I have a 1950 201, the foot controller and plugs are easily rewired or replaced? The old three prong plug is not the only standard, so you have to be careful and get the right kind if you go for an all-in-one replacement with heat sealed plug and new pedal. New clam shaped pedals are suppose to regulate speed better than the old bakelite button type.
You might be able to improve your old pedal. Depending on type there might be one or two capacitors, and they can be replaced. If it only has the stack of carbon plates, they can be carefully taken out and wiped off with a dry microfiber cloths (or three). When you get the dust off them, they are in theory good as new.
Last edited by Mickey2; 10-08-2015 at 10:17 AM.