Singer Red Eye
 

This singer treadle is on Craigslist for $150 OBO. The guy has sent me some more pictures and there is some rust and the bobbin cover is missing, The cabinet has watermarks. What would you offer for it?

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/atq/2974190923.html

I see them occasionally for as little as $50 in fair to good condition. Yet people often ask $400. The prices vary so much that I think it's a good idea to monitor your local craigslist for a while to see what prices are in your area. You may find that the same machine keeps going down in price from week to week. It's also a good idea to start going out to see the machines, so that you will have a comparison when you find the one you really want. Good luck!

I would offer a lower price, much lower to be honest. But it depends on how much money you are willing to spend and how badly you want the machine. The decals on the machine seem to be in good condition. Let us know what you decide.

Here in this area, I the lowest I would offer for it is about $100. His price really might not be out of line - go check it out.

It's a back-clamper, so attachments can be pricey, but it appears that there are some with the machine, already - including the very important straight-stitch foot. I

t looks like the cabinet will clean up nicely with some Dr Woodwell's or something similar, but that machine is going to need some pretty meticulous cleaning to get all the oxidation and gunk off of it without damaging the decals. They're already worn away on the front edge of the bed - and that's the only reason I would consider (personally) for paying less than his $150 asking price.

It is probably missing the bobbin cover, but those are pretty easy (and cheap) to replace with modern repros. You'll need to clean and lube the treadle parts and it might need a new belt.

Looks like the handwheel plating is in good condition and the yellowing on the faceplate will probably clean away beautifully with a soak in Evaporust. (I soak all my parts in Evaporust, even though they're not rusty - oily gunk just floats away after a few hours.)

It could be a beautiful machine with some elbow grease and it'll probably sew like a champ with more elbow grease and some patience. The 66 is a big ol' clunky machine, but it sews anything and I love mine - it isn't half as pretty as this one, though. (don't tell her I said that ;) ) Good luck!