There are some people who re-paint those in cool colors. As for repairing check out the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop on this board. The members of the VSMS are very knowledgable and helpful. There are also tutorials on cleaning.

Marie

i just like having an antique machine. i don't sew with mine

Which machine--despite the cost--can sew and wind the bobbin at the same time? Re: Page 10 at the bottom-Singer 15-88 manual. Singer treadle can.

Grab it and run!!! You are lucky to get one from a family member. I had to buy mine.

So what is considered vintage? I have my mom's Singer 404, Tan and cream colored, that I remember her buying 50 years ago. is that machine considered vntage?

It works fine and I use it as my backup becase my new (November 2010) Singer has been in the shop twice because the bobbin keeps jamming. They sure don't make them like they used to!!!!

You may also want to check out the Singer 301a. It is the big sister to the Featherweight. I have 2 FW's (a white one and a black one) and one 301- love them all but I probably use the 301 the most. Both are just awesome! I also have a Viking Sapphire 875 and a Babylock Ellure Plus...but love the old Singers the best :)

Dear Tappedants,

I agree with the one who commented on they are awful little machines I really don't think you want either of them I can help get rid of them for you............ooooooohhhhhhhhh stop stop I just recalled I am your long lost sister "Quilty" your mom probably just forgot about me and she needs to send both those machines to me well okay I will be nice I have to FW with the gold on them so I will take the white one and let you keep the black one and we can play together how does that sound (lol) Of course if you realllllllllllyyyyyyyyy don't want them I will be glad to take them off your hands. Enjoy the machines you lucky person you and take them while your mom is still around so no one else will just mess with them.

I would consider that, vintage.

I have my Mom's 403 and consider it vintage as it's all metal. I can do my own servicing also.

I was lucky enough to score a 1927 electric Singer 66 mounted in a large floor wooden cabinet this past Saturday at a local thrift shop. It needs a little work but with all the accessories that came with it, I just couldn't pass it up. The accessories alone are worth more than the $50.00 I paid for it. So check out those thrift stores too.