Thread Number: 11189
New in box Kirby Heritage II
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Post# 120812   1/10/2011 at 07:50 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Hey Kirby Fans!

I finally had to give in to an eBay item that I've been eyeing for about 5 months now. What were my chances in my lifetime of finding my absolute favorite pre-Generation Kirby new in box after all these years? Slim to none, so I had to do it!

$503 later... She will be sent to me in additional packaging so the original boxes are not mangled, taped up, etc during shipping. This seller had about 15 of them, and they are down to the last 3 now. They had taken 1 of them out of the box to show and assemble, but the one I'll be sent has never been out of the box. Smoke free storage facility and warehouse that these have been sitting in for all these years, no water damage, etc.

I am so excited!!!! I'll be doing an unboxing video in HD on my YouTube channel, and will share a lot of the photos with everyone.

It was an expensive purchase but one of them that you just can't pass up!

Andrew


Post# 120813 , Reply# 1   1/10/2011 at 07:56 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 120814 , Reply# 2   1/10/2011 at 07:57 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 120815 , Reply# 3   1/10/2011 at 07:58 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 120816 , Reply# 4   1/10/2011 at 07:59 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 120817 , Reply# 5   1/10/2011 at 08:24 (4,826 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
I had to get one also !

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I bought this one also a few months ago . I have all the generations in the box but my new Heritage I bought when it first came out is now used . So this is the replacement. Now I always buy two of the newest so I have one in the box and one to use .

Post# 120820 , Reply# 6   1/10/2011 at 09:19 (4,826 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

I'd love to have one of them NIB HII's, I've seen them on and off over the past year and wished I could get one, but alas, no, I can't afford it... :(

(never mind the extortionate shipping required on such a thing!!)


Post# 120821 , Reply# 7   1/10/2011 at 09:44 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Shipping

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Yea the shipping was $64 and I agreed to pay $15 extra for extra boxing so the original boxes did not get damaged. Overall, this purchase was a huge splurge but one I won't regret! This was a once in my lifetime chance to get one, so I had to do it. LOL

Post# 120822 , Reply# 8   1/10/2011 at 10:25 (4,826 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

The main issue I have with shipping is that it'd be international, even the empty shell of my Tristar (aswell as some other bits and pieces) cost about $120, and that was a pretty light box compared to how heavy a box with a Kirby in it would be!! :S

I'd probably pay as much as the Kirby alone would cost to ship one to the UK... :(


Post# 120826 , Reply# 9   1/10/2011 at 11:35 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Yea it would be very pricey to ship one of these to you in the UK. :-( Hopefully the YouTube unboxing will give you almost the same joy as real life :)

I wonder if there would be any concern about the condition of the motor bearings sitting after all these years? I know Kirby's have the sealed ball bearings, but I wonder if they can somehow dry out like a sleeve bearing could. I plan to use this cleaner for fun but I guess I'm wondering about the motor bearings...

Andrew


Post# 120827 , Reply# 10   1/10/2011 at 11:41 (4,826 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        
Wow

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That is awsome! So happy for you Andrew. I cant wait to see the YT when you get it. As far as the bearings I think they shoud be ok but Im not an expert in that dept. If I were to get someting older used or unused I always give the motor a hand spin to see if it sounds dry.

Post# 120832 , Reply# 11   1/10/2011 at 12:58 (4,826 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

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That is very cool! Congratulations! I look forward to seeing the video.

Post# 120833 , Reply# 12   1/10/2011 at 13:01 (4,826 days old) by twocvbloke ()        
Bearings...

I think you would want to replace or repack the bearings as they can dry out from lack of use, after up to 27 years in a box, the solvents in the grease will have managed to escape, so replacement/repacking would be a good idea before using it properly... :)

You'll know if they're dry cos they'll sound rough after a short while, if not, then you could be lucky, but, you never know... :)


Post# 120835 , Reply# 13   1/10/2011 at 13:21 (4,826 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

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It would definitely be worth repacking the bearings. Even if they don't sound dry, after a little use the layer of 30 year old grease residue/gunk will be circling around the bearings and damaging them.

Remove/Clean with WD40/Dry thoroughly/Repack


Post# 120862 , Reply# 14   1/10/2011 at 16:46 (4,826 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        

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Thanks for the suggestions! If the bearings give me any guff, I'll just have to order new ones. I've already got a Kirby bearing puller around here somewhere.

Now the hard part... waiting for it to get here LOL.

Andrew


Post# 120904 , Reply# 15   1/10/2011 at 22:11 (4,825 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

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I think the Heritage series was already being built only with sealed bearings, so you'll have to just replace them.

Post# 120962 , Reply# 16   1/11/2011 at 14:29 (4,825 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)        
If I remember correctly

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Sealed bearings started with the Classic Omega 1-CB. The original Classic had the same bearings used in the 500 - Sanitronic lines that could be cleaned and re greased. I serviced many Omegas/Classic III/Traditions in my days at Kirby that had sealed bearings.

Post# 120965 , Reply# 17   1/11/2011 at 14:46 (4,825 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

Some bearings have plastic covers over the bearing race which you can pop off and then clean out the bearing's innards and repack, then snap the covers back in, but later ones have metal covers which while they do pop off, they don't go back on properly, so you either have the grease ooze out though the gaps, or you have to use them as open bearings, which need maintenance more often... :)

I like the plastic covered ones, most of my Kirbys have those, much easier to maintain and clean up... :)


Post# 120969 , Reply# 18   1/11/2011 at 15:54 (4,825 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

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That is correct. Sealed bearings were introduced on the 1-CB. But they are so cheap, I'd just replace them.

Post# 120977 , Reply# 19   1/11/2011 at 16:37 (4,825 days old) by sanimatic ()        
Congrats

Congrats Andrew ! I was afraid it didnt work out for you. Looking forward to video. Very few are as specific and detailed as you. Chris

Post# 120979 , Reply# 20   1/11/2011 at 16:43 (4,825 days old) by portable (Corvallis, OR)        

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Wow, Andrew! What a score! I love that bluish bag. It's gonna be so purdy. Please tell us when you've got the video posted. Good luck with the bearings.

Post# 120990 , Reply# 21   1/11/2011 at 18:53 (4,824 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)        
I'd run the machine first

compactelectra's profile picture
To see if there are any problems. No use taking the machine apart and risking damaging it if it doesn't need it. I have gotten a few new machines including this brand new Legend II that sat in the box for years. Runs like a top. I'd try it for a bit before taking it apart.

Post# 120993 , Reply# 22   1/11/2011 at 19:40 (4,824 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Bearings

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Thanks for the suggestions - NICE Legend there Fred! I was mostly brainstorming for worst case scenario if the bearings were bad. I think that they will be ok though, but I did order a service manual for disassembly instructions of the actual motor on the Heritage if needed down the road. I've torn apart a Sanitronic before but never got around to changing the bearings. I just wanted to have the service manual on hand for reference. (I also love to read and study such literature for my appliances).

So delivery is estimated no later than 1-20, but I'll know more once I get the UPS tracking # this week.

I also ordered some HEPA bags and a newer version of the Heritage 2 Hose - the one that has the plastic angled end like on the G series. The Heritage 2 that I used as a child had the newer hose. I'll of course keep this one as it's original but I don't really like the metal ended hose.

Since the attachments are no longer available for the Heritage 2, I think I'm going to locate a decent used set if I decide to use this machine much. As careful as I am with my things, if one of them somehow got damaged, I would be pretty upset. When my Schnauzer got ahold of my Diamond Edition massage cup and turned it into a chew toy, I was not overly devistated. $10 later I had a new replacement. I never left the Kirby attachment caddy on the floor again though :)

Andrew


Post# 122267 , Reply# 23   1/19/2011 at 20:47 (4,816 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
February 1986 to January 2011... She Slept...

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February 1986 to January 2011... She Slept...
Let this beautiful machine see the light of day!!!!!!!


Post# 122268 , Reply# 24   1/19/2011 at 20:47 (4,816 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 122269 , Reply# 25   1/19/2011 at 20:50 (4,816 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 122275 , Reply# 26   1/19/2011 at 21:00 (4,816 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Post# 122276 , Reply# 27   1/19/2011 at 21:04 (4,816 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
YouTube Unboxing & Google Docs Link

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I will be posting a link to the unboxing photos (about 200 of them), and about a 30 minute video I'll be making soon of the unboxing footage.

It's too cool of an experience to not share with everyone here who has the same vacuum cleaner passion that I do!!! :)

Andrew


Post# 122277 , Reply# 28   1/19/2011 at 21:11 (4,816 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

That is just so damned cool to see it still with it's factory shine, just astonishing really... :)

I think if I ever got a BNIB HeritageII, I'd probably pass out from the excitement of seeing a brand new Kirby that was never sold via the normal methods... :D


Does make me wonder why they never got sold though, Kirby dealers are always told to use up existing stock before moving onto the next new model, so how these ones were missed out, I don't know!!!


Post# 122284 , Reply# 29   1/19/2011 at 21:39 (4,816 days old) by vac_whisperer ()        

Ive always liked the heretage-legend series kirbys... Very nice! They had a Heritage II at my local oreck clean home center as a trade in. The clerk was trying to give it to me but i refused, as i dont have that much room and ive been trying to evn out the herd. I should have took it, its one of my favorites.

VW


Post# 122285 , Reply# 30   1/19/2011 at 22:04 (4,816 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
We have Twins lol

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WOW Andrew , so thats what mine looks like unboxed ? I wish I had the room to open mine and use it but I have too many (200+) Vacuums in a 1000 sqft. Bungalow lol . I did open the box and peek in but it will just sit until I put an addition onto my house and make the Vacuum room . Can`t wait to see the rest of the pics and video .
Daniel


Post# 122371 , Reply# 31   1/20/2011 at 16:53 (4,816 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
200+ Vacuums!

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That qualifies for Hoarder status :) I'm down to 7. LOL

Post# 122378 , Reply# 32   1/20/2011 at 17:07 (4,816 days old) by vac_whisperer ()        
Im at 17 vacs

and i think im at hoarder status!

VW


Post# 122405 , Reply# 33   1/20/2011 at 20:39 (4,815 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Shhh please don`t tell anyone lol.

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
I know my friend has been on me to start selling my Vacuums . I can`t stop buying them HELP ! lol
Do not call Hoarders on me , I do not have a problem lol .


Post# 122443 , Reply# 34   1/21/2011 at 04:19 (4,815 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

If you are a vacuum collector-its ADDICTIVE!

Post# 122446 , Reply# 35   1/21/2011 at 05:44 (4,815 days old) by sanimatic ()        

Nice Andrew. Definitely a once in a life time purchase.

Post# 122690 , Reply# 36   1/22/2011 at 22:28 (4,813 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Unboxing Video and Slideshow

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Here is the unboxing video and video slideshow I made for this memorable event ;-) Yes, it's just under 1 hour long!



Post# 122693 , Reply# 37   1/22/2011 at 22:57 (4,813 days old) by vintagecanister ()        
Absolutely beautiful........

Love the fresh shine, right outta the box. Congrats!

Post# 122698 , Reply# 38   1/22/2011 at 23:19 (4,813 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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Thanks Steve! It was so much fun to open up, and I was totally suprised how well preserved it all was. The only part that had slight discoloration was the clear shampoo tank. I think the plastic just changes a bit with age.

Post# 122702 , Reply# 39   1/22/2011 at 23:43 (4,813 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

That is just amazing, the bag is so crisp and the pattern sharp, and the Emtor looks a lot clearer and lighter than the ones I have here (granted they're used, but still!!), it's just wonderful!!! :)

And it has a tight motor for sure, it has that high-pitch squeal from the brand new carbon brushes on a brand new commutator, and it sounds like it's running slower (slower = tighter bearings & more airflow), it's just sweet!!! :D

And the shine, that's just perfect, amazing that it hasn't tarnished at all over the past 20 odd years!!! :)

I want one... :P


Post# 122780 , Reply# 40   1/23/2011 at 12:08 (4,813 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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I was suprised myself how it fired right up. I was already semi-prepared to have to replace the front and rear bearings on her if needed, but unless they start screaming they are staying in there.

The motor was pretty stiff at first in the video when i was turning it by hand, but it loosened up. It could of been because the vacuum was still cold inside from being on the UPS truck. Anyway, it's nice and smooth now!

The only thing I can't get apart on it is the rug plate on the bottom of the nozzle. It's pretty stuck on there and yes I have unlatched the clips ;-) - I think the rug plate gasket has fused to the bottom of the nozzle and I don't want to bend the rug plate trying to get it apart. I may have to get out the hair dryer to get it apart. I'll probably deal with that when it needs a belt change - the factory belt is working perfectly!

Andrew


Post# 122833 , Reply# 41   1/23/2011 at 20:03 (4,812 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

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The only thing better than a shiny new Kirby is a shiny new VINTAGE Kirby! On that rug plate: I wonder if it might loosen with use. But hair dryer is a good idea!

Post# 122889 , Reply# 42   1/24/2011 at 15:46 (4,812 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        


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I gave it a good workout last night, did both bathroom floors, kitchen floor, entryway floors (tile / hardwood), and then did all of the carpets, stairs, and the couch. I had it running for about 2 hours :-)

Gave those carbons a nice workout! Bearings are sounding just fine.


Post# 122894 , Reply# 43   1/24/2011 at 16:16 (4,812 days old) by a007kirbyman (--->> Originally My Mom <<--- (now Wisconsin))        
Andrew & Kirby HII...

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Hello Andrew.

That's a very nice acquisition for your collection.

CONGRATS!!!

Thank you for posting the process. It brings back memories of unpacking, setting up, demoing & installing (selling) the 'ole orphans' in good homes. (Ocassionally a bad home slipped in there. ~~lol~~)

Enjoy your 'new' 'old' Kirby Heritage II.


Cheers & hagd all,

Bill




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