Kirby Classic III rebirth

[petek]

Here's a pic of my first ever Kirby Classic III on the right sitting beside one I picked up a couple of weeks ago. My first one I found out later had a replacement bag and sani-emptor so I was happy to find the machine on the left with what I hope is the original "no paper bag" bag. It was in real sorry shape except for the bag, the handle was cracked and bolted together, scraped up etc but it worked.

 

[petek]

So after switching the good parts/bad parts of each I ended up with I hope a fairly authentic machine.. Haven't given it a good polish yet. It works really well and seems to have tremendous suction sticking to the carpet even with the little air flow vent open. Not a machine my mom could push around very well.

 

[petek]

BTW, yes I do work away at all this stuff on the living room carpet.

 

[fnelson487]

Classic III

Pete - That's a great machine. The Classic III is one of my favorites. In the early days, I acquired a lot of machines, but wanting no one to think I was nuts by having so many, I would give them away. Generally always bought good new machines (sometimes a rebuilt Lux). I hate to think of all the good machines I disposed of in one way or another. I bought a Classic III new and have held on to it since 1976. That is a testament to how much I like this machine. Some people don't like the big head Kirbys, but they have many fond memories for me. The Classic III was the first machine I sent back to Kirby in Cleveland under the rebuild program and became hooked ever since. You can still get all original parts for that machine including attachments! Enjoy.

Fred

 

[jdinstl]

Way to go, Pete...

My latest acquisition, a sleazy red Classic, looks like your "combo" machine! My handle was broke in shipment, so I got a new one from a supplier.

I find the Classic's so ugly, that I have to push myself to work on them, LOL...but they sure pretty up nicely under the Omaga-powered buffing wheels and compounds! However, I feel they are must-haves in a Kirby collection.

Hey, the living room has served as my workbench too, LOL! I tell yah, you'd be well-served getting a Handi-Butler, Flexi-Shaft, universal chuck and buffing wheels. I've added Emery Compound to the shelf, and have ground out some deeeeeep scratches with that, then come over the area with Tripoli, ending in white rouge and Mothers Mag and Aluminum. Yes, it's a lot of filthy dirty work, but the results are out-of-the-box new looking.

Of the Classics, I admit fondness for the III -- I think the red gives it what it needs, versus the brown of the Classic, and Classic Omega. The catfish-head nozzle just doesn't do it for me, but with the red, it's ok.

Cheers! Nice lookin' vac my friend!

John

 

[air-waycharlie]

A Younger Sister to the Classic

Great pictures of your Classic III and the red colors were one of my favorites. After looking at your pictures, I had to get out my 562 for show and tell and got my houseguest Jerri into the act as well.............

 

[air-waycharlie]

Attachments

The attachments for the 562 in their carring case

 

[air-waycharlie]

Handi-Butler and box

Well, what is a Kirby without a Handi-Butler, (no relation to Rhett), and the original box?

 

[air-waycharlie]

Jerri and the Hoover 61

There was a lot of chat a while ago about Hoover 61's. Here is mine being driven by Jerri. That brown colors match with Jerri's outfit too.

 

[air-waycharlie]

The motor hood

Up close and personal. Note the beautiful brass leters so you won't forget what you are pushing around.

 

[air-waycharlie]

W Handi-Sac

Inflated to it's majestic size and ready to hold the grime, filth and dirt.

 

[gansky1]

More beautiful Kirbys! I was never a big fan of the larger head models, they always tipped too easily on the backstroke! I found several Heritage (orange & brown bag & trims) machines around dumpsters at apartment complexes, they were like wildflowers for a while one summer, but I ended up giving all of them away.

Let us know what you think of the new Kirby, Pete, nice work!

 

[air-waycharlie]

Jerri's personal fave.....................

The Hoover 150 home cleaning ensemble! The great 150 designed by Henry Dreyfuss with automatic height adjustment, bag full indicator, dirt finder headlamp, two-speed motor, beater bar agitator, elastic strap bag holder to keep the bag correctly adjusted at all times, easy conversion to above the floor cleaning, many tools and lightweight. What more could a housewife or servant want in 1936?

 

[petek]

How come Jerri didn't have to don "the apron"?
That is nice, is that an attachment port on the back as in the pic?

 

[tolivac]

I have a few Kirby Classics-got them as trades towards a TriStar.when my freind sold the TriStars-he would pass the Kirbys to me-At one sale I got one as well.Were common in this area.
Like those Hoover "Handi-sacs" would think with the modern 3M "Filtrete" material-that would make a GOOD "Handi-Sac"Love that Kirby 562 with all of the fixins!!!Very nice-like the person who had it-bought it,used it once or twice-then packed it up and put it in the closet.The Hoover#61 is very nice--bet its a good performer.I am a Kirby fan-but still love those vintage Hoovers.Still very effective machines.