My Craigslist Find Tonight

[MikePdx]

So I was browsing vacuums on craigslist, and I found an ad for a Kirby Heritage II for $35. The pictures looked good, so I decided to check it.

The vacuum, other than being a bit dusty from storage, is in great shape. It needs a polish and some buffing but the brush roll is good, the motor sounds great, the fan is strong, and the outer bag is clean and flawless. The seller even was nice enough to include a supply of bags in the mix.

I got it home and gave it a try. I vacuumed last night, and I could hear the sweet old machine picking up stuff I have been trying to get for ages.

I am going to polish her up when I get some time, but I think that this one is going to be a daily drive for me. Here is a photo in all her dusty glory, but I think she's a diamond in the rough. And yes, I am bouncing around like a kid in a candystore right now...LOL.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Mike,

May I ask you for the serial # on this Heritage II? It would appear on the plaque on the fan case to the left of the headlight. Example: 2850529148.

Thank you,



Ben

 

[MikePdx]

Certainly

It's 2870723641

Are you missing a Heritage?

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Mike,

Your machine was made July 1987.

No, no missing vacuums for me... I have two Kirbys already: a Classic III and a Dual Sanitronic 80. In my mind, I am missing a Tradition: precisely, the very first copies that had the speed switch mounted inside the headlight cap.

~Ben

 

[MikePdx]

Oh Okay! *Phew*

I'm glad to know when it was made, and even more glad that it's not from your collection! I have seen stolen stuff pop up on craigslist more than once, although the guy that sold it seemed very nice and very decent.

This is my fourth Kirby. I (foolishly) scrapped a Classic 1CR years ago when power switch shorted out. I have regretted it ever since. I currently have a Classic 1CB Omega and a 560. Both work well...the 560 needs some work to get rid of some bojack parts but I got it cheap and it still has the sunburst on the belt-lifter. The Omega is all original except for the brush roll, which was beyond help.

They're both good machines, and I love them, but I wanted something that didn't have a shakeout bag this time. I also wanted the 4-row brush roll.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It's nice to know when my new baby was made. I was 19 years old then. And she looks good for turning 27 next month!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Mike,

I can share your feelings about vacs like this: I took apart many of these, including my mom's Classic III, to "Humpty Dumpty" status (referring to the last line "And all the King's men couldn't put him back together again"). I too regret those days.

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Mike,

And the Omega? Well, if you desire a single-bristle brush roll you can order part no. 152575. Either the 301289 smooth flat belt or the 301291 knurled belt can be used, but I would recommend the 301289 belt.

~Ben

 

[super-sweeper]

Ben-

Speaking of that fabled Tradition, here's a tip I noticed on my model today: "79" is stamped in a circle on the metal fans!

 

[vintagevaclover]

That's a very nice find as we'll. I do think today is kirby day. And Hoover day for me lol

 

[MikePdx]

Thanks for the tips, Ben!

Vintagevaclover, that's a sweet Hoover too! The Convertibles are wonderful machines, great on carpets. The tools are anemic, but that's what canister vacuums are for.

 

[marks_here]

Those are all great machines

Which makes me want to venture to different towns around here to see what they have. I have to go to Knoxville tomorrow..maybe I'll start there. Cheers!!! Mark D.

 

[MikePdx]

Have fun Mark!

I was gonna hit thrift stores tomorrow but the vacuum gods already smiled on me tonight. Hope you find something wonderful.

 

[MikePdx]

Polished Up

I don't have the professional buffing equipment many folks here have, but I spent some time the past few nights cleaning her up. She has a new belt and brush roll, and her fan is clean. Here's what she looks like now.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

She's Lovely

 

[eurekastar]

Very nice!!!

 

[marks_here]

It's still stunning...I remember the first time I saw that vacuum was in the Coral Springs Mall in one of the stores I heard it running went in & saw this vacuum. I was so fascinated by the mini emptor it had compared to the regular one so I went to the Kirby guy & ordered a mini emptor for my Tradition. Had to wait since it was a new model & weeks later got it, put it on & used it until we got a G3

 

[MikePdx]

I am very pleased with how she cleaned up. I am delighted with how well she really cleans the carpets. I don't have attachments, but I have always preferred a canister for above the floor cleaning (I have two Electroluxes, two Kenmores, and a Hoover LOL). Now that I have the new brush roll, I am amazed at how well it works. I also appreciate the Micron Magic bags. No self propel, but it is not that hard to push.

 

[marks_here]

Those weren't really. I think they were close in weight to the 5 series & since the rug nozzle isn't as heavy as the classics & tradition.