Kirby Madness!

[texaskirbyguy]

Well, the closing of the Plano shop is (sadly) turning me into a mass Kirby hoarder!
I had already got a bunch of stuff before as mentioned through that other thread that actually made sense to get (for the most part).
However a couple days back I got a bunch of stuff I just did not need (but thought it would be fun to have!)

I bought the complete D80 and three other semi-working parts machines. Also I bought a big lot of trim parts and misc. parts that both I wanted and the shop owner just did not want anymore. Lastly I got some Kirby memorabilia and a couple suction meters.

As mentioned in the other thread I would uncover the boxes today and see what I really got. Below are the boxes as packed. This is the only space I have left in the garage!!

Unfortunately, there will be lots more coming home, so I need to figure out where it will all go!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

texaskirbyguy

Rob,

That is awesome you were able to get a lot of this stuff!

~Ben

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Ben, yes most of this is way cool to have - just need to find time to resto the vacs and sort through the parts to figure out what I need and don't need!

So here are some pictures from the first two boxes.

I got the complete D80, just because it is unique. Also I have to believe Olive Green is coming back as my company (a high-tech place) is using a lot of it in furnishings.

I got this 50x machine just for the grey wheels and motor parts for my 505 if I ever need them - will put these on that last 509 I got with its grey bag. This one has a nice 6 blade metal fan!

The Omega here is a basket case but I wanted it for the garage. I have a blue bag for it. It has a good 10 blade metal fan.

Last of the machines is this Tradition with a Classic III bag. Now this just cannot be. I will put the extra blue bag on this one. So what to do with a red bag? Well, I will be getting another Classic III parts unit to put it on! This unit has a broken grey fan so i will get a replacement next time I go, likely attached to another vac!

Moving into the parts category, i got lots of NOS and repro nozzle bumpers!
Also a lot of handle decals and three metal carry handles for 5xx machines. Anyone know which models got the red one and which the silver?

I got three old owners manuals, one for 505, 517, and D50. Glad to have the 505 one for my 505...

Lastly some cool Kirby memorabilia, including a Japanese brochure for the Omega!

The last box I have yet to go through but hopefully this weekend. LOTS of small trim parts in there.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

texaskirbyguy

Rob,

That Tradition you mention, with the Classic III bag... I also see that it has the top-mounted speed switch (or, whatever's left of it).

~Ben

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

I see the early 500. What caught my eye the heritage fill tube has material around entire fill tube. I seen one like this the other day.
Can anyone confirm they came like this.
The grey bag for your 509 is it the grey bag with Kirby I thought was original but bill corrected me callmking it bojacked.
I like that bag it would look real good for your 509.
I also like your d80. In fact I like everything.
I may try and hit you up for sanitronic bag toppers if available.
I didn't see if this thread or other thread was the one with 500 series handle with the skirt and it looked like a 505 or 509 handle.
If you by chance see a 562 manual it is something I've been looking for.
Tell him I said hi.
Les

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Ben,
Yes, the Tradition does have the lid lock but has the bottom mount speed switch, which is stuck down. Rumor has it there are a bunch of speed switch conversion parts in that last box of parts I have not gone through yet.

Les,
Yes, the Heritage came with a vinyl fabric fill tube because the connection on the bag adapter was oval instead of round. The parts book even shows it as being that floppy vinyl fabric. James said it was a headache for Kirby as it often sprung leaks or restricted flow as the bag filled and pressed against the tube. Interestingly enough that fabric has a repeated part number and the old Chrysler logo all over it. Was Kirby buying surplus automotive fabric for use in their vacs?
That fill tube came out of a Heritage that James had converted to a regular fill tube and adapter that accepts the latest bags. I will be buying that Heritage the next time I stop in - he is holding it for me. It also comes with a complete attachment set and shampooer. I had run out of room in the truck (was raining) and ran out of cash as well...

Despite the grey bag on that 509 not being original, it still looks old and neat. I will clean that machine up just enough for a display piece. I put the grey wheels on it already - need to add a red bumper as well as a grey cord.

Tomorrow I will go through that big box full of parts and see what I have and sort it out. I will keep some but I know I will not need it all. I will list what I do not need in the classified section to sell cheap or just the cost of shipping.

I am still wondering where I am going to put the 20 motor units I get in the next trip...

 

[lesinutah]

Hmm

You could clean motors up and sell on eBay. If you have kids have them list them for you. I know eBay and PayPal aren't your cup of tea.
I seen a bag on eBay with fabric on it a couple weeks ago. Nice little tid bit of knowledge.
I have had an idea go to like swap meet or huge community yard sale bring some Kirby's and sell in that type of setting.
I know most the vacs you have other than 505 and new 509 are only 13 inch pre 1970s Kirby's.
The dual sanitronic 80 is nice. He turned it in and i.heard it on the phones. I would have got it if I had more money then. Back on track, the d80 is only 13 inches but in my opinion it will outclean any Kirby.
I assume you Will grow as find of it as you are with 16" Kirby's.
When you get 509 polished up you should post pics. I really like it's bag.
Les

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Les, I cleaned up the 509 with some damp paper towels just to rid the dirt so I could bring it inside. I put on the grey wheels and added a dirty white cord to make it operational. I have a red and grey nozzle bumper - need to see what color would look better. I do not plan to polish this one up. If I did that dirty, tattered bag would look awful. Right now I just call it patina...

I cleaned up the D80 just enough to bring it inside. I do want to restore this one later and be able to use it sometimes. I have new bumpers, bag guard and handle decal. Motor sounds good and current draw is good. However it has the grey plastic fan that needs replacing.
Need to get my D50s done as well - just not enough time!

I went through all the parts today - was amazed at what all was there. Will post pics tomorrow.

 

[lesinutah]

Lexan

The grey fan would work pretty well. The metal sounds cooler and amodel has a sound like a cars exhaust that has power with no rumbling.
The 509 ya good idea keeping it like it is. Parts for it is similar to 505. If it works and you like it that's all that matters.
I have a 508 I just need an original bag. I did change it to metal push button instead of toggle. The black wheels from rear wheels on z heritage are wheels I used on it. I'll probably never find a bag so no need to change.
Les

 

[gottahaveahoove]

It is wonderful how

you're thinking of others like this. Look at the people who will benefit from all of this!

Not everyone would do this.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Les, the grey plastic fan is well known for deteriorating with age, micro-cracking, and exploding at any time. I would not use them in any vac. The white plastic is fine, as well as the metal ones. Yes, the sound of a metal fanned vac is different due to the harmonics the metal produces through vibration. I like the metal ones for originality but plastic in the garage where hard objects might be picked up.

Gottahaveahoov, I do enjoy helping out fellow collectors. I just hope others will be able help clear this stuff out pretty soon. Much of this I will have no use for and being vintage, I hate to chunk it.

So below is what this load presented - I will let the pics do the talking... )
I do plan to keep some of the trim and all of the cords and emtors for future projects. What I do not want I will put into the classified section.

 

[human]

This kind of reminds me of a time back in the '70s when one of the Oldsmobile dealers my dad called on (he was a district sales rep) was moving to a new building and had filled their dumpster to overflowing with vintage NOS parts (going back the late '40s) that they weren't taking with them. My grandfather had a U-Haul style trailer that we loaded to the gills and took the stuff to a friend of Dad's, who peddled the parts at swap meets for many years. Dad was still getting the occasional check from him almost 30 years later.

 

[lesinutah]

Texaskirbyguy

I get what your saying.
Just listen to my point. 1979-1982 on a tradition would make it 37-40 years old. The tradition has 1.25" inner fill tube and lots of power.
If a fan can survive 40 years under this stress it's safe to say your fan probably is going to work. I replace the fans but I was pointing out your machine wouldn't die if you couldn't afford one.
The nozzle trim kind of looks like twizzler pull and peel.
Glad to see the shop owner loved what he did and had such a passion for it. The items he cherished isn't going to go to people who can use it.
It's kind of keeping what he established alive even though the shop is closing.
If you sale any d50 bag toppers with sanitronic writing in it I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
Les

 

[rivstg1]

I read people warning of the grey fans as being 'just about to explode at any time' but my take is it'll probably let ya know when it's about to, or just wait till it does explode and replace it then. I've got 8 machines or more with it and it doesn't even cross my mind of them being bad. If they get out of balance, break, or crumble, I'll definitely replace them.

Wow Rob, you sure pixie up a lot there! I don't even recall seeing some of those parts there ( cords for ex) , he must have had them unknowingly stashed away.
K

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Some people MUST be looking for tha stuff!

Although I'm not a Kirby guy,I must say, that is quite the treasure trove of items!!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Amazing.

And, all American made!

 

[kloveland]

Myself and another collector

thought about making the trip down to Texas. Looks like it was fun! I like the Classic series myself. Both sets of grandparents had a classic an Omega and the Classic III. The classic III is my favorite.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Human,
I am an Olds guy myself and I commend your Dad and Grandfather for saving those parts. Very sought after by collectors now days!

Les,
Most of those parts units were trade-ins and have sat unused for about 20-30 years or maybe more. The grey plastic fans could go at any time when subjected to air load and centrifugal force, but like Kelton said, it could be now or years from now. When they go they should stay contained in the fan chamber, so not much danger - it will just scare the crap out of you when it does grenade... So knowing that, vac fanatics like us could just run them until they go. If I was to sell or give a unit to a non-collector, I would change it.
I have four DS50 bag toppers and I plan on keeping two, so the other two I will save for you.

Kelton,
Yes, he is finding stuff he never knew he had - funny how that happens after you move from your home for 40+ years! I still hope you make your trip here next week.

And YES 'Hoov - very much a treasure-trove! He still has a hoard of stuff he is keeping or maybe planning to sell on ebay. I did not get a LOT of old stuff that I know he had a few weeks back and I did not see it at the shop.

Kloveland,
I really do hope you and the other collector WILL be able to make it there this week or next, because after that the scrap guy comes in to take what is left. He (and everything inside)has to be out of that building right after Thanksgiving. There should be quite a few Classic III parts units there without bags or cords. I have quite a few Classic III headlight trim and nozzle bumpers to help you start your restorations. Should be Omegas there as well. There are lots of Heritage units. If you want some of the plain Classics, I will let you have some of the 15 I had claimed. If you will not make it there by 11-22, but are able to come after then, I could get some units for you as long as I know you all are coming.

I might swing by the shop this Friday to pick up my claims so far - looks to be a pickup bed full... O

 

[texaskirbyguy]

SOMEONE WHACK ME WITH A KIRBY HANDLE!!!

I was near the Plano shop today and decided to go in and get what I had planned to buy last time (A nice Heritage unit converted to HEPA bags and complete attachment/shampoo set), as well as a bit more...

Well, too much more...
My truck bed was tailored to fit Kirby boxes it seems, and it was filled up. To the top. Each Kirby box was stuffed with two parts vacs each and a bunch of other parts - cords, emtors, bags, etc. There should be 15 Classics, 4 Classic IIIs, 3 Omegas, and 2 Traditions in those boxes.

I bought one shampooer and got three free (one is nasty though).
I bought two attachment sets and got two free.
I got a G6 new turbo sander that probably will not be used - wanted it for my G6.
Also three other vacs that did not fit in the boxes, including a G6 for parts, a Classic-turned Omega, and................a Legend II.

Story - I loved the Legend II color but I had no plans to get one. However by the shop owner's scrap bin, stood a nice looking complete Legend. I asked him about it and he said it was scrap. A lady brought it in to see if it could be fixed. Her husband was using it and sucked up something big that jammed the motor dead. He kept on trying to vacuum. For a long time. Despite the smoke and buzzing noise. It was said the brush holders and wiring is all melted. It stinks big time!
So my challenge is to fix it. I have a Heritage II parts unit so its motor should work in it. The metal is stained but probably fixable. The plastics are very nice. Bag is good but hose is torn. This will be a fun resto!

All this will be gone through tomorrow, so stay tuned for details. I have NO room for any of this so it will reside on the driveway and patio for now, until I figure out what to do with it all.
Anyone in the area want some Classic parts (or others)? Just let me know - I will have quite a bit of freebies...