New today! And just busted the cover plate spring on my 401 find--help!
 

Hello,

I have just caught this virus, which I would call, for want of a better name, "Old Sewing Machine bug."
I have a 401 that I bought for 30, and I just snapped the cover plate spring. I also just inherited a 501 with a busted spring. So, I can see that black screw, which clearly is all I need to get at to change the spring, and I have another spring from a totally busted 503 that somebody also gave me. (Yes, sewing machine velcro might be another term for it) but how do I get at the screw to remove the busted one and install the new and/or used one in its place?

I can't help you. i think you saw the other post already anyway. i just wanted to say Welcome!
Rodney

Sorry, I can't help you with your problem. I know absolutely nothing about old machines except that I own my mom's 1949 Singer treadle which I learned to sew on. However, I wanted to welcome you to this board from the beautiful mountains of western NC.

Is this a steel spring having something to do with the hinged lid attaching? If so, I will be looking at mine this week too. I have a 500A I picked up a few weeks ago needing a lot of parts and grabbed a 503A in bad shape at the salvage shop today-knew it was there and would most likely have the parts I need.

You must be sewing machine blessed. You are finding, inheriting
and being gifted some great machines!

Is the bobbin cover still on? If so, remove the needle plate. Then push the bobbin cover part towards the needle. That should expose everything.