Re-wiring the foot controller is not a problem. You can do it yourself or you can buy replacement cords.
I wouldn't let a 301 go over those things. Try the easiest fixes first, replace the needle and the bobbin in case they have a spur that is catching. Check your threading and make sure the needle in in the correct way.
If that doesn't work, check the bobbin case to be sure it's clean and has no loose thread bits.