I have a Kirby Classic Vacuum cleaner, bought in 1971. The switch is broken. Plugging/unplugging is the method of turning it off + on now. Yesterday the local vac repair shop quoted a repair price of $75 but then said switches are not made for this vac anymore. I just called the Kirby company to see what more could be found out. Well, it seems, since I am the original owner, I am entitled to having it rebuilt for $37.50. I thought I used up this option in 1991 since it was rebuilt then but it turns out that this is a life time option. They might send me a shipping label. I'm not sure about this. They have my information. I need to wait for a letter.
We left my mom's 1950's and still working Kirby vacume at her house when she died. It was almost comical, the five of us "kids" (in our 40's and 50's) standing over the Kirby, wondering if we should take it.... It was the vacume we had growing up with and almost a member of the family. I have one that I don't use, they are so heavy. But I must say my Kirby really does SUCK!!! HAHAHAHA
Ruffles, I never heard of a Kirby vacuum cleaner. We had the proverbial Maytag washer that lasted for 22 years. The appliances that came with this house (circa 1997) didn't fare as well. We've had to replace the DW, hot water heater, and garbage disposal. At least when you replace old washers you get a MUCH more efficient machine in its use of water and electricity.
Kirby's are WONDERFUL but they are very heavy and hard to push. We bought a rebuilt one when we first got married and I used it until I moved in here (no carpet, hehehe...) and passed it on to the church to use. I didn't realize they had that type of warranty, though. That's great!
