I have a 99, also, and the wires need replacing. Where did your husband get the wires to change for the old ones? They have an odd way of plugging into the machine.
My DH bought a new wire about 6 feet long and unscrewed the double ends of the old one divided the new wire to take the contacts and screwed them on. Then he put on the new plug for the outlet. We had looked on line for one and couldn't come up with one.
I haven't tried to fix the tension yet.

When my brother had some electrical stuff on mine to do and the cord needed some work he went to home depot and got everything he needed I hope this helps hope you can start stitching soon :roll: :roll:

WOW!! She's a beauty :D:D:D