thank you CD! I need to replace that belt as well- I noticed a piece sticking out - little bitty piece but figure that's a sing that I may as well replace it. I saw 'stretch belts' -shop put 2 on 2 other machines but haven't tried them out yet for sewing. wondering if one would work on this - seems a lot easier to get on! thanks for the info on the bobbin tire - would like to find a white one like it had since it looks better - though it looked sorta tannish colored but think it was probably white since the machine is the greenish color. the belt may be a little tight too- I dont recall it doing it at first - the first itme I tried winding the bobbin then the more I kept trying is when I noticed it started moving the needle slowly then it took off moving. seems like the books says the bobbin can be would while sewing so should've just been sewing at the same time but I need more bobbins