That presser foot problem sounds like it may just be a missing pin that connects the shaft to the lever...easy fix if it's that! :)
This is my "Friday", and William is going bass fishing tomorrow, so I'll be at home tearing into Hazel and trying to take her apart so she can be sandblasted clean of the old Japaned finish. I'll also be checking with body shops to see what they'll charge me to paint her, and maybe even check with a detailer to see what it would cost to have decorative stuff painted on! :)
I also need to go to Lowes and get the stuff to strip the cabinet, smooth it, stain, and shellac it. Methinks this is going to be a long term project!!