My Classic

[aspie62]

So, today I bought a beautiful Kirby Classic 1-CR, this is my 3rd Kirby and 10th vacuum of my collection. I got it for $20 with attachments and rug renovator. The belt was slipping and the bag was FULL, so I put it inside out, cleaned it, washed it and got it well working again. I did replace the belt.

 

[tase]

Any pictures?


 


I've always wanted a classic but never have gotten the chance to buy one!

 

[aspie62]

Pictures

I love this vacuum so far. I don't think the guy I bought it from new what kind of gem he had, he sold it to me for $20. The only problems it has, or had, are simple fixes, the hook on the cord was missing, so I put a safety pin on it, the belt was worn and stretched so I replaced it, and the bag was DISGUSTING!!! There was dirt in there dating to Nixon! I removed dust blobs from it that were as big as my dog! (He's 40+ lb.!) I vacuumed it out and washed it. I also gave it a good polishing, sorry for no before pictures!

 

[aspie62]

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[ronni]

Nice machine! I'm glad you were able to purchase it and give it some long overdue TLC.

I didn't realize that Kirby put the copyright year on the manufacturer's label. I wish all companies would have/would do that.

I had always heard that the Classic CR-1 made its debut in 1970, but that is obviously on the case. So, perhaps the machine's bag had dirt and dust from the Johnson administration in 1969!

Perhaps another person on Vacuumland will be able to provide you with a belt-lifter that has the full Kirby wordmark?

Again, congratulations on an awesome (and low priced) purchase!

 

[aspie62]

Thanks Fred

Thanks for the love, Fred, I would love to get a new belt lifter, I think I need a new nozzle, the base plate doesn't go on all the way, the nozzle is bent so it just hits it. Maybe it's the baseplate that needs replacing? I would really like to know what more experienced Kirby collectors thin on this, is it supposed to be like that?

 

[eurekastar]

I love that model and wish I still had mine! When the motor design is examined carefully, it's setup is still circa the late 500 series; however, its engineering is focused on the late 60s trend toward wall-to-wall carpeting. You have a great vacuum and what a bargain! Congratulations!

 

[aspie62]

Has Small Problem

I noticed last night that has a small problem, there is a blue light coming from the right rear vent. I'm very worried about a fire hazard.

 

[tase]

That sounds like the armature is scrapping along the carbon brushes.... Were they inserted incorrectly or are they thinning?

 

[super-sweeper]

Oh-Oh!

That's sparking from the Carbon brushes! Take it your friendly neighborhood KIRBY distributor and have the Armature cleaned with a Armature cleaning stone, plus new carbon brushes installed. That is if you're not up to the challenge yourself! 


 


The Classic 1-CR replaced the Dual-Sanitronic 80 in 1969, and ushered in the new 15-inch wide Nozzle. The speed switch was the same as the Dual-Sanitronic models, later being replaced from the 2-tab dual-speed switch to the single-arm dual-speed switch on the Classic Omega. You got a STEAL at $20, I payed $30 for mine from a Flea-Market friend, but it did come with a box of attachments, the BEAUTIFULLY supple hose, and the machine itself! Nixon-Era dirt isn't all that bad, Imagine what Charles Lester (Electrolux-137 is his current vacuumland username, I believe) had to deal with when the bag of his Ohio Tuec upright popped off during it's photo-shoot, spewing COOLIDGE-Era dirt everywhere!


 


Have fun with the new addition, Fellow Floridian Kirby man!


-Alex.

 

[aspie62]

Thanks Alex, I love this Kirby so far! I think I should have it sent in for professional repair, I don't want to risk damaging the beautiful machine.

 

[super-sweeper]

although expensive,

You could have it sent back to Cleveland for a factory rebuild! Just be sure to take off the original trim pieces, Kirby likes to either throw black, plain trim on the machine. I would think Kirby should still have Brown trim in stock, but being that I don't work there I wouldn't know!

 

[aspie62]

For That Reason

For that reason I don't know if I would want to get a Kirby refurb, I don't want to have all of the miss matched colors and parts. I'd much rather have it done by someone who can clean the existing parts, instead of replacing them with generic black and grey. The trim looks fine I just want to clean the interior and buff the metal.

 

[super-sweeper]

<span style="background-color: #888888;">If you do send it for rebuild, take the trim off before mailing the machine off to Kirby. I think Kirby likes to keep the original trim and gets mad and charges extra when they don't get old trim off a machine. If you have any local  Kirby distributors in your area, they can refurbish it for you for A LOT cheaper than Kirby in Ohio. If you weren't so South in Florida my downtown distributor rebuilds machines.

</span>

 

[aspie62]

Better Local

I think I would prefer bringing my Kirbys to a local technician, then I would know who is doing it and who to talk to if something goes wrong.

 

[super-sweeper]

great!

Be sure to let us know how it goes!