I too have an ancient Singer machine... and I was able to find the entire manual for it online. I think it was in the Smithsonian's archive of trade publications. In any case, it showed all the parts and how they go together. So, though I'm not mechanically inclined, I was able to learn how to disassemble the entire bobbin case area to re-time it (useful in case of SERIOUS jams).

I live outside Seattle and I take my singers to Mel up in Snohomish, WA. As far as I know, he is the only authorized Singer repair person in Washington state and he is a genius! He can fix anything Singer and is very knowledgable about the company. If you are driving a distance, he is very good about clearing his schedule just to work on your machine. It is pretty fun to drop your machine at Mel's and then spend a couple of hours shopping at all the antique shops in Snohomish. PM me if you want his number.

Oh wow, that is a beaut. Hope you can get it all fixed up so you can sew on it.

This is a Model 66 made at the Elizabethport, NJ plant. The serial number is in a series that was released on November 25, 1925.

The Singer website to identify machines by serial number is
http://www.singerco.com/support/serial_numbers.html

There is a Yahoo group. Search for vintage Singers.

Yes, I'd like the number for Mel in Snohomish WA, please! My address is Snohomish but I'm not finding any sewing machine repair service listed in local phonebook. Didn't know there was such in town anymore.
Thanks!
(Your post says offline so don't know how to PM you...)

To PM here click her name on left <--- and it'll bring up a new screen
where it'll have a button that says "PM" click it type in subject and your message click submit and it'll send it to her.
Then she'll see a notice she has a new one when she logs in at top of the page.

To check your PM's look up top and see where it says "Private Messages" Click that and it'll take you to your inbox. (It'll show "new message" if you have any new ones)

Thank you -- I should've researched the posting info first. So nice to have someone take the time to inform me -- I really appreciate it.

I did find the info on a Singer site & have already called. (Should've tried that first, too....)
These info exchange boards are great!
Gloria

I would like the address and phone number for Mel's shop too. I live a couple of hours from Snohomish (Gig Harbor area) but at least it is on my side of the mountains.

Good afternoon. I find these old gals and most of the time it has so much dust and thread in and under the bobbin hook that it can no longer move. You must take it out (on the 99 you must release it from the bottom of the machine first) pull it out (take photo before you start taking it apart so you remember how to put it back together) clean all the "stuff" out, put a drop of Singer oil on the shaft and rework it. Once you get the hook assembly out, you might try moving the wheel again and it shoudl be ok. Otherwide, don't force anything. A few drops of oil and move back and forth 1/8" inch at a time each way until it frees up. I've also found that once these ole gals are free they sew like a gem. Check my model 15 on www.livingwellforless.net it was frozen up and now sews strong and smooth....
Capt Jack :)

Sorry I am coming in late on this one, you definitely have a model 66 and it is a beauty :D

You said it wouldn't turn for you, have you tried to disengage the clutch and turn the wheel manually? Its the little chrome knob in the middle of the hand wheel. If it does then we know it is the mechanics that are causing the issue.

You can pull the machine from the case and take the face plate off look around it might just be oil that has solidified and keeping it from moving. If that is the case you can use a hair drier and warm the mechanics up until you can move it with your hand and then just oil it up.

Just remember before you plug it in be sure to check the wiring and be sure there is no frayed areas or skinned places that would cause a shock.

PM me if you need any help I have all sorts of service manuals, parts listings, and owners manuals for these old machines.

Billy