I used to have one of these. It was the prized possession of my collection, and my favorite. I did have all the pieces shown here as well. Lots of memories viewing this video.
I own both a Classic III and a Tradition. Your motor sounds perfectly normal with the hose attached as this model is equipped with the metal fan. It's literally a bomb-proof machine that will reward you over and over again.
Old metal fan changes the tone quite a lot. Most of these old Kirby’s have had the fans changed to the polymer blend fan that Kirby teamed up with NASA to create.
@@ClassicTVMan1981X no i meant the hand held royal dirt devil vacs have less head ache giving "WHINEY/HIGH PITCH TONE" as an ultimate g series diamond edition also the sentria or really any kirby in person i have heard
The metal trap at the bottom of the bag is called the Sani-Emtor, and the zipper at the back of the bag opens into a pocket with a plastic scraper at the bottom, which allows you to scrape excess dirt from the interior of the bag. The Miracle Head is a floor polisher attachment.
Thanks so much for a trip down memory lane. CLassic III - bought one new, from the local Kirby salesman after he gave us an in-home demonstration, around 1975. It performed flawlessly until we sold it about 20 years later, when we downsized. I didn't have the "miracle head", which I believe was for hardwood floors. I think the bag of gold colored beeswax was used with it to wax floors. It looks like it is still good. I have never seen the butler buffing and sawing system before - wow. I did have the rug renovator, which I used regularly, since I had dogs. The little coasters went under chairs while the carpet dried. Great attachment. We even used the shag rake, but it didn't do much. Yes, the chrystalator was used for moth balls - never used it.
Roger, that's a very nice Classic III from 1979! Congratulations on scoring your third Kirby. It is also cool you got the Handi-Butler and Rug Renovator groups with many unused parts. The speed switch on both this and your Tradition is wired permanently for high speed, using only the red and white wires. Delivery date in instruction book says: May 16, 1979.
But why did it have a "I love my Kirby" badge or key ring, whatever it was, with a website on it? Unless the previous owner included that, or it had been serviced at some point?
£115 you certainly got a bargain, this is the second Kirby model we got in the UK and to have the original box and all the tools! Wow, what a find! Yours sounds sweet to me, the sound difference is because the fan is metal. I sold mine because it was deafening! It was the loudest Kirby I had ever used! It is a nice looking machine though. My personal favourite is the Legend ll.
We used to have a Kirby Classic III at one time (not as complete) and it made way more noise and had no suction at all. Turns out the fan wasn't even secured to the shaft. It was just spinning on the shaft. Yours sounds fine. It might be what the fan is made of. Some are metal, some are composite.
0:08, 38:38 - I also wanted to say that it's also neat your Classic III still has the red plastic dust cover over the speed switch! Although the intent of it was to keep moisture out of the inside of the motor unit while the Rug Renovator was being used, there were problems with it that led Kirby to advise owners of these units to remove it. The problem was that this plastic cover might jam the speed switch arm in the down position (when the hose was attached), which means the motor will run (provided the cleaner is plugged in and then switched on) even without anything attached to the front of it! Kirby tried the same thing on its first few Traditions when that model initially went on sale in the summer of 1979, but in a different design: attached to the inside of the headlight cap. This was done so that the cleaner would not run unless the cap was down flush toward the accessory attached to the front of the motor (each front-mounted accessory had a metal pin in order to jibe with one of the two buttons on the speed switch). It too had problems: many Tradition owners didn't know how the whole contraption worked, and their abusing it caused the switch to fail in that the motor would not only be jammed in low speed (on the North American 120-volt units only), but also that it would now run, as before, without anything attached to it!
A metal fan will cause the high pitched whine you talk about. The motor sounds healthy though. Brushroll bearings sound a bit dry, and as far as the switch those can be replaced fairly inexpensively as well. Otherwise it looks great aside from the odd blemishes.
The “Classic “ series of Kirbys started in late 1969 to replace the “Sanitronic” series of the 1960’s. It began with the Kirby “Classic I” 1969 to 1973; then the “Classic Omega” (often called the “Kirby Horseshoe” due to having the omega symbol on the front nozzle belt lifter) from 1973 to 1976; and finally the Classic III which you have there from 1976 to 1980 when the “Tradition” series began for the new decade. The Classic series had major changes from that of the Sanitronic series of the 1960’s featuring a wider front brush roll; wider heavier duty wheels; rear mounted on/off switch; as well as many cosmetic changes to make it look more “elegant” including soft colors of brown and tan; all around body skirting to enclose the wheels and switch; and completed with the new moto “Kirby Brings More Leisure Tlme For You”!
But it wasn't until 1982 that the 13" nozzle would re-appear: as an option for the Heritage 1HD (1981-84), and on machines so equipped (1HD-13) the headlight cap casting was also shaved down from the bottom in order to jibe with the top of the 13" nozzle. The 13" nozzle option would last all the way up to the Legend II and would disappear when the Legend II was replaced by the new Generation 3.
The rug protector pads go under the legs of furniture after you've shampooed the rugs so that the wood stain doesn't stain the rug when it the rug is still wet.
The Classic III was the model that replaced the Kirby Classic Omega (aka: Kirby “Horseshoe”) starting in 1976. The Tradition replaced the Classic III and the very first year that featured the OPTION to use disposable paper bags or you could still continue to use the traditional Sani Emtor shake out bag.
Yes!! That’s very cool! The Classic III is a great Machine! The sound you hear is the Metal Fan. Those metal fans are very cool and have better airflow than the new fans.
Nice you lucked out and got one thats never been rebuilt. All to often you find these oldschool ones that have had their indestructible metal blades swapped for plastic ones that wear down and crack if your sucking up allot of rocks nails and screws.
The sound is likely to be from the impeller, rather than the motor, but check the carbon brushes. The design looks more like something from the 1940s or 50s. When I first saw one around 1990, I thought it was a wartime relic.
They were much louder when they had metal fans Roger. Mine was very loud for years and I had the option of changing to a plastic fan but didn't. When the Kevlar fans came out I made the change and its became a quieter machine.
I always wondered seriously who was using that scalp massager i'm thinking g this is relaxing as their vacuum cleaner runs and a high pitch wheel 3 feet from their head
My friend had a Kirby g6 it made a high pitch sounds as well then it stopped working I would use it a lot to help around the house but when I would turn it off it made the same sounds as the Kirby classic 3 I live Kirby but never have I seen a Kirby break down in my 24 years and I was using it once day and I noticed it was sparking up on the inside near the power switch and everything I now own a Shark lift away deluxe vacuum cleaner tho I've had it for two days now and I love it
Last vacuum Kirby not with a capable disposal bag method, Bags of the dates that vacuum from 1970 something until 1979ish before replaced by Kirby tradition
Those little white circles are from the people that used to sell the kirby instead of vacuuming into a bag they vacuumed under those little white circles to show you how much gross dust your sucking up earlier house and off of your kids bed...
Kirby had ahead that was just for waxing your floors kirby had ahead that fast forward laughing up your carpeting and that one looks like the one that was for fluffing up your carpeting but it also could have been for waxing your hard floors because they both looked so similar and i can't rememberburnum tired i'm sorry
I know further you point out that the motor unit had been modified as I see someone drilled a hole into the scuff plate for one of the screws. Luckily you did resolve it, since at 36:53 it runs!
I'm at that you tube place again! My girlfriend is in the back ground...'why the hell are you watching that stupid hoover man again?'...'i dont know, but i like it ok!' ha 👍
@ Did it turn itself on? They are just awful looking machines and the amount of accessories they have is just offensive. There’s actually a Kirby dealer close to where we live 🥺
I used to have one of these. It was the prized possession of my collection, and my favorite. I did have all the pieces shown here as well. Lots of memories viewing this video.
I own both a Classic III and a Tradition. Your motor sounds perfectly normal with the hose attached as this model is equipped with the metal fan. It's literally a bomb-proof machine that will reward you over and over again.
Old metal fan changes the tone quite a lot. Most of these old Kirby’s have had the fans changed to the polymer blend fan that Kirby teamed up with NASA to create.
Well if Kirby teamed up with NASA I will have to sell all of mine.
@@ibaisaic they sonpund horrible high pitch IMHO tbh sincerely wish had the sound of old or pre mid to late 1990s vacuums
I think you first heard a Kirby with the plastic fan, and then one with the metal fan.
@@ClassicTVMan1981X no i meant the hand held royal dirt devil vacs have less head ache giving "WHINEY/HIGH PITCH TONE" as an ultimate g series diamond edition also the sentria or really any kirby in person i have heard
@@bsanchez3563 The 1982 Royal 501 I have has a similar sound, but has a six-blade aluminum fan.
The metal trap at the bottom of the bag is called the Sani-Emtor, and the zipper at the back of the bag opens into a pocket with a plastic scraper at the bottom, which allows you to scrape excess dirt from the interior of the bag. The Miracle Head is a floor polisher attachment.
Which first debuted back in 1962 with the 562 Sanitronic.
There are far worse places you could put a hand, believe me.
haha
@@ibaisaic Lmfao ikr
@@huskyvacs Lmfao ikr,
Well not nice thing to think about tho not to worry no end of universe either way anyhow
Congratulations Roger. That seller was very conscientious about the way that they shipped the machine to you.
Thanks so much for a trip down memory lane. CLassic III - bought one new, from the local Kirby salesman after he gave us an in-home demonstration, around 1975. It performed flawlessly until we sold it about 20 years later, when we downsized. I didn't have the "miracle head", which I believe was for hardwood floors. I think the bag of gold colored beeswax was used with it to wax floors. It looks like it is still good. I have never seen the butler buffing and sawing system before - wow. I did have the rug renovator, which I used regularly, since I had dogs. The little coasters went under chairs while the carpet dried. Great attachment. We even used the shag rake, but it didn't do much. Yes, the chrystalator was used for moth balls - never used it.
I've had a classic 3 since new and that's a normal sound. It's always made my ears ring a little.
Kirby classic 3 (2CB) was manufactured between 1976-1979. Somewhere on the vacuum will be a date stamp that can tell you the exact year it was made
I can't wait to see when you open the Vacuum Cleaners History Museum, I would be the first in line!
Roger, that's a very nice Classic III from 1979! Congratulations on scoring your third Kirby. It is also cool you got the Handi-Butler and Rug Renovator groups with many unused parts.
The speed switch on both this and your Tradition is wired permanently for high speed, using only the red and white wires.
Delivery date in instruction book says: May 16, 1979.
But why did it have a "I love my Kirby" badge or key ring, whatever it was, with a website on it? Unless the previous owner included that, or it had been serviced at some point?
It's likely added on by the previous owner for obvious reasons.
The little red rubber cups go under the wheels to make the machine hold still when using the Handi-Butler because it vibrates so bad.
£115 you certainly got a bargain, this is the second Kirby model we got in the UK and to have the original box and all the tools! Wow, what a find!
Yours sounds sweet to me, the sound difference is because the fan is metal.
I sold mine because it was deafening! It was the loudest Kirby I had ever used!
It is a nice looking machine though. My personal favourite is the Legend ll.
Scar -TMDC A Classic and a Legend ll. 😉
I just bought a Legend II cannot wait to polish it up and go.
See a really good comment on TH-cam mate how are u ok mate u do a really good job mate hove a good day on your mate
We used to have a Kirby Classic III at one time (not as complete) and it made way more noise and had no suction at all. Turns out the fan wasn't even secured to the shaft. It was just spinning on the shaft. Yours sounds fine. It might be what the fan is made of. Some are metal, some are composite.
0:08, 38:38 - I also wanted to say that it's also neat your Classic III still has the red plastic dust cover over the speed switch!
Although the intent of it was to keep moisture out of the inside of the motor unit while the Rug Renovator was being used, there were problems with it that led Kirby to advise owners of these units to remove it. The problem was that this plastic cover might jam the speed switch arm in the down position (when the hose was attached), which means the motor will run (provided the cleaner is plugged in and then switched on) even without anything attached to the front of it!
Kirby tried the same thing on its first few Traditions when that model initially went on sale in the summer of 1979, but in a different design: attached to the inside of the headlight cap. This was done so that the cleaner would not run unless the cap was down flush toward the accessory attached to the front of the motor (each front-mounted accessory had a metal pin in order to jibe with one of the two buttons on the speed switch). It too had problems: many Tradition owners didn't know how the whole contraption worked, and their abusing it caused the switch to fail in that the motor would not only be jammed in low speed (on the North American 120-volt units only), but also that it would now run, as before, without anything attached to it!
A metal fan will cause the high pitched whine you talk about. The motor sounds healthy though. Brushroll bearings sound a bit dry, and as far as the switch those can be replaced fairly inexpensively as well. Otherwise it looks great aside from the odd blemishes.
The “Classic “ series of Kirbys started in late 1969 to replace the “Sanitronic” series of the 1960’s. It began with the Kirby “Classic I” 1969 to 1973; then the “Classic Omega” (often called the “Kirby Horseshoe” due to having the omega symbol on the front nozzle belt lifter) from 1973 to 1976; and finally the Classic III which you have there from 1976 to 1980 when the “Tradition” series began for the new decade. The Classic series had major changes from that of the Sanitronic series of the 1960’s featuring a wider front brush roll; wider heavier duty wheels; rear mounted on/off switch; as well as many cosmetic changes to make it look more “elegant” including soft colors of brown and tan; all around body skirting to enclose the wheels and switch; and completed with the new moto “Kirby Brings More Leisure Tlme For You”!
But it wasn't until 1982 that the 13" nozzle would re-appear: as an option for the Heritage 1HD (1981-84), and on machines so equipped (1HD-13) the headlight cap casting was also shaved down from the bottom in order to jibe with the top of the 13" nozzle. The 13" nozzle option would last all the way up to the Legend II and would disappear when the Legend II was replaced by the new Generation 3.
The rug protector pads go under the legs of furniture after you've shampooed the rugs so that the wood stain doesn't stain the rug when it the rug is still wet.
Oh that makes sense i thought it just needed to keep the wood dry genuinely thx fr that taught me something today imho
You just got my ultimate favorite Kirby and my favorite color. This Kirby is pure art. It's stunning. Just like 50's American car.
Nice vacuum...have a DS 50 and a 519 I really love them. Kirby's are great.
That is one lovely Kirby you have. I Love the sound of this with the Metal fan in. Good video.. 🙂👍🏽
The Classic III was the model that replaced the Kirby Classic Omega (aka: Kirby “Horseshoe”) starting in 1976. The Tradition replaced the Classic III and the very first year that featured the OPTION to use disposable paper bags or you could still continue to use the traditional Sani Emtor shake out bag.
It’s like that because of the metal fan. It actually sounds really good
I also think that not having a fill tube for a bag and the insert like in the Tradition changes the sound as well.
You got a real collectors item there!
Yes!!
That’s very cool!
The Classic III is a great Machine!
The sound you hear is the Metal Fan. Those metal fans are very cool and have better airflow than the new fans.
I want to see demos of the tools for this please.
Congratulations on your NEW Kirby Classic III!!!
THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE KIRBY/VACUUM!!!! *tear*
Hi Roger! Great Video with another amazing vacuum. I’m guessing it may be higher pitched due to the having the metal fan installed!
Its the brush roller the older brush rollers use sleeve bearrings instead of ball bearings and they tend to sqeek
I have a classic 3 in perfect condition. With accessories. And pictures
Nice you lucked out and got one thats never been rebuilt. All to often you find these oldschool ones that have had their indestructible metal blades swapped for plastic ones that wear down and crack if your sucking up allot of rocks nails and screws.
The sound is likely to be from the impeller, rather than the motor, but check the carbon brushes. The design looks more like something from the 1940s or 50s. When I first saw one around 1990, I thought it was a wartime relic.
wow... a drill and a jigsaw from a vacuum cleaner.
The Handi-Butler goes back to 1949, when it was first introduced during the sales of Kirby's model 509.
Nice!?
@@ClassicTVMan1981X I have my grandmother's 509 with the handi butler♥️
Great unboxing such a lovely Kirby. Your health to enjoy it!
Emptying the machine is best done outside and over a garbage pail.
I wish my Classic III had the original metal fan. It was rebuilt in 1996ish and has the newer plastic fan. I prefer originality when possible.
They were much louder when they had metal fans Roger. Mine was very loud for years and I had the option of changing to a plastic fan but didn't. When the Kevlar fans came out I made the change and its became a quieter machine.
Roger the first head of the Kirby 3 look like the Dyson fluffy head
I know it, my vacuum fixed due to that among other things, got it back, no more scream. The only thing I can't service myself.
I always wondered seriously who was using that scalp massager i'm thinking g this is relaxing as their vacuum cleaner runs and a high pitch wheel 3 feet from their head
On a kirby the head and the mini em tor have to be fitted correct or the cleaner woulnt start - ove found that with mine!
They were the best when I was growing up
I would like to purchase this Kirby classic 3! Where did you find this beauty?
I think it's crystal air fresher
My friend had a Kirby g6 it made a high pitch sounds as well then it stopped working I would use it a lot to help around the house but when I would turn it off it made the same sounds as the Kirby classic 3 I live Kirby but never have I seen a Kirby break down in my 24 years and I was using it once day and I noticed it was sparking up on the inside near the power switch and everything I now own a Shark lift away deluxe vacuum cleaner tho I've had it for two days now and I love it
I'm sure at this point someone commented this, but that's how older Kirbys that still have their metal fan sound.
Kirby is the best
The series of Kirby that was indestructible. Not a big fan of the G series, that’s when the outer bags got thinner and the attachments were cheapened.
Not 2. It’s a Classic 3. There was never a Classic 2. Essentially the Classic Omega would have been the Classic 2 if numbered in sequence back then.
Would love individual demos
What is the intro music called
Last vacuum Kirby not with a capable disposal bag method,
Bags of the dates that vacuum from 1970 something until 1979ish before replaced by Kirby tradition
Classic: 1970 to 1973
Classic Omega: 1973 to 1976
Classic III: 1976 to 1979
Tradition: 1979 to 1981
@@ClassicTVMan1981X correct that's is so kool
@@ClassicTVMan1981X hey is this just a extension cord like outlet on the end of the Kirby cords? Old models tbh
@@fleetknightgreywolf7795
Seems to resemble one. On our 120V models the male and female plug ends are different.
@@ClassicTVMan1981X same its a d plug aka computer cord female- ing its
Sorry but Thx always wanted to know that😎
I think the high pitch scream from a generic replacement motor bearing
Wow, that thing is *massive*
Keep up there good work on TH-cam mate hove a good day mate
Shag king? I thought it would come out as the other sh as in simile to crap rake.
Those little white circles are from the people that used to sell the kirby instead of vacuuming into a bag they vacuumed under those little white circles to show you how much gross dust your sucking up earlier house and off of your kids bed...
Why don’t you have any mor videos about this particular vacuum
I sold it due to some nasty comments.
What nasty comments
It’s a shame it’s such a beautiful vacuum
Frist try putting a drop of oil on the bearing
Acvilir 2 is out even xD so fast times are
My favorite vacuum
Keep up the good work on TH-cam u do a really good job mate form greg
That instrument, is for moth balls, when you don't want moths in you closet. That's is what for.
I would say dry bearings
See a really good video on TH-cam keep up there good work on TH-cam mate hove a good day mate form Greg
I think it's the fan. If it is metal replace it. It needs a kevlar.
Only if the loudness bothers him. My metal fans are still going strong at 40 years of age.
@@scottn940 also its not kevlar it is related to it but called amodel & common/model plane use
its the metal fan!!
Kirby had ahead that was just for waxing your floors kirby had ahead that fast forward laughing up your carpeting and that one looks like the one that was for fluffing up your carpeting but it also could have been for waxing your hard floors because they both looked so similar and i can't rememberburnum tired i'm sorry
Sorry about your troubles with the wall plug from 35:06 to 36:04.
The troubles were with the Kirby, my wall plug is fine.
I know further you point out that the motor unit had been modified as I see someone drilled a hole into the scuff plate for one of the screws. Luckily you did resolve it, since at 36:53 it runs!
Yes more demos
see good mate hove a good day
Rubber cups feecircle feet vacuum rubber cups make the circle feet not circle on the carpet and spin
Try the new shark zero
Shark sucks in my opinion. Suction isn't important when vacuuming you need airflow this has that
Sry if this came off a little rude, not my intent.
Erm wow I'm speechless 😶
Shaaag lol. Made my night!
Hows there dogs doing today mate are there ok mate u do a really good job on TH-cam hove a good day mate form greg Bouchard
I'm at that you tube place again! My girlfriend is in the back ground...'why the hell are you watching that stupid hoover man again?'...'i dont know, but i like it ok!' ha 👍
And/or fan
The metal fan is the cause of the high pitched sound. Change it to the amadol fan and it will be quieter. Save the metal as they are rare and nla
Beauty😜
I’m not sure why but there’s something I find creepy about these machines.
I had a Kirby that I swear was haunted.
@ Did it turn itself on? They are just awful looking machines and the amount of accessories they have is just offensive. There’s actually a Kirby dealer close to where we live 🥺
No, it just had an evil presence.
@@ibaisaicEegh, that is creepy. Awful things.
Motor bearings
🤩🤩
It's a classic 3
This thing is bonkers. Was it invented by heath robinson? There are so many weird things with it, a Jigsaw? Wtf?
It’s pronounced “Scott and Fetzer”.
came out 1976 the year i was born :))
it’s from 1979
Yes pals mate how are u ok mate hove a good day mate form greg
get a sentria
U can add me on Facebook see Greg Bouchard see my Facebook name mate u do a really good job on TH-cam keep up there good work on TH-cam form greg
you need new motor brushes
I also have a "miracle Kearby head."
Wash your mouth out with soap young man.
;-)
Are you married or have a girlfriend or boyfriend you always talk about a person living with you just wondering lol.
I will be single as soon as I win the lottery.
ibaisaic omg lol.
Motor bearings