Help Needed for "Newbie" with MANY questions about Singer 128-23
I just acquired a 1941 128-23 that is "knee" operated. This one has a black "crinkly" finish and the faceplate, the round plate on the back and the sliding plates on the bed of the machine have a blueish/black finish. The few decals it has look fine. It's missing the thread holder on the top but otherwise looks to be in good condition and has all the attachments etc. altho I'm not even going to attempt to plug it in since the wiring will have to be replaced! I'd like to start cleaning it up. I found Lizzie Leonard's You Tube videos about cleaning and oiling a vintage machine -- is that where I should start? But what should I use to clean up the crackly finish and the dark face plates etc. ?
Altho this is an electric machine, can it be "retro-fitted" to be a hand crank model? What are good sources for parts?
Any suggestions would be welcome. This is my first "project" machine so I'm going to be a "sponge" for information. Thank you in advance!