Plano TX Kirby Service Center closing Nov 2019

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I got 3 machines last time I was down there ( blue trimmed Ds50, omega, tradition) but there is some work involved. Before that time, I got a DS50, 518, and thought about the Traditions he had...but I have so many already. He's got the 'gold' plated award G5 and Heritage II but wants way too much $ for them ( he thinks they are 'new' but they aren't, I looked at the brush roll and emptor)....the HII has a touch of color loss on the headlight cover.

He's a swell guy, nice, and appreciates we who like older models. Those early machines he has , priced around 400-500$ fyi.
 
I do agree that those rare models are carrying a high price. However, they do not come around often, and are priced better than a lot of ebay ones. And as he gets closer to closing, he may take a bit less for certain machines.
 
Hey

High price not even close. $500 for a model c and same for gold g5 or g6 that's fair. Alot fairer than eBay.
I tried calling back same day phones was busy.
I had alot going on. I'll call tommorow to finish up everything.
Les
 
wow if you think $500 for a G5 or Heritage that is plated gold color and not perfect or new(just an 'award' Kirby), more power to you ....cuz no one is paying that price for those. Here's some pics of them for those who've never seen these types.

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rivstg1 is right

is gold colored annodized aluminum, not unlike how the process for electroplating chrome goes. if you scratch it even slighty, the aluminum color shows underneath. and no, those arent worth 500$ each. on ebay gold kirbys usually sell for $250-300. thats sale price , not list price.
 
Ben,

I agree, was bummed that he mistakenly tried to clean a small area on the top headlight, and gold came off. But, I agree, I LIKE it! I had a chance at a Tradition model here locally couple months ago, but it sold too quickly. @ $100
 
Hey

If you buy a good condition g series. Say Chicago Mike. It's over $500.
I'm not saying there as nice as Mike's but more rare and collectable. So $500 all considering it's reasonable.
The 1c for $500 I think it's worth it but if I'm spending cash I'm going vacuette or Scott fetzer sanitation.
 
Hi TexasKirbyGuy! Do you if they have any spare Heritage II mini emptors? Because I’m planning on converting my Kirbys 517,Classic 1CR, Omega, and III by using hepa bags. Thanks!
 
Gj3476,
You can call and ask, but I doubt it. I had asked him a couple years back and he only had a couple expensive new ones. I ended up buying a complete used but running junker for $40.
His parts units mostly excluded bags (they were discarded long ago to prevent them from being turned into rat nest material in storage.)
But call anyway in case a customer traded in an old unit good only for parts.
 
I didn't see any last I was there....he's taken most of his spare parts....and tried to build machines out of them....for better or for worse....( many of the prices on older pieced together machines (pre1955) I thought was ridiculously expensive. I bought several machines and parts and negotiated down to a reasonable amount.  fyi
 
Do you or does anybody know

what model was currently running when they started the reward program with the gold plating or around what year? I was just thinking how sharp a 500 series or the DS 50/80 would look in gold and trimmed in either dark brown or black. Thanks, Billy
 
The only Gold trophy Kirby I ever saw

Was awarded to Tommy Baird (of Baird Meter fame) in Springfield, IL.  This was during the Tradition run, and he and his office were selling a ton of them.


 


 
 
Another visit, another project, and a shop for sale...

So my neighbor wanted an older Kirby with a shake-out bag to use on his outdoor patio carpet. Small tree waste will not blow, sweep, or vacuum without a beater brush.
I was in the area of the Plano Kirby shop and stopped in to see what could be had.

There were about 7 Classic IIIs, 4-6 Classics and Omegas, all for 25 each.
There was a complete working and restorable D80 for 75, including some matching attachments. A part unit D80 was behind it for 25 more or maybe less.
There were about 6 Heritage units for 75 each and many G series, which I did not look at.
There were a few 40s and 50's units, some complete and some not. There is a 505 with black trim and unoriginal bag for 200.
The Gold Heritage remains and the gold G5 has been sold for asking price. I am quite tempted to get the Heritage........
He has some good used and NOS bags and bumper trim for many models.
There is a like-new attachment & shampoor set for the Omega, including original boxes and big shipping box for $50.

The owner is wheeling and dealing on package purchases. I planned on one vac and a spare lid lock mechanism for my Tradition. However he knew I really liked the red Classic III. Therefore I got two complete running Classic IIIs, his only chrome zip brush (that I always wanted to have), the NOS Tradition lock mechanism, a used handle pin tube, a 505 hose coupler, and a junk tranny that I could take apart to analyze before tearing into that of my G6. Total bill was just over 50 bucks. I forgot some other items so may go back soon.
I did not have my camera with me or I would have got pictures. I will do so next time.

Anyone want to buy the business??? He is contemplating it to not only have the place live on and inventory remain, but to serve Kirby owners in the area. I am sure many new ones are sold in this metroplex. Kirby service centers are just far and in between. He plans to really look into this come summer, and plans to ask the factory for some advice also.
It would be way cool if someone on here buys it. That place is a true playground.

So my neighbor gets one machine and I get the other. Geez, another resto project for fall!

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Hey

I feel bad I called him. I was going to buy a few vacuums off him. Then a week before Christmas I got laid off and money was scarce. His attachments are over priced.
I may call again as I have some money. I'd be interested in older Kirby's.
The complete d80 for $75 needing restored is over priced.
He did seem reasonable on items. He was really friendly. I wonder if a 3c parts machine is in his inventory.
Does he have his 2c 3c or whatever model in window for sale. He was asking $400 I was considering but I'd want eeze vacuette or model r. I may have to call him.
Les
 
LONG POST ALERT!

Les,
He mentioned you when I was there. I am sure he would understand if he knew the situation. 75 is asking price on the D80. He might toss in the parts unit also for that. That is his last complete one. He is negotiable but will not give it away. I plan to go back there next week or the week after, as I need some stuff I forgot plus some resto parts for this and a D50 project. Make me a list of what vacs you want and I will inquire. I DO plan on remembering my camera, too! In fact he invited me to take some pictures to post here.

Broomvac,
I kept the one on the left. Why? Read on and find out! :o)

Ben,
I figured you would get a kick out of this! As I said, I had no intention on getting myself one. But for the price, and my liking of the color, I could not resist. The size of the pickup bed can really get me in trouble if I am not careful...

Gottahaveahoove,
This is the least I can do for him and collectors everywhere. To say he is nice is a serious understatement; his reviews support this. I found him more as a friend than just a shopkeeper. Even if he sells the shop, the new owner may not want a hundred old vacuums and they may all be scrapped or put on ebay for crazy prices. These machines are easy to work on and restore, and the prices are right – perfect for hobbyists! Come to think of it there was an old two-tone brown Hoover in there, as well as an old Sanitaire.

SO – what does 20 bucks get you?
As advertised, a complete working vacuum. Colors may mismatch, parts may be unoriginal or bojack, but they do what a vacuum should do - suck.
The owner DID let me swap around some parts, like cords and bag assemblies to get an original looking machine. In fact he was ready to swap bag toppers, emptor bottoms and bag guards, but I would not let him go that far. It was 6pm after all and the cool shop dog was reminding us it is closing time!

Today I broke them down, took the rear covers off and inspected both machines to get an idea of exactly what I got.

The RIGHT one (casting dates of 1978):
A trained eye will be able to point out that the bag on this one is not original, but almost new replacement. The color is redder and the plaid is different.
It also has some stickers from this shop, one being his 40 year anniversary in 2008! I really liked these items, but not for an all-original vac like I want. Therefore this was to be my neighbor’s. After some disassembly and brushing and blowing out lots of fine dust, I noticed many more irregularities about this machine, indicating some replacement parts…
The emtor bottom lacked the metal bottom clamp (is plastic) and rivet at the release lever. It has a thick felt gasket that prevents it from closing easily. The nozzle’s suction release dial is white and has a replacement ball-bearing brush roll. Unit has a plastic fan with a too-long fan shaft that damaged the lens. Safety switch has been bypassed and runs in low speed mode. Current draw is 4A, which is kinda low for this model...
The good:
Newish bag.
Cleaned up easily, could really shine with a wash and polish.
Commutator bars had practically no groove and looked normal.
Carbon brushes were about 5/8” long.
No broken or missing parts or hardware.
Runs quite well and did a great job on my neighbor’s 8x12’ outdoor rug. It even gulped down some full size red oak leaves with ease.
The bad:
Front bearing is a bit noisy when turned by hand. No excess noise while running though, and no excess play.
Brush roll is worn – at end of adjustment with 1/8” of bristles left. I will see if he has another good used roller. Wait – I think I have an extra in the garage…
Emtor hard to close but will see if he can trade me for another bottom piece.

The LEFT one (casting dates of 1979):
This one had a used but original bag. I swapped the bag assy with another to get the best looking one. I swapped the cord for an original red one.
This one has labels on it for not using on wet surfaces and the model label on the front of the fan case. This one had all original looking parts. Having a working two speed safety switch, low is 5A and high is 6A, the rating plate spec.
The bag topper looked horrible close up, but I popped it off and washed it with simple green to make it look almost like new again.
The good:
Nice looking metal fan!
Bearings seem tight and quieter in this one.
Commutator bars have next-to-no groove.
Carbon brushes were also about 5/8” long.
No broken or missing parts or hardware.
Sounds stronger than the other one.
Brush roll is sleeve bearing and looks original, but lots of bristle left and good bearings.
Worked very well on my matted garage carpet pieces, even raising the nap on it!
The bad:
Belt is slipping.
Bag had been washed but still lots of animal hair. No smell, thank goodness. Needs a good cleaning. If this bothers you, open the emtors to inspect before buying.
The metal has more damage than the other, but with some sanding and polishing, it will look better. None of those machines lacked scratches.
Nozzle hooks are worn and is a little loose. Gasket is a bit smashed so replacing it may tighten it up some.

Conclusion:
For 20 bucks, these were a very good buy. Bags are empty and were quickly washed (or rinsed) to get the worst of the crap out. Motors run and are able to run a long time as-is. (My Omega ran on dry bearings for 10 years until I could not deal with the noise anymore!)
Units were complete with no missing or broken parts.
These had been handled and put together by a Kirby expert.
Try to get this from a thrift store or individual seller at this price!
With mine I plan to do my usual service – new bearings and belt, and maybe a HEPA bag insert. So for another 20 bucks and some labor, I will have another addition to the collection that will last several more decades. .

Note - pictures are after brush 'n' blow cleaning...

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