LESS rare? lol

 

[kloveland]

I just received an Omega

with the pinstripe bag from another collector. Instead of the usual spring mine had a clamp. The clamp looks original and it was much easier to get on the emptor.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

kloveland

Kenny,

That's odd -- the pinstripe bag (which I got from Scott Hanson) on my 1974 Omega seemed to have the spring instead.

~Ben

 

[kloveland]

I'll post a picture of the clamp when I get home. Wasn't the clamp installed to help with the bags blowing off the emptor? I seem to remember reading it in a service bulletin.

 

[rivstg1]

My old time kirby tech informed me thatKirby may have had the regular spring earlier on in production, but they started using a rubber belt...that would often fail so the fix was the metal strap/clamp

 

[kloveland]

It was in a service bulletin

That is correct Kelton..