Originally Posted by
1.41
One last point. It sort of looks like you have the original wiring on this machine. Look very closely at the wiring before you plug it in. The insulation may be deteriorated and the it may need new wiring. DON'T plug it in before checking the wires carefully to make sure that they're in good shape.
I just looked again at your pictures. The insulation on the wiring is deteriorated. It needs to be re-wired. An easy job but a bit fiddly.
The most difficult part is the light because Singer used circlips on the light fixture that are strong enough to tie down an ocean liner in a hurricane. Those are hard to get off and back on without having to use coarse language.
There is a bit of soldering to do on the connectors, but otherwise, it's an easy job to do. 20 feet of 18 gauge wire and you'll never need to use an extension cord. 18 gauge wire can be had at pretty much any hardware store for maybe 39 cents a foot. Use the one with the thinner insulation as the one with the thicker insulation won't fit into the power block. I think it's number SP-1 or something the No. 2 is the thick one that you don't want to use.
One of the first things I looked at was the wiring, I just knew there was going to be exposed wire so I'm glad that you said that, it just reaffirmed that she's not getting plugged in until that's done and out of the way. Thank you for clarifying about the insulation, I actually didn't think about the size of the insulation and probably would have gone with the bigger one. I actually don't see a long cord or a plug-in, so whoever had her before me didn't bring it with them, which bites.
I'm expecting there will be a lot of coarse language being flung around as I work on this, I told my fiancé that I want to be the only one to work on her, he's more than willing to let me do it, I think he's scared he'll make a mistake. Actually, I am, too, but this lets me get up close and personal with her and the more time I spend with her, the more I'll learn.
What would be the best way to clean the body? I don't want to use any harsh chemicals on it or mess up the decals. I have the manual downloaded and getting set up to print it off for some bedside reading.
Thank you for all your help, everyone. This is why I love this forum so much. Will post updates and more pictures once I get started working on her.