I did change the thread in the top and it sewed much better. Gonna take it apart a bit tomorrow and oil it and clean out any lint, and the feed dogs will need cleaned, so that will get done. It definitely needs a new drip pan felt pad and new rubber feet on the bottom of the machine, the case needs a little work too, but I'll have fun doing it all. Will let you know if I get that "perfect seam." Do any of you recommend the zig-zagger that goes with this? I'm tempted to get that next. Thanks.