My $20 find
 

We to the habitat for humanity store today. Just a rumor I hear last month that a heavy duty machine was being sold. Well I came up on this red table for $20 and found it with a Sears Kenmore 158.16031. Only problem, no manual. Had to buy one on line when I got home.

The ladies that worked there didn't even know it had a sewing machine in the table. They thought I was talking about the one that was sold and on hold. They were as surprised as I was.

Someone had painted the storage bright red and then painted the fold out with chalk board paint. It was being used as a chalk board.

Does anyone have info on this machine? Is it heavy duty? I can't seem to find out anything on it. I know it was from 1973 I did find out that much.



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Thanks,
Mad Mexican

I think this was my first sewing machine, got it at sears. I dont remember it being heavy duty, but it sewed well and it did everything that was asked of it

On some Kenmore machines, you may need a manual to figure out the knobs. Does reverse work? I can barely see the front of the machine.

That is the only machine I ever purchased brand new (done while I was in high school many moons ago) and I'm proud to say it's still a great machine. I paid $187.59 including sales tax (which I wrote in the back of the manual!) While it doesn't have the features of today's machines that make certain tasks easier, it will sew anything. I still love the ol' Kenmore and I have never had it professionally cleaned/serviced because I can maintain it myself.
Welcome to the Quilting Board and beware of getting bitten by the vintage machine bug!!

The machine certainly looks good from what I can see.

Great find---Kenmores are durable and work forever. Would probably repaint the cabinet, but I like the aspect of using the top for a chalkboard. No need for paper and pen when figuring amount of fabric or measurements---just do it right there on the top. Kind of clever. My two Kenmores are 40 years old and still run great! Enjoy!!!!!

I learned to sew on my mother's Kenmore. It wasn't as pretty as this one you bought.

Very nice find and I hope that you enjoy your machine and create many wonderful memories with her.

I hot free manuals for mine thru sears parts on the internet.

I have a 158 but I don't think it's the same model. I can't get a good look at yours. Mine is a workhorse. It will sew through just about anything. I bought it new about 1974-5.