Kirby experts needed..
- Thread starter kenkart
- Start date
Help Support VacuumLand:
bnsd60m9200
Well-known member
hans, if youre talking just about the machine, no. the same motor , wheels and switches. just costmetic changes with handles and bags, belt lifter, bag hangers. they DID have different optional acessories. the CLIII was the first to have the jigsaw with the handi bulter,and the omega had the miracle waxer instead of a handi waxer. the omega also had the briefly offered (CL and CL omega only) message attachment that was discontinued with the CL III. the omega was also the last machine to have a cast aluminum handi bulter housing, the cL III's was plastic.
hope this helps.
hope this helps.
kenkart
Hans,
The Classic Omega was also the first Kirby to use a new double-insulated motor assembly, which also did away with the front bearing plate. And like Will said, it was also the last Kirby to have...
1. The Miracle Waxer accessory
2. The Swedish Massager accessory
3. The aluminum Handi-Butler and several of its accessories
~Ben
Hans,
The Classic Omega was also the first Kirby to use a new double-insulated motor assembly, which also did away with the front bearing plate. And like Will said, it was also the last Kirby to have...
1. The Miracle Waxer accessory
2. The Swedish Massager accessory
3. The aluminum Handi-Butler and several of its accessories
~Ben
Thanks Will
I know much more about the 40s and 50s machines, I remember both the Omega and Classic 3 new, My very colorful Aunt who was 5 feet tall and weighed 100 pounds bought a Omega in 70 something, She had NO mechanical abilities whatsoever and I learned more cuss words watching her struggle with that big Kirby..I have a Omega but recently found a Classic 3, I think I'm going to buy it, it really looks new but is a little high on the price, always liked the colors, Our local Kirby dealer was a great friend when I was a teenager, His wife did all the repair work and I remember her saying the Omega had some motor troubles early on that were later corrected.
I know much more about the 40s and 50s machines, I remember both the Omega and Classic 3 new, My very colorful Aunt who was 5 feet tall and weighed 100 pounds bought a Omega in 70 something, She had NO mechanical abilities whatsoever and I learned more cuss words watching her struggle with that big Kirby..I have a Omega but recently found a Classic 3, I think I'm going to buy it, it really looks new but is a little high on the price, always liked the colors, Our local Kirby dealer was a great friend when I was a teenager, His wife did all the repair work and I remember her saying the Omega had some motor troubles early on that were later corrected.
bnsd60m9200
Well-known member
hans, classic omegas are III's are still very common, even all original. unless it comes with all the attachments, and i mean ALL, it wouldnt pay more than $35 for one personally. unless its nearly nos.
The classic DOES not have same motor as the Omega. The motor in the classic is or very similar to the Dual 80 & Dual 50. Sorry if I read the above comments wrong. The Classic, Classic Omega and Classic III do not share the same motor. Now, the Classic III and the Omega do.
The switch in the Classic is the same as the Dual 50 and 80 only turned on it's side, the safety switch is the same as well.
When the Classic Omega came out. Kirby went to a more powerful motor.
The switch in the Classic is the same as the Dual 50 and 80 only turned on it's side, the safety switch is the same as well.
When the Classic Omega came out. Kirby went to a more powerful motor.
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
For a very brief time during the run, the Classic III had a long slender handle. People complained about the comfort, and it causing blisters on some users, so the handle was changed to the design on the Previous models somewhere in the mid run.
The bag material was different on the CLIII, an almost felt like material. The earlier Omegas used the same bag as on the Classic with a Classic Omega badge. Later in the production run the Omega went to the plasticized dots on the bag.
The bag material was different on the CLIII, an almost felt like material. The earlier Omegas used the same bag as on the Classic with a Classic Omega badge. Later in the production run the Omega went to the plasticized dots on the bag.
kirbysthebest
Harley,
In the middle between the Classic KGF-40 bag (pic #2) and the diamondback vinyl bag, there was the pinstriped bag which was used between the 4th quarter of 1973 and the 3rd quarter of 1974.
My 1974 Omega, serial no. N125785, originally used the pinstriped cloth bag (pic #1).
It was also during 1974 that Kirby made all their cords 8 feet shorter, from 32' to 24', in response to the recession. Thankfully the 32' length was restored before the Classic III replaced the Omega.
~Ben
Harley,
In the middle between the Classic KGF-40 bag (pic #2) and the diamondback vinyl bag, there was the pinstriped bag which was used between the 4th quarter of 1973 and the 3rd quarter of 1974.
My 1974 Omega, serial no. N125785, originally used the pinstriped cloth bag (pic #1).
It was also during 1974 that Kirby made all their cords 8 feet shorter, from 32' to 24', in response to the recession. Thankfully the 32' length was restored before the Classic III replaced the Omega.
~Ben
Well...I paid too much...
But I got the Classic 3,I don't think the attachments have ever been used, neither has the Rug Renovator, the machine is perfect except the plug has been replaced on the cord, otherwise very close to new...I always wanted one of these, a little newer than most of my vacuums,The book says it was sold new April 5 1979 out of the Burlington NC Kirby office.1728 Maple Ave. Burlington NC.My hometown was full of Kirbys and Electroluxes, we had a great Kirby dealer who was honest and dependable and 2 ladies that sold Electroluxes and believe me, they both worked at selling just like anyone else did a regular factory job.
But I got the Classic 3,I don't think the attachments have ever been used, neither has the Rug Renovator, the machine is perfect except the plug has been replaced on the cord, otherwise very close to new...I always wanted one of these, a little newer than most of my vacuums,The book says it was sold new April 5 1979 out of the Burlington NC Kirby office.1728 Maple Ave. Burlington NC.My hometown was full of Kirbys and Electroluxes, we had a great Kirby dealer who was honest and dependable and 2 ladies that sold Electroluxes and believe me, they both worked at selling just like anyone else did a regular factory job.
jscarlato
Well-known member
I enjoy learning from you'uns (Pittsburghese) . . .
This has been an interesting discussion. There's much I know about Kirbys, but I learn a lot more from reading here. The Classic 1CR was the first Kirby I ever got and used in my home. I bought it brand new in 1972 from my local Kirby dealer, who subsequently became my trusted dealer and friend through the years.
Per the ins-and-outs of this discussion, I had my reliable 1CR for several years. I skipped the Classic Omega and the Classic III. When the Kirby Tradition came out, I was struck by that awesome blue color, and I had to have it. So, I traded in old trusty. Yes, I had the safety switch on the headlight cap. It never gave me a problem because I was careful, but my dealer fed me the horror stories about that so-called improvement.
Later on, I traded in the Tradition when the Heritage II Legend came out, which I really liked. However, over time, I regretted not keeping that Tradition. I decided that I needed to get another one to keep in my collection. My local dealer was hard pressed to find me a good enough one that met my standards. So, about four years ago, I contacted Kent Oyler out in Utah to see if he could rustle me up a nice Tradition. Luckily, he had parts scattered about, and he built me a Tradition from the ground up, expertly servicing all the needed parts (minus the safety switch on the headlight cap). Many parts are new. We upgraded to the mini emtor with a new bag and fill tube to use the white HEPA bag. It came to me running and looking brand new. This is one of my favorite Kirbys. Searching around on Ebay, I have a complete set of Tradition attachments in excellent condition stored away in that blue attache carrying case.
Back to the subject of this thread, does anyone out there have any stats on how the Tradition compared mechanically and cleaning-wise with the Classic Omega and the Classic III? Was the Tradition more or less a cosmetic update, or was it an improved machine in other ways?
This has been an interesting discussion. There's much I know about Kirbys, but I learn a lot more from reading here. The Classic 1CR was the first Kirby I ever got and used in my home. I bought it brand new in 1972 from my local Kirby dealer, who subsequently became my trusted dealer and friend through the years.
Per the ins-and-outs of this discussion, I had my reliable 1CR for several years. I skipped the Classic Omega and the Classic III. When the Kirby Tradition came out, I was struck by that awesome blue color, and I had to have it. So, I traded in old trusty. Yes, I had the safety switch on the headlight cap. It never gave me a problem because I was careful, but my dealer fed me the horror stories about that so-called improvement.
Later on, I traded in the Tradition when the Heritage II Legend came out, which I really liked. However, over time, I regretted not keeping that Tradition. I decided that I needed to get another one to keep in my collection. My local dealer was hard pressed to find me a good enough one that met my standards. So, about four years ago, I contacted Kent Oyler out in Utah to see if he could rustle me up a nice Tradition. Luckily, he had parts scattered about, and he built me a Tradition from the ground up, expertly servicing all the needed parts (minus the safety switch on the headlight cap). Many parts are new. We upgraded to the mini emtor with a new bag and fill tube to use the white HEPA bag. It came to me running and looking brand new. This is one of my favorite Kirbys. Searching around on Ebay, I have a complete set of Tradition attachments in excellent condition stored away in that blue attache carrying case.
Back to the subject of this thread, does anyone out there have any stats on how the Tradition compared mechanically and cleaning-wise with the Classic Omega and the Classic III? Was the Tradition more or less a cosmetic update, or was it an improved machine in other ways?
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
I sold the Tradition in 80-81 while in Macomb, Il
As with any Kirby, save for major re-designs (which has only happened twice in their history). The new models had cosmetic, as well as some refinements.
The tradition was the first to use a paper bag system.
Wider rear wheels With hubcaps.
Of course the blue color. I loved it, other's did not.
11 blade Lexan fan.
Quieter operation, Mostly due to the muffling effect of the paper bag system.
ID # molded directly into the fan casing.
Mid-run the elimination of the suction relief vent under the headlight cap.
I was told, but engineering wise don't know for sure. Improved front bearing to better withstand the rug renovator.
Also, mid to late runs had the plastic accessory case. Initial runs still used the cardboard folding case.
Also cosmetically, the squared headlight hood.
My experience was most customers were very pleased with the paper bag system. Most owners of the Classic, and Classic Omega were happy to trade. Some Classic III trades, but it was just one model prior. The one model I had trouble getting people to let go of was the D-80.
[this post was last edited: 2/14/2017-14:24]
As with any Kirby, save for major re-designs (which has only happened twice in their history). The new models had cosmetic, as well as some refinements.
The tradition was the first to use a paper bag system.
Wider rear wheels With hubcaps.
Of course the blue color. I loved it, other's did not.
11 blade Lexan fan.
Quieter operation, Mostly due to the muffling effect of the paper bag system.
ID # molded directly into the fan casing.
Mid-run the elimination of the suction relief vent under the headlight cap.
I was told, but engineering wise don't know for sure. Improved front bearing to better withstand the rug renovator.
Also, mid to late runs had the plastic accessory case. Initial runs still used the cardboard folding case.
Also cosmetically, the squared headlight hood.
My experience was most customers were very pleased with the paper bag system. Most owners of the Classic, and Classic Omega were happy to trade. Some Classic III trades, but it was just one model prior. The one model I had trouble getting people to let go of was the D-80.
[this post was last edited: 2/14/2017-14:24]
dysonman1
Well-known member
There was no change in the motor between the Classic 3 to the Tradition. The Tradition came with the new plastic fan, which was a tremendous improvement in length of life over the metal fan. However, the Tradition suffered from a very narrow diameter fill hose, which restricted suction quite badly. By the time they were half way through the Heritage 1, this had been corrected. There were no 'real' changes to the motor from the Classic Omega through the Legend II.
vacman1961
Well-known member
The biggest change from the Omega to the Classic III is the TCV (Triple Cushion Vibration) cleaning head. The belt lifter went from cast aluminum to plastic, also they added the "visual belt" window to see the belt and eliminate the confusing "belt is on" "belt is off" lettering. Also, the hinged rug plate came back, the Omega was the only year that the reg plate came completely off and it was able to be put on backwards causing the belt to ride over the bristled part of the brush roll. It had the word "FRONT" engraved into the rug plate, but it didn't last long if you vacuumed a lot of hard floors with the cleaning head. The thread guards on the brush roll was improved also, the Omega had very late plastic guards that covered the larger older style end caps, the Classic III had smaller end caps and had a lower, wider profile thread guard. The Shag King was improved, it had locks that locked the shag king to the cleaning head instead of it just being snapped on. The handle grip on the Omega as well as some of the attachments were supposed to have been made of a soy bean compound which wasn't as durable as the handle grip on the Classic, so, on the Classic III they made it out of solid plastic, unfortunately, the first design was very uncomfortable to maneuver, so shortly after the first year they went back to the old design but made it solid instead of hollow. The bag top on the Omega had the hook coming from the center like in previous years, however it was the first year without a chain, they used a formed wire and it didn't swing to the right as easily as in previous models, so they went with a formed wire that was permanently angled to the side to keep the bag at the proper angle. Others than these few changes the machines were essentially the same with the exception of the color and some cosmetic changes.
jscarlato
Well-known member
Thanks to all for the educational input. Through Kirby's first decade of its 2nd generation of machines, it's evident that engineering improvements worked hand-in-hand with cosmetic improvements. The introduction of the Classic 1CR was a revolutionary change. Moving forward from there, changes were more evolutionary. The same can be said about the G3 and its successors.
As for color, one person's preference is another one's dislike. I happen to like the D80's color; others hate it. But, that was the 60s. Know anybody with an avocado green carpet or avocado green appliances? Those greens gave way to the golds and earth tones of the 70s. Hence, the first two Classic models. Later, earth tones gave way to brighter colors. So, Kirby followed suit with the bright red Classic III and the striking blue of the Tradition and the bright orange bag for the Heritage I. And so it goes. I like the throwback black and red on the Avalir. What comes next is anyone's guess.
As for color, one person's preference is another one's dislike. I happen to like the D80's color; others hate it. But, that was the 60s. Know anybody with an avocado green carpet or avocado green appliances? Those greens gave way to the golds and earth tones of the 70s. Hence, the first two Classic models. Later, earth tones gave way to brighter colors. So, Kirby followed suit with the bright red Classic III and the striking blue of the Tradition and the bright orange bag for the Heritage I. And so it goes. I like the throwback black and red on the Avalir. What comes next is anyone's guess.
The Classic III and the Omega are two of the first vacuums I remember seeing as a child. My grandparents had both. Somehow I read Classic in the above post. I misread..
kloveland
When I was young, both my parents and my neighbor next door to me had Kirbys: a Classic III and Tradition, respectively. Even one of my neighbors down the street had one, too - a Heritage II.
The Tradition my neighbor had had a plastic fan (it was built in late 1980), as did (of course) the HII.
~Ben
When I was young, both my parents and my neighbor next door to me had Kirbys: a Classic III and Tradition, respectively. Even one of my neighbors down the street had one, too - a Heritage II.
The Tradition my neighbor had had a plastic fan (it was built in late 1980), as did (of course) the HII.
~Ben
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;">My mom's dad (my grandfather) and his wife had the Classic III. My grandmother bought a used Classic Omega after she broke the power nozzle on her 1205. My mom's parents were divorced before I was born. So I had three sets of grandparents. Which meant more presents for my sister and I at Christmas, lol! Thankfully my parents are still together. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Later when I was about 7 years old my grandmother married my step-grandfather who had the Classic 1CR. My mom’s side of the family were/are Kirby people. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Later when I was about 7 years old my grandmother married my step-grandfather who had the Classic 1CR. My mom’s side of the family were/are Kirby people. </p>
