Thread Number: 37627  /  Tag: 50s/60s/70s Vacuum Cleaners
Classic III dropping handle problem
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Post# 401180   11/20/2018 at 01:04 (1,956 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
I’m not sure if I mentioned about this before for my Kirby Classic III but it has a bad case of dropping handle and I believe it needs a new handle spring. Should I buy a new handle spring or take it to a Kirby shop? I also have a another Classic III being used for parts and it has a handle spring that works still.

Post# 401181 , Reply# 1   11/20/2018 at 01:21 (1,956 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Gj3476

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Gabriel,

I am facing the exact same issue with my 1984 Heritage II! And like you, I attribute it to a weak handle fork spring (in my case, I may use the good handle fork spring off of my parts Tradition).

Order part no. 137073, if necessary.

~Ben


Post# 401182 , Reply# 2   11/20/2018 at 02:27 (1,956 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
KirbyClassicIII, would you have to use the spring tool as well? That one single tool is expensive!

Post# 401185 , Reply# 3   11/20/2018 at 10:13 (1,955 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Gj3476

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Gabriel,

Yes.

~Ben


Post# 401186 , Reply# 4   11/20/2018 at 11:14 (1,955 days old) by bnsd60m9200 (Akron OH)        
if you dont feel confident in advanced repairs

bnsd60m9200's profile picture
i wouldnt recommend it. a decent amount of strength is required to de-tension and re-tension the spring and if you dont apply constant pressure, the yolk will slam down on your wrist. its not a repair to try if youre not 100% sure you can do it. ive done it several times but did have a yolk slam on my wrist doing a tradition once. it hurts like hell. if you do try to attempt it, have someone to help you your first few times. i did.

Post# 401209 , Reply# 5   11/20/2018 at 18:00 (1,955 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Gj3476

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Gabriel,

This video might help you...




~Ben


Post# 401222 , Reply# 6   11/20/2018 at 20:43 (1,955 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

If you use used parts, inspect all pieces carefully so you won't have to redo the job later. On a D50 I had the long tube wear from the spring riding on it at one point and it snapped in two. The spring itself was fine.

I have tensioned a few springs by holding the case with my legs and feet and twisting the side tab with a STOUT pair of needlenose pliers. It takes a very strong wrist to do it one-handed and getting it to lock in the slot with the other hand is tough. It CAN be done though if you have the strength and will power. If you have a helper, this would be much easier - two hands on the pliers and another to use a screwdriver to pop the tab into place. Since my hands were on the tools, they were safe. I do recommend eye protection in case the tab slips from the pliers, a small sliver of metal may launch.

If this is beyond what you want to do, take the new parts and the case only to your local shop and they may do it at a low price while you wait, or maybe for free if you buy a pack of bags or such (I know my shop would).


Post# 401224 , Reply# 7   11/20/2018 at 20:50 (1,955 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
TexasKirbyGuy, is your local Kirby shop located between Parker rd and Custer rd? I’ve been there before and it’s a nice little shop! That’s where I got my ‘71 Classic 1cr for about $25.

Post# 401234 , Reply# 8   11/20/2018 at 23:32 (1,955 days old) by Rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
Gj3476

rivstg1's profile picture
Yep, that's the one, in Plano. He turned me onto it as well, I bought 4 machines from him
Kelton


Post# 401236 , Reply# 9   11/21/2018 at 00:23 (1,955 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
Rivstg1, I’ll probably bring the Classic III case to the shop after thanksgiving and get a new handle spring.

Post# 401262 , Reply# 10   11/21/2018 at 20:33 (1,954 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        
Yep, you know where the shop is!

The last time I was there (last year) he did not have new handle spring kits but he does have a huge collection of good used stuff, though.
If you want new, call in advance to order or take your own. Take a list of other stuff you might want, as well.
He has many working parts units from 84 and older for about $25 each or so. More you buy the cheaper they get. Many Traditions and D80s.
Fun place - enjoy!
I will be there in a couple weeks or so.


Post# 401544 , Reply# 11   11/27/2018 at 19:28 (1,948 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
I got a brand new handle spring assembly on eBay and was delivered yesterday. I’m thinking about taking this and the Classic III case to the Kirby shop soon.

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Post# 401551 , Reply# 12   11/27/2018 at 21:39 (1,948 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
I’m gonna try to place the new part on tomorrow but I gotta go to work now. So far I managed to remove the old part!

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Post# 401569 , Reply# 13   11/28/2018 at 09:51 (1,947 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
Great news everyone, no need to go to the shop! I watched the video carefully and managed to put together the new handle spring! It was a pain a a** but I did it!!

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 401573 , Reply# 14   11/28/2018 at 10:06 (1,947 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Gj3476

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Gabriel,

Excellent! I knew that video of Hank's that you watched could assist you!

~Ben


Post# 401587 , Reply# 15   11/28/2018 at 15:56 (1,947 days old) by Blackheart (North Dakota)        
Congrats!

blackheart's profile picture
Congrats on getting that done! I always dreaded having to change those springs they were such a pain in the ___!!!!!

Post# 401599 , Reply# 16   11/28/2018 at 17:35 (1,947 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
Thanks so much guys!

Post# 401601 , Reply# 17   11/28/2018 at 17:36 (1,947 days old) by Gj3476 (Prosper,TX)        

gj3476's profile picture
The only thing that was a pain was turning the locking part with a pair of pliers. Know what I’m talking about.

Post# 401609 , Reply# 18   11/28/2018 at 19:34 (1,947 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

"The only thing that was a pain was turning the locking part with a pair of pliers. Know what I’m talking about."

I know exactly what you are talking about - I have done it a few times...
Glad you were able to DIY!

You should still go on down to the shop some time just to get some more vacs to work on..........
:o)



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