Up here in new york i've paid between $20 and $40 for working treadles. If you can get the serial of a singer ahead of time you can check the model and usually get the manual for free. It's good to do because as much as I love my 9w getting needles is difficult and expensive, but the model 27 uses a standard needle you can buy anywhere. Also depending on the machine you may have difficulty getting bobbins. But generally making sure everything moves is a good start, including the flywheel when you pump the treadle (I saw one rusted solid!) A belt will cost lest than $10 so if that's missing it's no big deal :). If you have pics of them you can post them and we can usually ID and give you some background on the machine in the vintage thread :). Good luck! Treadles are AWESOME.