Most definitly fix it up! You will be surprised what a good cleaning will do for it. For sentimental reasons alone, it is worth spending a few bucks. You'd spend as much for a dinner out( or so I am told, don't eat out much,LOL) And that Liquid Gold or Old English polish can work mirackles on the wood. And the machine might not to be painted at all! I gave up my Grandmothers treadle because I thought I couldn"T fix it, and I gave my Mom's machine to my niece, thinking she would use it, but instead she bought sa new one. Now I wish I had both!!