Well after a trip to my DH's uncles house a couple weekends ago I finally am posting pic's of my present. A old singer that belonged to DH's grandma. I am hoping to get it cleaned up, fixed, and in working condition so that I can use it. The cabinet also needs repair and I need to learn how to work it so any input that any of you have would be great, Thanx
Star

Lostn51 will know all there is to know about it. If he doesn't see the thread, you might want to PM him

I just got my treadle up and going. so much fun but a work out for the legs! Once you get the rhythm down you are good to go. Mine sews so nice!

Lucky you. What are you calling her?

A "Redeye"! :) How wonderful to have an heirloom like that!!
Looks to me like your belt needs to be tightened...easy enough, undo the "clamp" (wire), snip off what you feel you need to, (about an inch, maybe?) and use an awl to poke a hole in the end you cut, and reattach the clamp.

Go here: http://needlebar.org/main~nb/ and look for a manual...it's going to be either a Model 66 or Model 99... (I'm not up enough yet to be able to tell you which it is!) but the manual will tell you where all of the points are that need to be oiled. Clean any lint/dust/etc., oil it up, shorten that belt and go to town!

There's only a small "learning curve" to using a treadle. You're going to love it! Congrats on your acquisition of a wonderful heirloom to take care of... (I don't believe that "we" own these things personally, but are instead caretakers for the family! :) )

You have a great machine here and it will sew great. I have my grandma's. The foot attaches to the back can be a problem if you do not have the attachnments but I see you have them in a drawer. If you have a manual thats even better. You can clean it youself. In the oil holes and everywhere you oil underneath the bed etc., use karosene in large amounts and run the machine without thread or bobbin very fast. Then wipe off the mess. you may have to this several times and when when it pedals easy and smooth, oil it well. If it works it should be fine. Practice pedal with no thread or bobbin until you feel comfortable. Go to thesewingmachineshop.com or treadleandvintagesingermodels. You can order manuals and parts. I have used mine for years and would not trade a new machine for it. She is a beauty. Glenn :-D

Here I is...............nice Heirloom indeed!!

From what I can see from the few photos you have a model 66 (the only one that had the "Red Eye" decals) and since it is a backclamp machine it is either a 66-1 or 66-3 depending on the serial. Which reminds me what is the serial number anyway? Its located in front of the pillar and is stamped on a boss on the bed of the machine.

I have a 66-1 and I love mine!!

As far as the cleaning of it take the bobbin and the needle plates off , the faceplate and the rear inspection plate off. then you can take Kerosene and thoroughly wash the mechanics with the kerosene with a 3/4" or 1" paint brush.

Try not to get to much on the finish of the machine, even though the decals are worn a lot we do not need to soften the japan on the machine. To clean the exterior of the machine you want to use a NON PUMICE hand cleaner (like Go-Jo)with cotton balls and Q-Tips working in small areas and wiping off with paper towels after you move to the next spot. After you clean the machine (it will be a HUGE difference) then use a polish and go over the machines finish. I use "Scotts Liquid Gold" in the pour bottle and it gives it a wet look and will protect the finish and decals.

Be sure to oil everything that metal touches metal and I will include a direct link to a PDF format owners manual for your machine so you can see the thread path and all of the oiling points.

Oh and if you want to polish the parts that are nickle plated use either SemiChrome or Mothers Mag Wheel Polish.

Enjoy your new old machine!!!!

Billy

Here is your link:

http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html

Just click the second one from the top and its a free download.

Oh something that I forgot to tell you......

Use sewing machine oil on the treadle at all of the pivot points including the pitman arm. You will notice it runs smoother and it will not squeak nearly as much.

Billy

I'm green with envy!

She's lovely. Glad you are able to give her a good home.