Plano TX Kirby Service Center closing Nov 2019

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crazykirbydude,
Come on, Texas is just a U-haul truck drive away. :o)
James has around 100 parts units just waiting for you! They are in Original boxes, about 2 units per box.
Seriously, anyone in the area who has the space to store, part out and/or sell these can jump on a great deal and help out Kirby collectors while making some dough as well. If I had the space and was staying in Texas for a while, I would have got them already. I had bought a few of these and they DID work. They are just cosmetically challenged, and are motor units only (for the most part)

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Bag

I'll show a couple pics. I can't find exact page but I have a pic of the Kirby bag on a vacuum. It said blakemans was an authorized Kirby dealer.
I believe magazine was a released in 1961. There is another ad for a rebuild and it has vacuum with bag identical to yours.
If it's not Kirby bag why would an authorized dealer and distributer that Kirby alowwes to do rebuilds.
It may be in only portions of US but my educated guess is it's a Kirby bag. There is no other explanation. If you look at the new Kirby generation 3 vacuum bag released recently it's same design.
I'll try to find page that has rebuild pic with this bag. It's very cool.
Les

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Uhaul

Damn they are in working order. People sell armature and coils for well over $100.
I wouldn't care if anyone got mad. You could seriously go on eBay and sale items like Kent oyler. I'm sure someone will bite. That's insane.
Les
 
Les, thanks for the insight to the bag on my machine. I may try to leave it as-is to display some some history there. Too bad I cannot wash it. If you find that other page you mentioned, please post - would be very interesting to see.
 
texaskirbyguy (Rob) & Kirby Bag...

Hello & good evening Rob (& all),

Rob, if you are referring to the bag shown in reply #54, that is NOT a genuine Kirby bag. It is a bojack, after-market bag.

If you L@@K on the 2nd photo of the page(s) of that parts book (Blakeman), in reply #62, you will see the the bag in question.

If you will also note, the pages say "...TO FIT..."

Companies like this were not authorized to sell Genuine Kirbys themselves, so many of these 'other' companies tried any way they could to get a "piece of the action" of the Kirby business. ~lol~

I hope this helps clarify things.

TY & hagn/d all,

Bill

2044
 
is Kirby getting rid of all there service centres or something. use to be one here in London ON but when i called the a few months ago number was disconnected and its no longer listed on the Kirby list. seems like there's only 1 in Canada that's within 500 miles in Ajax ON seems like its just a dude working out of his house when u look the address up on google its just a house with a tiny Kirby sign on his garage door.
 
Mine closed too

Had one in Morganton, NC and it’s closed the only office they have now is in Asheville. I used to get some excellent deals on trade in vacs there.
 
Bill, Thanks for pointing out my bag is an aftermarket one - the shop keeper said it was too but I had no idea. Still is old and looks cool, so i will keep it on there.

Aaron, my Plano shop is closing because the owner just want to retire and focus on his hobby of artwork. The place he is at is also is raising his lease substantially. So this was not any work of Kirby itself. Sad to see so many of these shops are closing though. Sounds like we need some others to open up some new shops, not sure how challenging that is, though...

Sure hope someone can help save his old stash!
 
My 10-9-19 visit

Back on Wednesday I paid a visit to the Plano shop to see what was left, and to get some more stuff.
Oddly enough I did not come back with any vacuums...

Biggest score was a complete attachment set for the Omega. I had a mostly complete set, but was missing some important parts like the long wand. I also wanted a set to use and a set for show (strange I am!) I also got the big storage box which I very much like. I spent most of today washing everything and even taking apart the boxes to wipe out the dust. I typically do this to most used stuff I get so it is as clean as can be.
Only issue is that the hose is stiff. Anyone know if there is a way to soften them up??

I also got a parts list book for Kirby (505-Diamond) and one for lots of other brands of vacs. These are so much fun to look through I may not be parting with them any time soon. There is even a factory instruction set on converting the Tradition to the case-mounted speed switch.

I did get a bunch of resto/repair/spare parts for machines I own as well. He tossed in his last red 5xx hose as it was stiff like the Omega one.
All cost me a Ben Franklin.

On my way out the shopkeeper asked me if I had room at home for the 'Generations' framed picture on the back wall of his shop. I knew I did but unfortunately I was out of cash. He told me "I want you to have it". I got choked up as I thanked him...

I am close to getting the D80 he has, just because it is unique. Maybe another Omega for out in the garage...

He still has over 100 motor units for generation 2 models for now the cost of a case of beer. I sure wish i had the space to part them out. Still hoping someone here can save them. They are destined for the dumpster if noone claims them. Lots of good parts on them for sure.

Shop will be closing down end of next month, so time is running out. Hope someone can save those things...

I will go back in a couple weeks to get some other stuff, maybe some vacs next time!

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ben, no long blue wand there...just blue bumper for Tradition that I see. I was looking for one there for you Ben(as was Rob) and he has one...but doesn't want to break up the accessory 'set' of blue attachments.

Rob, nice score!! I didn't see that parts book, I"m envious!!! haha. I was gonna get that generations poster but forgot to!!!!! argh!! :-P
Kelton
 
Ben, true - he did not want to break up that set of Tradition attachments because it is near-complete (only issue is the two brushes are black). If you would like to buy the whole set, you can get it shipped for the price of an ebay wand (estimating $30).
I had run out of cash so did not get the set, but I might go back for it if noone else wants it. One set to use, one for show... And to think I had to buy 3 mismatched Tradition sets to get one complete one several years ago...

Kelton, the parts books were not out there for sale. I had told him I would be interested in them once he closes his store, and he sold them on the spot. I bought the Kirby one and the other was a dumpster save.
Are you still going back out there later this month?

Husky, yes, the Generations picture is way cool! It is on my wall now. :o) The way he presented it to me made me tear me up a little. Very sad to see his shop close - lots of experience, parts, honesty, and courtesy is going into business history. Such a friendly guy, and his wife is, too.

Some kind little things I noticed he does for his customers:
Helping customers load and unload their vacs from their vehicles as standard practice.
Returning any 'Kirby treasures' found in the emtors to customers, such as screws, change, jewelry.
Returning all bad parts for customer inspection.
It is hard to get above services from other places even if I ask...
 
Kirby

Texaskirbyguy
There are very few established Kirby dealers. There is 2 in Utah and both are what seems to be inherited Kirby dealer with the business. I call and ask questions and I know alot more than they do.
You don't find owners that truly care. I know Kirby's were made in Texas in 1970s and not sureif it's still there. You won't find many business owners of any business that are genuine. I'd say dysonman is this way with his shop.
Les
 
Turbo360

Both your Classic III and your Tradition that you have appear to have been made at different timepoints in 1979: the Classic III around late that winter (January-March), and the Tradition that summer (July-September), due to their serial numbers.

~Ben
 
Turbo360-
I remember those units - James was really persuading me to get them as they are very nice for the price (but I am out of space and had also ran out of cash). Glad they have a great home now!
The attachment set he was supposed to have held for me for when I returned, but really I am glad he forgot as I already have a complete set, plus some. I was thinking about a full set for show and one for use. I really do not need that due to space limitations, so again, glad you got them and can use them.
I will probably get an Omega from him for use in the garage (and for spare parts for my Omega should I ever need them).

Shop closes right before Thanksgiving, so I hope some others on here can help vacuum up some great deals there at dirt-cheap prices.
I will probably go back in a week or two.
 
Another visit today and a big haul...

Well, a trip to get a few things turned into a good load. Another time my truck got me in trouble!
I got three Kirby boxes packed to the gills with vacuums and new, NOS, and used parts, many parts that were destined for the trash. Also I got a bunch of metal file card drawers that I plan to use in the garage for storing hardware and such. Total financial damage was 150 clams...

I got the very nice D80, a junk 50x model, a junky but working Omega and a junky but semi-working Tradition (needs a fan).

Half of the parts I do not even now what they are yet - will do an unboxing Thursday.

I also got some vintage Kirby manuals, brochures, mags, and sales awards. A couple suction meters were in there as well.

If anyone is wanting anything, please go by there as soon as you can as the scrap man has already been taking some of the old motor units. If anyone needs some time to get those, please call him to stake your claim and commit to picking them up. There is also a box of G-series miracle heads/shampooer heads that are destined for scrap.

The week of Thanksgiving is D-day, so please visit before then. Thanksgiving week is when the scrap man will take all the remains.
I will be there again before then to pick up a nice Heritage and attachment set he has on hold (ran out of cash!) and whatever else I might want.

If someone here is planning a visit to Dallas and wants something, but will be here after November, I might be able to get it for you as long as I know it will be picked up - I do not mind helping out some if I can for fellow collectors.

- He has a washed, VERY NICE original Classic bag that has been washed but has small grease spot (GOOP hand cleaner will remove it) on it for $20. He has a Kirby replacement for same model in same color but no badge for $10 I think.
- the gold Heritage has been reduced to $300 firm.
- There are two working Classics with bags for $25 each, 3 Heritage units with orange bags in very nice shape for $40 each, and a couple bojacked Tradition and classic III models for $25 each (negotiable). The more you buy the more you save.
-Some of the 5xx parts units remain as well but only one with a (rough tan) bag.
-He has some G-series and Classic shampooer units for $25 each, complete.
-Several turbo sanders for $10 each
-and lastly 80 or so motor units for Tradition to Heritage for next to nothing (will be scrapped soon)

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rob

I'm going there Nov 22nd, he told me that, after I passed on all those boxed motors, that a guy came and bought them instead, Monday. I almost bought the rug last time but didn't think I had a good place for it!

Kel
 
Kelton -

Only about 30 of those old 70's-80's motor units were taken - he had about 80 more.
Well, at least until I claimed all the classics yesterday for their ceramic light sockets and a few Classic IIIs, which I heard equal about 18 units.
Therefore there will be about 60 or so left, as well as some remaining 5xx models (which all have no bags.) Some complete working machines might still be available also.

I plan to go there 11-21 for (sadly) the last time. I also plan on taking 11-22 off from work. If you want to meet up, I will be available. If you want to pick through my big box of trim parts that I got from him, you may - I will certainly not need all this!
 
Thx bro

I can't believe you grabbed a bunch of those, thought you didn't have room for any more! Haha. Oh, I didn't realize that Guy didn't take them all. I know James was saving me a classic III too. Yeah, I'll contact ya when I make into town

It's too bad more of us on this sight don't live closer to that store to take advantage of the sale.
Kel
 
Kelton,
I have not picked those 22 or so parts machines up yet - they are still at his shop. I just told him what I was after. I do not have room to store all of them. I will store about 8 or so and probably (and regretfully) strip the rest for parts and scrap the aluminum. Unless someone here wants them.
The Classics have the ceramic light bulb socket that is in the D50 and D80 (and maybe a few older models), which is very prone to breakage so those need saving. Anything with a metal or white plastic fan would be worth saving as well. Supposedly all of the motors work, just no cords or bags.
The scrap guy who already got 30 machines did not have enough room in his truck for more than 30 so that is all he got (he already had a big load).
SO I am supposed to get 15 Classics, 3 Classic IIIs, 2 Traditions, and two Omegas, a total of 22 parts units. Also supposed to get one complete Heritage with attachements.
So with only about 58 remaining, you should be able to get those into your pickup and trailer, right? :o) Each box holds 2 units and each box is 30"x16"x8".
I hope you can at least get some just to save them or part them out or fix them or something. Any other vacuum collectors over in your home state?
 
COLLECTOR'S CHALLENGE - CAN WE SAVE IT ALL???

Okay, so I left there today with a full truck-load as mentioned in the Kirby Madness thread... I am no longer in control of myself.

There are about 55 parts units left - mostly Classic IIIs, Omegas, and Heritages. I got about the last Traditions and all the Classics (except one I think).

There are still some complete working machines priced from $15 and up, depending on models. The 3 Heritages are nice and are $30. Gold one is at final price of $200.
A box of old parts and lots of knick knacks are for sale (cheap).
Lots of G-series shampooers ($25) and turbo sanders($10). Buy one, get one (or more) free.
There is a free refrigerator and large wooden desk if you can haul them off. There is also some old metal shelving for free.
There are Kirby trucks, a rug, and some Kirby wall pictures.
Oh - the paintings on the wall are for sale (he is also an artist), and pretty much everything else in the building, like chairs and a nice wood bookcase.
Here are some pics on what is left. Next week is his last week open - I hope some collectors can help save more of this stuff. Sad to see the shop go but people cannot work forever.

Can we challenge ourselves to save it all??

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