Question #1 - The leather on my case appears to be dry rot and keep peeling off, should I just strip the case??

Question #2 - One of the latches is broken on the case, can it be repaired??

Or should I just try to puchase just a case?

Once I saw a posting (here I think or a link from here) of a case that was in rough shape. The owner peeled off the leather and stained/polyurethaned the wood. It was gorgeous when done! I wouldn't have a problem doing something like that, but some people would want to keep the original intact.

Parts are available to fix the latches. If you've got a local sewing/vac dealer, many of them stock or can order parts. There are several online dealers you could order from, and ebay too.

Cases are available. Similar, but I doubt they are made as well as the original. They weren't cheap either!

It's all a matter of personal preference. Some people want to keep their machine/case all original and preserve it. I love mine and sew with it all the time. I'm sure all my sewing will add some wear to my almost perfect decals and scratches to the bed of the machine. But it is very sturdy and meant to be used. What fun would it be to be sitting in a closet? :)

great idea about the case!! I plan to use mine, but when not in use I plan to display it in my foyer!!

Check out this site www.featherweightrx.com. This guy is fantastic and will help answer your questions. I took a class from him and his knowledge of Featherweights is amazing.

If you want to retain the value of your case, then don't strip it. However if you want to use the case for a long time, then do whatever you want to it. You can get the hinge fixed or replaced. My case had missing black stuff only on bottom corners, used black shoe polish to cover it. Now you can hardly tell there was a problem. You can also clean up the hinges and latches. Those cases are very nice, even when beat up, I would do whatever you wish and make it something you love.
Kat

my latch was broken also when I bought it...I made a tote for it so the leather is protected and it never comes off. measure around the case height and circumrance (sp) and then add enough in height to cover the bottom...sew up the seam and bottom, square off the ends...viola a case cover. finish off the top and add handles.