Thread Number: 42405  /  Tag: Classified Ad Finds
Local pickup in East Plano, TX - Kirby Diamond set, Simplicity 5500 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 446061   9/15/2021 at 09:05 (245 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

I saw these at my friend's thrift store yesterday - the Plaid Tag at NE corner of Ave K (Plano rd) and Park, next to Poor Richards Cafe.

The Simplicity had been there for a while; I did not look at it much.

What caught my eye was a Kirby Diamond edition (with the two speed switch), complete with attachment set, hose, and carpet nozzle.
Attachment caddy had two wands, hard floor tool, dusting brush that looked never used, suds-o-gun, massager, small nozzle, wand angle, and some other stuff.
There was no filter bag installed and it did not look like it was run without a bag.
Condition was very good - just dirty. A spa treatment and a polish would make it look great. There were some havy scratches on the headlight dome though, kinda typical from going under furniture.
Price for the set was 28.95, a great deal for what looks to be a full set!
I got there late and they were closing so was not able to test it out. You could call them and have them do so, but I know they are pretty good pricing stuff based on if it works. If you get there and it does not work, they will probably make you a better deal on it. I am willing to bet it does work, or needs just minor repairs or just maintenance.

I was very tempted by the Diamond, but I am out of space. Completely. I already have a full G6 set but want a G5 for the color. I do not like white and grey at all...

They also have the motor unit/handle for a G6. It was donated last year while partially converted to the rug renovator, so no bag or nozzle, or anything. It did work though, so would be a good parts unit. I bet they would take anything to get it out of there.

This store has a lot of other cool stuff, from clothes to small furniture - just allocate an hour to sift through it all. I have brought back many nice things through the years.
This store is the only one I know that uses its proceeds and store stock to give back to the Plano community - to Emily's Place (a shelter nearby for abused/abandoned mothers with children), as well as the local homeless and those getting back on their feet. I have taken lots of stuff there to donate (mostly nice curb-finds, including some vacs), as they seem to make the most with almost anything. I only donate there, no place else.
This is the one thrift store that I am very proud of, and that is how I became friends with the owner and her family years ago.
So if someone gets a good deal on the Kirby set, be confident the proceeds WILL help make a difference in the area.

Decent vacuums go fast there - I have watched them. Hope someone here gets the Kirby - great deal in my book.

Post# 446212 , Reply# 1   9/18/2021 at 20:42 (241 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

a bump for the weekend. Hope someone gets this set...

Post# 446384 , Reply# 2   9/22/2021 at 08:19 (238 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

I was there yesterday (9-21) to drop off some stuff and both vacs are still there, awaiting new homes.

Post# 447022 , Reply# 3   10/12/2021 at 10:55 (218 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

I was there yesterday and the Kirby set is still there also.
I had extra time so I tried it out.
Seems to work quite well! High and low speed works, tech drive works.
Great buy for the money.
I will make a post when it is gone.

Post# 447023 , Reply# 4   10/12/2021 at 13:37 (218 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
You

 lesinutah's profile picture
Should start a save hood vacuums club. Your bringing attention to good vacuums again.

Post# 447754 , Reply# 5   11/9/2021 at 21:45 (189 days old) by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

Was there at the shop today and the Kirby diamond set is gone. Hopefully a collector got it, as it was a great deal. The Simplicity and the G6 motor unit are still there.

Les, I would if I found more good machines. Every good one I posted here, which were not many. Lots of newer plastic vacs, which I do not even look at. Very few vintage ones or quality ones... This of course excludes the one-time-hoard of Kirbys from the closed Plano shop...

Post# 447756 , Reply# 6   11/10/2021 at 00:01 (189 days old) by huskyvacs (Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
People definitely watch these threads, I do not doubt that. A lot of the finds Hoover300 posts they have been sitting for months and as soon as he posts them, they are marked "Sold" within days of being posted.

Post# 448650 , Reply# 7   12/15/2021 at 09:35 by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

I was at the shop yesterday and the Simplicity is still there, along with the G6 motor unit WAY in the back corner. I am sure they would take any reasonable offer to move them out.
There are a few other newer plastic vacs also (unsure of make/model).

I saw a larger vintage toaster oven/broiler there as well, as well as an old 8mm film projector and screen if anyone is into those.

Post# 448952 , Reply# 8   12/31/2021 at 08:39 by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Thanks for the tip

 On this store. I live in Dallas and donate stuff to Goodwill and Habitat for a humanity but not of fan of donating to Goodwill so looking for a better place to donate so I’ll give this place a try and always fun to run through these stores to see if there’s any good finds. I’m always looking to add pieces to my stoneware collection that is discontinued but was popular and the prices on eBay have soared.

Jon

Post# 449057 , Reply# 9   1/4/2022 at 14:23 by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

Hey Jon,
Yes - please give this place a try and let me know what you think. It is not a big store but they do the most with what they get in. Tell 'em 'Rob the scavenger' sent you.

When in the area and have several hours to spare, there is another thrift store on 18th and Ave K that often has dishes. There is also a Goodwill at Alma and Spring creek, and another on 75 at 15th. Plaza thrift is on Parker and Independence, also and they have dishes (big store).
Family Thrift is in same shopping center as the Plaid Tag. It has mostly just clothes, but acres of it and is all 50c each on Tuesdays (it is an outlet store). Problem is is there is zero organization...

If you post a picture of your dishes, I can be on the lookout for them as I scout 13 area stores every 8 weeks or so.


Post# 450801 , Reply# 10   3/16/2022 at 13:00 by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

I was there yesterday to drop off a truckload of donations...

Simplicity is still there, the Oreck upright is gone and they added a Bissel Powerforce bagless upright.

The Kirby G4 (without nozzle, attachments, or bag assy) had been there 6 months already and it was time for it to go. Therefore it was given to me for final disposition (as in scrap it or part it out). I plan to part it out and will post another thread on it after I evaluate what parts are good.

Post# 450814 , Reply# 11   3/16/2022 at 18:01 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
Do you have any pictures of the Simplicity? I'd be interested in it if shipping is possible. I had one before and I'm looking to find another one.

Post# 450815 , Reply# 12   3/16/2022 at 18:18 by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

Panasonicvac - I did not take any pictures from there as I had always been in a rush.
The Simplicity looks similar to this one in this picture I found online - the 5500. I am pretty sure it is the commercial one. It is dirty, but looks like it would clean up. I never even tried it but I am pretty sure they tested it before.
I think she has 19.99 on it. I know she would not want to ship it but if you really wanted it I might be able to help you. I know shipping Kirbys to Utah was very expensive, but they are much heavier.

  View Full Size
Post# 450819 , Reply# 13   3/16/2022 at 22:30 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
Yes it is a commercial model from the Sentry III line up. Again I had one of those before. Does it not have the full bag check indicator light, does it have the silver plastic pistol grip handle, and is the "COMMERCIAL" decal white instead of black like in the photo? That's one of the reasons why I asked for photos of the machine.

Post# 450821 , Reply# 14   3/17/2022 at 07:50 by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

Next time I go over there I will make it a point to get some pictures.

Post# 450836 , Reply# 15   3/17/2022 at 20:57 by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Such a shame

 So few people are interested in Kirby’s anymore. They just prefer the light weight of the plastic vacs or go to a Dyson for a heavy upright. I see so many on 5 miles app and craigslist and they just sit unsold. I’ve seen a few in goodwill and they do seem to sell there.

I get that they are big, heavy and bulky and with wall to wall carpeting becoming a thing of the past…so too are the desire for these machines as they are not the easiest to convert for tool or hard floor use. And with the new style stick vacs some of which do clean carpet pretty well…people just don’t want the giant uprights anymore. But if anyone has a lot of carpet…the Kirby will definitely last them forever. Unfortunately our local Kirby shop has closed up shop so I think one would be stuck having to go to a general vacuum store for any service or repair…if needed.

Jay still has a very nice Kirby on the supermarket page he is essentially giving away to us collectors for just the shipping cost.. since I am local I was able to secure most of what I was interested in and I can definitely say if anyone was on the fence considering his remaining Kirby…that they will get a nice machine.

Jon



Post# 451265 , Reply# 16   4/2/2022 at 20:51 by texaskirbyguy (Plano, TX)        

For anyone interested in the Simplicity, here are some pictures.
It is the 5500B
I tried it out and it sounds healthy. Brush roll spins also.
The front bumper is torn and the cord has some damage that was 'repaired' with some liquid electrical tape.

Jo - The Kirby G4 that noone wanted from here was missing pieces so it could ot be used as a vacuum, hence why noone got it. The Diamond set was gone in a couple months.
I rarely see a Kirby at a thrift store and I go to many often. So it they are donated, they sell well.

All I can say is those who do not consider a Kirby just because it looks traditional are missing out on a quality machine. It works great with carpet or not. But I do agree with the nozzle being cumbersome to remove, especially on the G series. That fold-up crank is stupid in my opinion - not very intuitive.

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 6         View Full Size
Post# 451574 , Reply# 17   4/13/2022 at 20:43 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
That looks like the same one that I used to have before. Though the handle is definitely different than mine that I used to own. I'll give it some thought. Thanks!


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