Originally Posted by Kas
I just found a 66 redeye with a backclamp foot and lots of extra feet in the box. It had an electric motor and the guy at the antique shop said it wasn't for sale because it didn't work! I am a terrible negotiator. It is missing the pin for the thread spool, but has the throat plate (even though it is rusty) which my other redeye is missing. How do I handle this guy? It is going to take lots of cleaning, but not as much as Helen required. I really don't want to spend more than $40 on it.
The box of back clamping feet alone is worth at least the $40. Just tell the guy you would like to buy it, but it's a huge restoration job, probably involving a lot more investment (true!) so all you can offer is... (fill in the blank). That's what I'd do. If he wants more than you think it's worth, just leave it. Remember there were MILLIONS of the 66s made and they virtually never wear out, so you will be able to find another.