5 bucks -5 bucks- 5 bucks

[hoover1060]

Finally had a chance to hit a couple of thrift stores around this weekend, and I had some luck, not one but TWO cleaners, 5 bucks a pop.
Here's number one, partially cleaned and all original. A 1972 Eureka Super Deluxe, complete with cord reel, touch power handle grip, and chrome hood. Runs pretty good too and will be beautiful once funnly restored.
I consider this vacuum to be the ultimate in 1970's gauche!

 

[hoover1060]

Find Number two

Some of you know I have been looking for a Kirby Omega for a while. The come and go on ebay in various states of decay, and its the $30 plus shipping fees that always keep me from buying.
I need not look anymore, because here is one for 5 bucks, same bag style as the one my uncle bought for my aunt in 1975.
This one needs help, she's one dirty girl but appears to not have had alot of use. It runs great, no bearing noise, and its all original.
it needs LOTS of scrubbing though!

 

[brettsomers]

wow

here in SA its hard to find eurekas. hoover are not too hard to find but quality 60s/70s eurekas are scarce. i see a two-tone beige in the background. is that a wards? lovely. maybe if i ask real sweet and nice you can treat me to a pic of your non-hoover COMMERCIAL or heavy duty models? thanks

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hi Jeff, fabulous new finds and the price certainly was right! I sure hope to get to see your wonderful collection some day.

 

[petek]

Wow, I love that Eureka super deluxe. The gold bag looks the same as on my Vanguard model. I need to drag it out now, hasn't been used in a few weeks.

 

[hoover1060]

Pete,
This Eureka would have replaced the Vanguard that you have.

Please note from the Kirby picture that I now have two of these Eurekas and really only need one.

DAvid: Yes thats a Monkey Wards SIG-NA-CHA upright, maybe vintage 1975 or so. Its in great shape and runs very well.
The only NON-Hoover Commercial stuff I have is a Singer twin fan commercial, and my 1986 Sanitaire SC888.

Robert: you're welcome here anytime!

 

[myhooverco]

Jeff congrats on the Eureka...those are so fun to play with...and the price was right!

 

[gansky1]

Beautiful Eureka!! What a looker - care to trade for a vintage GE Disposall? ;-)

What was the timeline of the Omega? I know I've seen these around before, was this the first of the 'big headed' Kirbys?

 

[urarachu]

I rarely get lucky at the thrift stores in Ohio. I can go for months without a decent find. I really hate it when there's vacuums in the back that customers aren't allowed to look at yet. I'll go back a few days later and they'll just be gone. It's all very cruel.

Corey

 

[tlee618]

Congratulations on a great weekend Jeff, That Eureka is just beautiful. You might want to consider sending that Kirby into the factory for a spa treatment! They do a great job as you have seen from Fred's collection. You might also consider sending it to Omaha to Greg's Kirby dealer. I am still amazed at how my Dual 80 turned out, I swear it is even more beautiful than when it was new. Have fun with the new machines!! Terry

 

[hoover1060]

Corey: These vacuums are my first real finds in MONTHS! I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Terry: The Omega is destined for a spa treatment, and will be a beauty when done.

The Eureka is the one thats destined to Omaha, and the collection of Mr. Gansky

 

[frontaloadotmy]

The Kirby Classic

I think was the first big head . I did notice that other fancy Eureka in the back. That gansky is fast!

 

[hoover1060]

Kirby's 2nd generation

The Classic 1-CR was the first 14" Kirby, and it came out about 1970.
I'm no Kirby expert, Fred or Charlie correct me if needed.
The Omega was next, in rosewood brown, 1973-1976
The Classic III went from 1976-1980
Tradition 1980-1984
Heritage I 1984-1986
Heritage II 1986-1988
Legend(same colors as Heritage II) 1988-1989
Legend II 1989-1991

 

[moreleisuretime]

great finds

both of them, Jeff. Unbelievable prices, too.

Do you have the contact info for the Kirby dealer in Omaha? I'd love to have my 510 polished, etc. It runs just fine, but the finish is in bad shape.

Look forward to some after pics on both of your new acquisitions!

 

[mrcleanjeans]

some corrections

the Tradition came out in 1979,and was replaced in 1981 by the Heritage.The Heritage II came out in 1984,later versions of it were called the Legend,then came the Legend II in 1989.BTW,the Classic boasted of a 16 1/2 inch nozzle,not 14.Hope this helps.

 

[mrcleanjeans]

a few corrections

the Classic had a 16.5 inch nozzle,the Tradition ran from 1979-81,the Heritage from 1981-84,the Heritage II from 1984-1988,hope this helps.

 

[mrcleanjeans]

now to correct the correction

Sorry ,it appeared that the 1st post didn't take,hence the 2nd.

 

[gansky1]

Kirby Vacuums
2443 So 120 Street
Omaha NE 68144
402-333-8888

They really do a wonderful job on the older machines, the other day when I was in picking up my mother's "new" G3 I had worked on, they had two beautiful Heritage machines done and ready for use. Both had been detailed and polished so well they looked like mirrors.

The polishing process is rather involved and runs about $80-100 and may take up to a month to finish as they have a guy who comes in to do this and only schedules time in the shop once a month. You can get more info from the store directly about shipping, etc.

 

[petek]

Greg, how does your mother like her G3 as far as manouverability etc, does she like it?

Also, does the power drive make sort of a whiney sound when it's engaged going back and forth, mine does and I don't know if that's normal or not. My other SP hoovers don't make any sounds when they're moving back and forth other than the normal motor sound.

 

[moreleisuretime]

thanks

Thanks for the contact info. Restoring my 510 would be just grand. My Sanitronic 50 is in fine shape. Hopefully, I will acquire an Omega - so it's good to have a reference for that as well.

 

[drmitch]

Hi Jeff----

Nice Hoover! I see your using that scratch out cleaner. It`s great stuff!

 

[hoover1060]

scratch out

I love the stuff, works great on painted surfaces.

Tonight I sat down with that filthy Kirby and scrubbed it with steel wool and Mothers Aluminum polish.
Here is what she looks like after round 1 of polish:

 

[petek]

Did you use just regular old steel wool?

What's that Hoover Savvy box doing in there anyways LOL

Lookee what I picked up just a few hours ago at the thrift store.. not vintage by anymeans but a Panasonic Jet Flo vac in remarkably good condition. These are super little vacs, fairly light and solidly built. This one has a rug/floor switch that shuts off the brushroll. I bought one for my mother a few years ago because of its simplicity and light weight and also bought one for our office. There's a port on the back for attaching attachments, don't have though.
And as usual with thrift store vacs, the bag inside was so full it was ready to explode.

 

[hoover1060]

steel wool

Pete,
I use medium grade to start, it gets all the crud off and brings up a little shine. To finish, I'll use super fine and it will sparkle

The Savvy box is from Fred, I have a DAMN powerdrive that needs to go to Australia, and it will make its long journey down under in the Savvy box.

NICE Panasonic too!

 

[tlee618]

I sure agree, the Scratch Out polish is wonderful. I found it at Walmart. Thanks for that hint Don. Terry

 

[air-waycharlie]

Kirby G-3

Somebody posted, (maybe mrcleanjeans), that the Legend II came out in 1989. Did it have a short production run? I thought the Legend II was '88-'89 and in the fall of '89 the G-3 was introduced. Am I incorrect on the dates?

I expect to have my Classic III and 510 back from Kirby within 10 days to 2 weeks. When they arrive I will post some pictures. Kirby charged $49.50 for the Classic and $12.50 for the 510 per the prices on the owners manuals. This is for a TOTAL rebuild that I can't do for that price even with parts wholesale.

I do like to use Flitz for metal polishing and it will remove paint and some scratches from plastic hoods. As someone else posted here, going over plastic hoods, metal bases and bumpers once they are clean, with car wax makes them look fabulous. On the old bakelite Hoovers, cordovan or brown shoe polish, (paste type), works wonders and darkens any scratches.

Another collector, (Mike R. from IL), taught me the trick to clean cords and bumpers with lacquer thinner. Just make sure to wear gloves as it will go a real number on your hands!

 

[air-waycharlie]

PS...............

Jeff,
GREAT prices for 2 nice vacs. I have an Omega that I am very fond of. Just that Kirby for the bag alone makes it worth all of $5!

The Eureka you gave me is working great and very similar to the one you acquired except that it is the square top. Great vac.

 

[compactc9]

From waht I know, the Legend II was only made in 1989, and the G3 came out in 1990.

 

[hoover1060]

Thanks Charlie

I talked to Ida the other night, and my Omega is going to go back to Kirby for a Spa treatment, it needs it.

I bought my Heritage II in December of 1987, the Legend I was 1988 and the Legend II was 1989-90 I thought.
I thought the G3 came out at the end of 1990...

 

[mrcleanjeans]

Jeff,thou art right

these just mentioned dates are correct.BTW,I LOVE your Hoover and otherwise collection,as well as your disposers.You the Man.