I went to a hardware store and got the supplies you suggested to clean my machine. I even found a small table to put in the yard to do the work..it's metal so don't have to worry about the wood rotting. I've managed to get the motor and light assembly off and am ready to go. I taped each screw and part to a piece of cardboard and labeled them so hopefully will be able to get everything back together. I do have a question...when I am cleaning with the kerosene, will it affect the decals on the machine of some should get on them.
Also, I saw a Brother treadle machine at the thrift shop yesterday. The # was A556547. I did a search for dating Brothers and got nowhere. They were asking $75....the belt was rotten and it was dusty and dirty but not in too bad a shape. Can you date it for me??