Thanks to all who gave me input on my BelAir 600. I finally got it properly oiled, degunkified (not a real word) and sewing today!!! WOOHOO!!!!! I even wound a bobbin with new thread and it went smoothly. Found out what was wrong with other bobbin, poorly wound and 3 different thread colors on it. I realize that's being frugal but give me a break! :( I made my daughter a bookmark with scraps once I was sure it was up and running properly and it sews like a dream. For the bobbin plate cover, I checked my other vintage Japanese machine, and that plate's missing also. Will now check my vintage Singers to see if one of those two has a cover plate and if it'll fit the BelAir. I'm willing to be a cannibal for right now but wil scour a couple of places I know about and see if there's something there for the machine. I'm so excited about the machine being up and running, I had to share with y'all.
Merry Christmas to all here, Chris