Todays buy: Kirby Classic Omega


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Thread Number: 1856
Todays buy: Kirby Classic Omega

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Post# 19932 9/2/2007 at 13:23 (6,074 days old) by petek (Ontario)
Checkrate/Likes I got this Kirby Classic Omega today at our local flea market for $20. It's in 8 out of 10 condition, needs polishing as usual and the bag holder, that plastic sheath part that clips to the handle has tape around it for some reason, haven't removed it yet.. but otherwise it's in excellent shape. When I got it home I plugged it in the garage..what a stink, almost gagging. So I took it ouside and opened the sani emptor on the lawn in the back corner...oh geeze, a shopping bag full of hair and dust. The guy I bought it from the old coot cuts hair at the flea market and probably hadn't emptied it in years...I sprayed some Febreeze in to the bag so it can sit outside for a day or two and air out...whew

Post# 19933 , Reply# 1 9/2/2007 at 13:55 (6,074 days old) by vintageroyal611 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Nice Kirby* Let me know if you want to sell. Here's a tip on airing out that odiferous bag. Set the vacuum on the deck, put the height adjuster on the highest setting,turn it on, and let it suck in the fresh air for about a half hour. That is what I do for rancid bags depending on the age of the cleaner. But you should be safe with a 70's Kirby. Matt

Post# 19934 , Reply# 2 9/2/2007 at 16:14 (6,074 days old) by hoover1060 ()
Checkrate/Likes *That looks very nice Pete!* Congrats on that, you can also toss that bag in the washer, cold water, gentle cycle, and woolite detergent. The Omega is one of my favorites!

Post# 19935 , Reply# 3 9/2/2007 at 17:16 (6,074 days old) by petek (Ontario)
Checkrate/Likes What I've done with my other Kirbys in the past is to remove it along with the sani-emptor and give it a gentle wash in the bathtub, seeing as at our other house we never had a washtub in the laundry room. Now I have one so I can do it in there.

Post# 19943 , Reply# 4 9/2/2007 at 21:02 (6,074 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *Kirby Omega* One of my favorites!!! I bought one new before I moved in with my partner. It was the first thing I moved in to the condo. He should have known then what he was getting himself into. This one was bought on Ebay and sent back to the factory for a beauty makeover. The bag is from Charlie Watrous via Jeff Parker. Brand-spankin' new. Love it.

Post# 19944 , Reply# 5 9/2/2007 at 21:04 (6,074 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *I don't bother* Cleaning them up. I just send them back to Cleveland.

Post# 19945 , Reply# 6 9/2/2007 at 21:08 (6,074 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *Glam Shot - Omega* Pretty amazing for a 30 year old machine.

Post# 19947 , Reply# 7 9/2/2007 at 21:35 (6,074 days old) by petek (Ontario)
Checkrate/Likes oh they look so nice all shined up, makes my look like the frumpy sister :( lol

Post# 19949 , Reply# 8 9/2/2007 at 22:05 (6,074 days old) by hamiltonbeachbo (Milwaukee )
Checkrate/Likes *The Most Amazing Kirby Collection* Fred, You do have one of the most amazing Kirby collections. The time span covered is really my favorite. When I was at your house, I had so much fun connecting with the models from the '60s.. Boy, do I remember the sound of that motor and how excited I was when I learned of the unique way the foot switch worked. I remember being mezmerized by the majestic nature of that machine. Then in '68 my folks bought the Dual 80 in follow up to the Compact C5. I'll never forget what the salesman was like and how I coaxed him with his demo, always encouraging the next step, and I was just this nerdy little pipsqueek. Wow, what fun!! Fred, can't wait for the next visit to Tarantula Arms to play in your "vacuum" basement. I just remember feeling like this little kid. What a blast!!! I have to say, I'm really anticipating the "overwhelming nature" of convention. The memory cells will be in overtime. God, how that stirs the soul. We, collectively, are soooo lucky. Think about it. Til later. Pat.

Post# 19950 , Reply# 9 9/2/2007 at 22:13 (6,074 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)
Checkrate/Likes *Kirby cost for rebuilt??* If you don't have paper work for the purchase of a Kirby. How much will they charge to rebuilt a machine? Norm

Post# 19952 , Reply# 10 9/3/2007 at 08:14 (6,073 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *Norm* I sent my Dual 50 back without the paperwork - it took them some time to figure out a price but it ended up being $300.

Post# 19955 , Reply# 11 9/3/2007 at 11:41 (6,073 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *Here's What Happens* To your Kirby back in Cleveland.

Post# 19956 , Reply# 12 9/3/2007 at 11:44 (6,073 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *And More* Everything fixed and replaced. You literally get back a brand new machine. Opening the box from Scott and Fetzer makes it like Christmas in July.

Post# 19959 , Reply# 13 9/3/2007 at 12:28 (6,073 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)
Checkrate/Likes *Kirby rebuild* Hi Fred Thank you so much for the Kirby rebuilding process chart.I had my Kirby Dual 50 done about ten years ago. As you said what a job it LOOKED and RAN like the day it was new my coast was 22.95. I will be sending my KIRBY 511 in very soon the price for that is 12.95. I see you are a Kirby fan also I was in the cleaning line a public school head custodian for almost 31 years. I would always try to get Kirbys they get used 185 days a year by some guys who dont take care of them the right way . I retiried Jan 16 2007 always took care of then willing to bet no one will take care of them like me. Sorry for going on. Take care Doug

Post# 19960 , Reply# 14 9/3/2007 at 12:34 (6,073 days old) by compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *Doug* Just be aware that the older Kirbys (before the D50) will not be sent back with the original colors. I have a beautiful 560 that I won't send back because it will probably come back in tan, not the original grey and red. That one may go to a shop in Omaha that restores Kirbys.

Post# 19968 , Reply# 15 9/3/2007 at 22:52 (6,073 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Pete, Your Omega is a beauty! I, like Fred, (Ida), really like the the Classic and Omegas and they always get a bum rap with so many collectors. My Omega was rebuilt by Kirby and I also have a correct bag, (courtesy of Jeff Parker), but it was in slightly less pristine condition than the I one I orginally received, so I sent that one to Fred and had a few repairs done to the other. (Mine is now fabulous!) There were three types of bags used for the Omega. One was a totally cloth goldish bag, another was the cloth bag with, "diamonds", in plastic on the bag and the last was with, "plastique", lines down the bag. I'm not sure of the correct order of how these bags came out. Can anyone help us with this? Member Louis R., is very knowledgeable about this so maybe he will post regarding this. My Omega has the upgraded 4 brushshrip brushroll with the knarled belt but still uses the original, bagless, bag. Clunky?......yes. Oversized?......yes. But, still fun to use and can really clean with the improved brushroll?..........yes. The Kirby Omega is going to be a, "milestone", vacuum down the road. So, Pete, hang on to your very nice looking original.

Post# 19971 , Reply# 16 9/4/2007 at 07:14 (6,072 days old) by arh1953 ( River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes What a really interesting and showy thread! The rebuilders look like a great group of people, wonder how many of them were there when mine was rebuilt in 1988?

Post# 19973 , Reply# 17 9/4/2007 at 07:26 (6,072 days old) by hoover1060 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Omega bags* For the record, two of the three bags mentioned by Charlie are pictured in this thread. Pete's Omega has the diamond-y pattern bag, while Fred Nelson's Omega has the pinstripe bag. The third variation was a gold bag with the omega patch a-la the Classic 1CR. I don't know the order of the bags, BUT the owners manuals for the Omega all show the pinstripe bag. I have two Omegas currently, one factory rebuilt, the other original. My rebuilt model has the diamond bag.

Post# 19999 , Reply# 18 9/4/2007 at 23:34 (6,072 days old) by louvac (A)
Checkrate/Likes OK Guys..I could be wrong also but to my knowledge the Omega bag succession is as follows: The first version has the pin-stripe bag and the longer bag top "tail" through which the bag chain is shrouded. The second version has the four dots that form a diamond, also with the bag top "tail" that shrouds the bag chain. This model has a very short (original) cord which wraps around the cord hooks just about four times- if you're lucky. This was due to the oil crisis in the seventies and so Kirby shortened the cord. It very well may be only a 20' cord, though I never mesasured (don't go there-LOL!) The third and last version features the rather plain gold bag which is similar if not the same as the Classic with the Omega symbol on the badge. Though it is the Omega model, nowhere does that word actually appear. Only the Greek symbol is used. I suspect, and this is an educated guess, that they omitted the rubberized patterns which are made from a petroleum-based product again, be it vinyl or rubber , due to the oil crisis thus reducing costs. However, this may be the better alternative bag to have because when you think about it, the patterned bags have only 50% porosity (through the surface cloth from which "clean" air could escape) or in other words, 50% of the bag surface cloth is sealed! I believe RJ Vanik and Mike Rogers would agree with me on this one. Royal used this same type of outer bag on their uprights with the exception being that they used a paper filter bag inside. Regardless, all in all Kirbys are one of my favorites and some of you who know me know that my favorite is the Tradition (sorry fellow Kirby gurus!) which I have never had any problems with nor complaints. I am still looking for the first version of this model which had the speed switch control in the visor which thus required all accessories to incorporate a "spike" to engage the high speed setting. I had one which I sent in for a rebuild and it came back retro-fitted with the speed switch on the bottom like its predecessor. Fred N. has this original form. If anyone comes across one please let me know! Thanks guys and looking forward to Omaha! Louis

Post# 20025 , Reply# 19 9/5/2007 at 09:00 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Louis, I knew you would have the information! Just as I predidcted in the earlier post. Thanks for educating us and I will post a picture of my Omega later today. And, BTW, I do like the Tradition. It was one of the prettiest Kirby's as the blue color matches my eyes! There were some design flaws but that comes with change and Kirby made several significant changes to their product with that model. It does not take away from the appearance.

Post# 20027 , Reply# 20 9/5/2007 at 09:48 (6,071 days old) by petek (Ontario)
Checkrate/Likes Last night I went out and bought a bench grinder and some buffing wheels along with some jewellers rouge and tripoli. Now I'm going to see how well it does at shining up the Kirbys.

Post# 20031 , Reply# 21 9/5/2007 at 10:21 (6,071 days old) by ohio_tuec ()
Checkrate/Likes If it's done correctly, your Classic Omega will come out as shiny as a mirror! I tried that not too long ago with my Eureka Model M, and was astounded by the results. As it is, it seems as if the aluminum on your machine still has a shine to it. The only time I ran into trouble polishing a Kirby was with a Generation 3, on which the aluminum actually warped and formed some sort of mildew. I even had Kirby Corporation of New York try and buff it out and the same thing happened. I guess nowadays they use some sort of alloy as a cost-cutting touch?

Post# 20033 , Reply# 22 9/5/2007 at 11:05 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *Here's my.................* Omega with the diamond pattern bag that Jeff Parker gave me. I have a new, genuine Kirby gold cloth bag. They don't come with the Omega patch so I took one off an old bag that was shot and had my tailor sew it on. Looks great but I like this bag better.

Post# 20034 , Reply# 23 9/5/2007 at 11:06 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes The top of the bag with patch and bag topper. The diamond pattern can easily be seen.

Post# 20036 , Reply# 24 9/5/2007 at 11:10 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes Up close and personal. Such a shine! You could use that reflection to put on make-up.

Post# 20037 , Reply# 25 9/5/2007 at 11:11 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *The Omega's younger sister.............* The Clasic III. Since I was taking pictures..........well, why not show her off too!

Post# 20038 , Reply# 26 9/5/2007 at 11:12 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes The top of the Classic III bag. Note: cord hooks have changed sides from the Omega.

Post# 20039 , Reply# 27 9/5/2007 at 11:13 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes The Classic III up close and personal. Nice shine on this old beauty too.

Post# 20040 , Reply# 28 9/5/2007 at 11:38 (6,071 days old) by andy (Boston, MA)
Checkrate/Likes Charlie, what a beautiful Classic III. You truly can't appreciate the red color until you see the machine all buffed out like yours is.

Post# 20042 , Reply# 29 9/5/2007 at 11:58 (6,071 days old) by petek (Ontario)
Checkrate/Likes Charlie, I know you mean to get what you want but you didn't shoot an old bag just get her patch did you or was she already dead, unconscious or ?

Post# 20044 , Reply# 30 9/5/2007 at 14:44 (6,071 days old) by air-waycharlie (USA)
Checkrate/Likes *Puns, Puns, and more Puns!* The old bag was a former member and indeed, was shot!

Post# 20049 , Reply# 31 9/5/2007 at 18:44 (6,071 days old) by louvac (A)
Checkrate/Likes Charlie, glad to clear up things with the Omega bags and I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes the Tradition. I will post pics of my Classic III that I just got back. He's a hunk! ;)! Another trick to get rid of bag odors is to place a cotton ball on top of a bottle of pure vanilla extract and invert it long enough until you feel your finger just barely gets wet. Place it in the bag and leave it overnight-and for that matter, until you need to empty it or at least until the odor is gone. This cotton ball trick works well for instrument cases, and anywhere there is an odor in a confined space. Works great in the fridge, too! As far as Kirby polishing goes, Autosol which is a Kirby product or at least made exclusively for Kirby, is one of the best products to use. It's oil based. Kirby no longer offers this product. However, you can use a product called, Flitz, whcih can be found at most old-fashioned hardware stores or you can order it from Kirby Direct at 800-437-7170. It's $10.50 per tube. I don't know how many ounces it is. It's a water-based product and is basically the same. Autosol is/was a rose-colored pink and Flitz is morning glory blue...and is a little easier to remove from your hand. Morgan swears by Mother's Aluminum Mag Wheel polish which you can get at Walmart for under $4. Used with 0000 steel wool will yield superb results! Also, simply using 0000 steel wool alone will take much of the heavy surface oxidation off initially. Then polishing with the steel wool will be a little easier. I have used it as well and it's another viable option! A polishing wheel is handy but messy. In the post above from Fred N., Kirby supposedly sand blasts as part of the refurbishing process. Tripoli and Rouge is difficult to work with-at least for me. Simply stated, Kirby just does a excellent job! Does anyone have a new (or at least a "never laundered")original Kirby Tradition cloth DUMP style bag for sale or one to spare?

Post# 20051 , Reply# 32 9/5/2007 at 20:23 (6,071 days old) by kirbyvacuum (Long Island New York)
Checkrate/Likes *CLASSIC 3* Hi Louis One of the best polish jobs i have seen. The classic 3 is my favort Kirbys. How long did it take you to get that job Done. Take care Doug

Post# 20052 , Reply# 33 9/5/2007 at 20:44 (6,071 days old) by louvac (A)
Checkrate/Likes I'll let you in on a little secret....shhhhh! I didn't do it! Kirby rebuild did! LOL! I had the original paperwork! So you're a Kirby lover, too? You can do it, too but you have to be smart about it!

Post# 20053 , Reply# 34 9/5/2007 at 22:07 (6,071 days old) by petek (Ontario)
Checkrate/Likes Well it's beautiful looking regardless of who did it. I just came in from the garage where I've been polishing. I actually had some Flitz from a couple of years ago...works wonders...got most of the nozzle done..looking good so far. But it's humid out there and I was sweating so enoughs enough for tonight, I'm back in the house.

Post# 20058 , Reply# 35 9/6/2007 at 04:53 (6,070 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)
Checkrate/Likes The Kirby Classic III...... Check it out in this video LOL!!!!! I remember this being in the charts!!!! One of my all time fave tunes, blushes Rob CLICK HERE TO GO TO turbomaster1984's LINK

Post# 20089 , Reply# 36 9/7/2007 at 08:38 (6,069 days old) by sleepdoc (St. Louis, MO)
Checkrate/Likes *The cloth Omega bag* Could someone post a picture of the plain cloth bag, please? I used to have an Omega with a plain cloth bag, but it's been a while since I gave it away; I was 12 at the time. I have wondered since then if that bag was factory or aftermarket.

Post# 20106 , Reply# 37 9/7/2007 at 20:06 (6,069 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)
Checkrate/Likes *Omega plastic Bags* The plastic/rubber coated cloth bags on the Omega's were a pain back in the day. Any I got in for service in the 80's (there were alot of Omega's and Classic III's in Col. O) The plastic/rubber would be worn off around the base where the plastic ring went around the emptor and so they would leak dust all around that part. Then they would wear off the coating on the left side of the bag. Due to the bag rubbing along the person's clothing using them. So I would assume it was a service factor as well as the oil crisis at the time. I replaced them all with orginal Classic gold bags for better air flo and happy customers. Norm

Post# 20181 , Reply# 38 9/9/2007 at 17:04 (6,067 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)
Checkrate/Likes *Plain Kirby Bag...* Here's one that I just stumbled across on eBay. CLICK HERE TO GO TO hoovercelebrity's LINK on eBay

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