Candace, I have 2 Pfaffs that both have the paint worn off or maybe blistered off in the same place. Otherwise they are in good shape. What kind of paint would you recommend to repair them? Thanks for any help. Bobbie

Bobbie, this is just my opinion, but I would either leave it as is or do a complete repaint. I've never seen a machine painted in small patches or areas that doesn't look worse than leaving it alone. You'd think black would be an easy color to match, but throw in sun fading, the discoloration from the shellac etc. and I don't know if you'd be happy with the results. I like having the machine tell a story about how much it was used, and the imperfections are badges, in my eyes. I do have a few machines that are so bad, a repaint would probably be the best way to go. And for that, there are internet sites that give pointers. I'd like to tackle that in the future. Just keep in mind most decals are not replaceable.

Thank you, I have thought about trying Glenn's french finishing, but can't seem to do it. You're right they're not that bad and they do sew. Everything else on them is fine just these small areas of bad paint. Thanks again, Bobbie

What problems are you having with Glenn's method? I've not tried it yet.

I have to agree with Candice. If you have a small chip you might be able to get away with a small touch-up like on a car but I would leave it alone too. Especially if it is honest wear like you said. I would tend to stay away from a repainted machine. It may wind up looking like you are trying to hide something worse than chipped paint. I like to see that wear on a machine. If it is all worn off right down to bare metal you could have a valid reason but it doesn't sound that bad. I have looked and looked for reproduction decals too and there just aren't any to be had except for the Featherweight Singers.
~G~

Oh, just to get my nerve up to do it. And since its down to bare metal, I'll have to repaint about a quarter-size spot before I continue with the rest of it. It's cold out now, so will either bring it in or wait for warmer weather.

I just found this thread and am hoping I can get some information from other Pfaff owners. I just bought a Pfaff 130 that was completely frozen. I am working to get it freed up enough to see if the motor works and purchase a cord. So far I have been able to free most of it up, except the needle position part. I have been able to get some movement with Liquid Wrench and added heat but it's a stiff as pushing a horse up a hill. I am not 100% sure where the bind is so have had to cover everything.

Are there any rules about when I can change the position, like does the stitch width need to be set on 0 or something? The needle position is easier to budge when I am moving the hand wheel (no needle inserted).

Also I do not know what that silver lever with the screw to the left and above the stitch width dial is for. I can't even find information about it in the manual. Any help?

Did you solve your question about the silver lever? I’m not much of a Pfaff 130 mechanic, but I do have one that I turned into a stripped-down treadle that I’m trying to re-home to someone needing a craft treadle machine with a small footprint (market booth?). I’ve had a few lookers, but no buyers or even offers at $150. Maybe I’m priced too high, but you don’t see that many Pfaff 130 treadles. I’m about ready to take it all back apart and use the treadle stand for another project and part-out the head.

CD in Oklahoma

Thank you CD! I think I have it figured out. The silver lever to move the needle position is loosening up by fractional amounts daily. I was able to speak with someone who had the same problem and they advised me it is a piece that is very slow to loosen up and to just keep working it. I rigged up a suicide cord to the motor and found out it's good so I have a cord on the way.

I am shocked no one in your area has jumped at the chance to buy a Pfaff 130. It's a great machine and I was dying to own one. Maybe you would have better luck selling it if you put a motor on it? For me, it's a POWER machine. When I've watched videos on YouTube of them running full out, it almost makes me dizzy! Oh don't part it out. Unless you have the coffee grinder? Do you? :p

I'm glad that you solved your question. I didn't see any response to your post, so I thought I'd jump in with the bare minimum of outside support.

I have a coffee grinder on another 130 portable, but not on this one. I'm not sure what condition the other machine is in, because I've had it in storage for a long while. I've not ever had it on the bench yet. It's got the big work lamp too, but I don't know what the cleated belts look like, or whether the linkage moves properly. On the other hand, the main belt on my treadle seems to be in excellent condition, and the bite appears to me to be very generous. Like I said, I'm not much of a Pfaff mechanic, so other than a Pfaff 230 that I've messed with a tad, that's all of the Pfaff machines that I have and have fiddled with....

CD in Oklahoma