Let's talk tradition....Kirby Tradition that is.

[reo580]

I noticed a Tradition in a second hand store yesterday. The Tradition had a smooth cord made from a soft rubber with no grooves on it.The starter button was also smooth. I recalled when I used to work in a vacuum store that some Traditions had smooth cords with no grooves, they were very flexible and certain traditions had a smooth starter button with no grooves on them. I remember a couple that had the headlight safety switch. Had I known then how rare they are I would have bought them (the headlight safety switch models).
Why did Kirby switch to the smooth cord and starter button on the Tradition and not continue it on the H-1 models and later?
P.S.
I used to hate the Tradition's belt-lifter with that small circular window, it sure was a pain to service.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Did that Tradition have the headlight-mounted speed switch underneath it? If so, grab it quickly.

Also, about the belt lifter window, the Classic III's rug nozzle also had that feature.

~Ben

 

[briankirbyclass]

That little window in the middle of the belt lifter on the Classic 3 and Tradition, was called the "Vis A Belt"! ( supposed to be a play on words of Vis a ble?)

The "Visabelt" was supposed to make it easy for the user to actually SEE that the belt was on or off the power shaft, or if the belt was broken,not working,,ect. Of course you would have had to get down on your hands and knees to actually look into it,,or put the Kirby up on a bench, or table.

The problem as we well know now is that the 'Visabelt" was often caked with dirt or worse, on the inside after awhile and you couldnt see a darn thing thru them!

I have heard that any Classic 3s or Traditions that come back from the factory rebuilding now, DONT have the Visabelt window,,its just a solid piece of plastic, or in the case of the Classic 3, it often comes back with a CLassic Omega 1CB metal Belt Lifter, with a red overlay label on the front,,with a white circle where the "Visabelt" would have been.

 

[reo580]

WHAT??!!!

A Classic Three label smacked on the front of an Omega or 1-CR belt lifter??
I'm sorry but that's just sloppy!
I am disappointed to hear that Kirby is getting that lackadaisical about their rebuilds. Those labels clearly do not match.
I'm going to buy a complete C-3 belt lifter assy with a spare dial while I still can.

When I worked at a vacuum store back in the day, I did not mind Classic Three's Vis-a-belt, but that circle shaped lenses in the Tradition sure could be a bear to get lined up right.
I remember muttering words at the Tradition I don't use normally when putting the belt lifter assy back together after a buff and polish. While I was not particularly fond of Tradition's Vis-a-belt, I saw it as no excuse to half-a## or cut corners. Those Kirby's that left the shop I worked at had my "signature" on them. I made it a point to have shiny aluminium and parts in the matching color because I took pride in my work. I am disappointed to hear that Kirby is beginning to not feel that way about their rebuilds. Black colored parts- mismatched tools- If what I have heard is true: then it sounds to me like too many accountants are making vacuum cleaners.
What do you guys think?
Discuss.....

 

[1926700]

You know what? I agree, as a EX vac shop serviceman...

Who was employed by a vacuum shop owner, who did not care ONE little bit about what a machine looked like. It DROVE me nuts to see things like that. I believe that a Kirby should be at the very least pleasing to the eye, and all one color. It also wouldn't kill most shops to at least coat with some mothers......Now there are some things that cant always be helped, like original bags, we know as collectors that sometimes thats just not possible....But i find it terrible......No, DEPLORABLE to see a brown Classic One, or a Classic Omega that has been serviced, and the original brown cord and gold bag replaced with a red cord, and a blue or green bag. At least use a gold generic if you have to! I find that unacceptable, i would NEVER send a Kirby back to a customer like that. Some might say that the owners do that them selves......i REFUSE to accept that answer when i hear it......most women are not gong to replace a cord and bag by them selves.....remember these women can barley change there own belt.....no less replace there own cord and bag...lol....or any other "complicated" parts....

 

[mister299]

Kirby cord/switch

Hi reo580,
In regards to you question about the grooved cord/switch :
I have a Tradition which I believe was manufactured August 1981, towards the end of their production, and it has a pliable smooth cord and a grooved switch. It is all original parts, my mother bought it new in August 1981. I am guessing the smooth switch was a replacement or from earlier models.

Andy

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Andy,

Pictures of it, if it still exists? The serial # should be something like H319518 if you say that your mama bought it in August 1981, when the Heritage was to start production.

~Ben

 

[dysondestijl]

On my traditions visa belt thing the belt slipped and burned a large hole in the window. Lol

 

[mister299]

Serial #

Hi Ben,
Yes the serial number is H192091. I remember the day she bought it and got to watch the impressive demonstration! I will try to post pictures.

Andy

 

[mister299]

Pictures

Grooved switch, front, and visabelt!

 

[mister299]

Picture

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[mister299]

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