The triplets. Hoover 450 Kirby heritage Kirby tradition

[zenith12]

These are my triplets a 1933 Hoover 1982 Kirby heritage unknown age tradition and tools . The Hoover still needs a fan but it kind of works the tradition needs the little tabydo thing for the handle. And does anyone know where I can find a Kirby legend 2 bag toper .

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Zenith12

Mark,

eBay is one place to go to get a Legend II bag topper (part no. 191888).

The Tradition 3CB was produced from 1979 to 1981. The serial number on the fan case will help decipher the age:
F - if the sequence number is preceded by this letter, it was produced in the 1979-80 season (cleaner may have the following traits: smooth wheels, smooth foot switch button, 10-blade aluminum fan, lock on headlight cap, inside speed switch)
G - if the sequence number is preceded by this letter, it was produced from summer 1980 to winter 1980-81 (cleaner may have the following traits: treaded wheels, smooth foot switch button, gray 11-blade plastic fan, speed switch on fan case)
H - and if the sequence number is preceded by this letter, it was produced from spring 1981 to end (cleaner may have the following traits: treaded wheels, ribbed foot switch button, gray 11-blade plastic fan, speed switch on fan case)

~Ben

 

[zenith12]

Ok?

But my tradition doesn’t have a speed switch ?/

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Zenith12

Mark,

You mean that it's missing or that it does not work correctly? If the machine was hard-wired it would be running all the time if you power the machine on.

~Ben

 

[zenith12]

So

The on off switch is a speed switch to or is it somewhere else on it because I don’t see it anywhere or did someone build it from parts

 

[human]

I believe the speed switch is internal and is activated when you put the hose on the machine. If I recall correctly, it uses a higher speed for the hose and a lower speed for the floor nozzle.

Just for fun, I made a quick eBay search and came up with a red Legend II bag topper for an outrageous opening bid of $49.99 + $9.99 shipping. Understandably, it has no bids as you could buy an entire second hand Heritage II bag assembly in decent shape for that price. Another listing shows your choice of a charcoal gray Heritage or black Heritage II or Heritage II/Legend bag topper for a more sane $16.80 with free shipping. The Heritage, Heritage II, Heritage II/Legend and Legend II toppers are all identical except for color and decals. I've put the link for the latter listing below. For what it's worth, The black Heritage II parts are generally the most plentiful and least expensive of the three variants.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bag-Holder...562193?hash=item4d909b0c91:g:ohQAAOSwxXZceaTj

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Zenith12

Mark,

In your case, your machine was likely built with the speed switch mounted to the fan case below the suction intake opening. I think you might be saying your machine had its speed switch (bottom mount) removed by the owner before you.

Edgar (human) is correct on what the speed switch does.

The Tradition was the last machine to use the Classic-style plastic bag topper.

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Zenith12

Mark,

I also forgot to say your Tradition might be one of the earlier ones that once had the top-mounted speed switch that was mounted to the inside of the headlight cap (a summer 1979 build), which was not known for being reliable.

It was supposed to help keep moisture out of the inside of the motor while the Rug Renovator was in use, but too many owners had trouble managing the speed switch, breaking the cap mechanics.

~Ben