ladydukes

I saw a Viking 6430 yesterday for $29.50 but I didn't pick it up...yet. It only had a couple of feet, no extension table, no bobbins, no cams and no manual. Do you think it is worth $29.50, and does anyone have a manual to it?

Candace

If you do a search here and on google you'll find lots of info. Very likely the machine will need a complete overhaul if it hasn't been done in the last years of its use. This series is prone to some serious issues, though generally a decent machine. I've rebuilt several of them and they all tend to be prone to the never-needs-oiling lubricant turning to wax over the years. Which means plastic gears that are no longer available can be broken and dials frozen. The cam stacks crack and cost $50 each just for the part and there are a couple other costly parts that tend to go. I usually tell people that if they don't know if it works, is the price worth it for parts alone? I would say the price you quoted is worth it for a parts machine, but plan on upwards of $200-$250 of repairs if you want a working machine.

You can get a free manual and much more info if you choose to from the vintage Viking yahoo group.

Skyangel

What Candace said. There is great information at the "Vikingsewingmachinespre1980" Yahoo group.

I've had 2 of the 6000-series Viking machines, a 6440 for free and a 6020 for $5. Both had a cracked cam and needed overhaul. Fortunately, I found a great Viking tech about an hour from me and paid $189 +parts for each machine. The 6440 was complete, but the 6020 only came with the foot controller, one pressure foot, the A cam, and the manual. I was lucky to find a set of attachments in the tray at an estate sale for $3.

Great workhorse machines. The only ones I know of that have a low gear (pull out the bobbin winder to engage). My SIL has the 6440 now and I kept the 6020 because it was the last TOL in the series that was not self-oiling. It's designated for my Hubby's use, he is a Black Powder reinactor and makes his own gear.

mlmack

I'd probably pick it up if I saw it, though I already have a 6440 that needs a new cam gear.