You can usually remove the pedal from the knee bracket if you prefer a foot pedal. On Singer sewing machines, it slides out. On one of my Japanese machines, you have to unscrew it.
Sorry, I don't understand left homing either. Janey and Cari do (and some others as well, I'm sure) and they will explain it.
It looks like it's been in the home of a smoker. Once it's cleaned, it will look tons better. I use gojo (the handsoap for car mechanics) for mine. Just wipe it on and wipe it off with a clean towel or rag. Use an old toothbrush and qtips to get in the corners. If your metal parts look not so great, use metal polish. (That's not the only way to clean it, just the way I do it.) It will need to be cleaned and oiled on the inside, too.
If some of your questions are not answered, ask them. Someone will almost always know or know where to find it.
bkay
This is an older machine, but the principals are the same.
How to clean an oil a vintage sewing machine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bidpJ..._order&list=UL