Yes, that's the serial number.

So, is it a serial number for a Singer cabinet?? If so, the questions remains....why can't I get my 301 to fit into it. I've double checked the screws on the hinge caps....they are tightened down are far as they can go.

Right. I don't know what to tell you :< It should fit. I would pose this question on the vintage Singer yahoo group and see if anyone there has epiphany.

It has to be a problem with your cabinet hinges or the way you have the cradle installed. Are the cabinet hinges freely moving or are they stiff? They should just flop around and be a PITA when trying to get a heavy machine reinstalled in a cabinet. If they are stiff give them a drop of sewing machine oil.
Remove the cradle completely and loosen the screws on the cradle until they are almost out the whole way, re-tighten them just enough to stay in place when you put the cradle back on the hinge pins. Once the hinge pins are inserted in the cradle there should be no excess hinge pin showing. Tighten the screws and see if it will close.

This cabinet does not have the two little brackets installed on the lift-up part of the lid. The brackets engage with those clip-looking things on the front of the 301's cradle and without the brackets, the cradle is useless. Those are the two little metal pieces that janiesews was talking about.

If that cabinet were being readied for a 301 at the factory, those little brackets would be applied to inside lip with two screws each.

I got the two little brackets that you mentioned, with the second ebay cradle order. I haven't been able to find anywhere exactly where and how they should attach. I am using my best guesstimate. I will pull the hinge pins apart again and reinstall them to see it that helps. Thanks again for all your help. Does anyone out there have a photo of what the front wood panel looks like with brackets on a 301 that fits the cabinet properly??? Thanks, M

I don't have this type of cabinet - I think you would have to modify the lip on yours in order to make the brackets work. I will try to dig out my 301 cabinet and take a couple of pictures and measurements for you.

I hope these pictures help. :)

Yes, pictures were very helpful, however the 2nd photo confuses me. It looks like the to the right of the bracket the board is tapered but on the 1st and 3rd photos, it looks flat. It appears that I need to remove the entire beveled edge (rip the board flush with the finished edge) and attach the brackets as you have indicated. I have attached a photo of the beveled edge of the board. What do you think? Thanks!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]351208[/ATTACH]

I *think* you may have to rip that lip off. (remember that saying? :D )

Maybe try putting the brackets on the lip first and see if that stands a chance? If I can take any more pictures for you, let me know - they're two different cabinets, so apart from the distance between the brackets and the relationship to the pins on the cradle, I'm not sure what to send you, but if you think of anything that will help, let me know. :)