Please if you can post pics. I am thinking if it is lik the vintage new home I just bought I may be able to help you out. Mine is in a cabinet. I am unable to post pics. dh just refinished the cabinet and cleaned and oiled my Leslie. Don't think Leslie is very old but have been unable to find any info on her on the website. The books I have with the machine are very helpful in threading it. Oh by the way Leslie is a New Home Commander 700 and some of the things I found in the books that came with the machine make me think she is what they call a clone and japanese made. So If you are able to post a pic of yours maybe I can forward you some info. I haven't figured out how to post pics yet is why I don't. sorry.