Singer Clone - Ambassador/Damaged case
 

Good Morning!

I have been wanting to snag a Singer Clone and I finally got one. It was $11 on ShopGoodWill.com. The machine arrived and looks really good however, the base is damaged.

While I have been wanting to start working on restoring machines, now that I have one that needs help, where do I even start? I don't have tools but my mom still has all my dad's tools (lost him about 6 years ago) which I am sure I can raid.

I don't have a clue where to start. Is anyone interested in being my coach? I did see Joe's post about restoring a base. I may need to do this step by step and between working full time and keeping track of my 88 year old momma, it could take some time.

I know that my very first step is removing the machine from the base. I program computers for a living and have had to pull apart my long arm to make minor repairs. I can do this, I just need a mentor or coach.

What do you think? Will you guys help me on my journey?

Hopefully, my request for a mentor or coach is not out of line? I sure don't want to offend anyone.

You aren't offending anyone. Someone will be along soon to help you. I can't, but there are lots of people on here who are willing to help.

Gail,

If you want to switch to emails it will be easier and I'll help you all I can. We can stay here too if you want.

To fix the case, you take out the machine, 4 screws, then peal back or remove the fabric covering. Figure out where each piece goes then get some glue, I use Elmer's Carpenters Wood glue, and piece each part back where it came off of. I used lots of clamps to hold it together while the glue dried and I also use the barbed panneling nails to help. Them things hold good and won't back out.

As for the machine, brush out the lint and debris, clean off the excess old oil then re-oil. I use Tri-Flow to get the old oil flushed out of the linkage, shafts, bearings, and for the initial test runs. It's great stuff.

Joe

Joe, thank you! I will switch to email, unless anyone is interested in following my adventure in repairs?

I can do this, the problem is figuring out where to start and not screwing it up. I don't think the case is a complete goner but definitely needs help. The bottom is lose also. I will take a picture once I get the machine head out and can flip the case.

After I posted all the pictures I was worried that what I was asking for was inappropriate. It is one thing to ask a question and get help, another to hope that someone will help you with a project. Ugh.

Let me get the machine head out, and get some carpenter glue. I will go see if my dad also has some clamps hidden down on his work bench. He would love that I am doing this. If not, off to the hardware store to get some!

Gail,

See if you can find some 3/16" plywood too. I'd suggest replacing the bottom with plywood and getting rid of the particle board stuff.

Joe

ooh, i have a little something to add. wipe down the outside with dish soap like dawn and water. just like washing a dish. then dry and start oiling. that way you remove some grime before really getting into the gritty stuff. :-)

I think the machine head is good. The hand wheel turns freely. I have not tried turning it on yet. I was too whooped from work last night to do more than unpack and notice the damaged case.

Okay, I will pick up Tri-flow, Elmer's Carpenter Glue and 3/16" plywood and panel nails. This is going to be fun. Of course, I have come to the realization that I am not truly sane.

Then you are truly one of us. :D

Oh thank goodness! I was getting a little worried there.

Welcome to the repair side..... (Kinda like the dark side but we fix things not break them...)

as far as your comment "I can do this, the problem is figuring out where to start and not screwing it up. "

1. Heck yes you can!
2. Not a problem, start where you feel comfortable.
3. It takes a superior will to destroy one of these, you have to REALLY try, fear not.

Enjoy the process! (and it is a treasure that you have your dad's tools to do it with)

If clamps arent affordable, google spanish windlass. Basically cord wraped around with soe slack, twist in moderate tension, then tape or tie or clAmp whatever you used to twist it. Put scotch tape where you dont want glue sqiueeze out. Cut up a plastic continer and fold the pieces to put under corners so the cord doesnt cut in.
Clamps are nice to have obviously.

I remember my dad telling me that he was sure that after he was gone, mom would just send all his tools to Salvation Army. I told him over my dead body, I wanted them. I run down to their house all the time to raid his tools. It comes in quite handy.

He truly would love that I am attempting to do this. For some odd reason, I like this stuff. I had a blender coupler shear off, with the help of the internet and utube, I found a replacement part and instructions on how to fix it. I was thrilled to fix my blender for less than $14.

Here is a post about one I fixed up. http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...r-t169127.html
and a link about 15 clones
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...p-t164361.html
Maybe you can try some of that stuff and if you have questions fire away.

Thank you everyone! I knew you could help guild me in the right direction. I promise to post pictures of my progress. I don't think the case is a goner and am greatly encouraged. All I need now is the time to tinker and glue. This is going to be fun.

WOW! There really is nothing to the case box, is there? Joe, I can see why you are repairing them. This morning, I pulled the machine and stripped off the fabric. It looks like mainly, I need to pick up the Elmer's Carpenter Wood Glue and some sand paper today. Oh and look for my dad's clamps.

If this picture is flipped, blame my iphone. :-)

I grew up when dads did not show their daughters how to do this stuff, they taught their sons. I wish my dad had spent the time to teach me.

A number of years ago, my garbage disposal needed replacing. My dad at the time was 80. I remember because we replaced my garbage disposal on his birthday. At first he didn't want to get involved. Me, the analytical and logical computer programmer was looking at the disposal, the instructions and thought "oh for god's sake, I program computers for a living! I should be able to do this!". I figured if I screwed it up, I could always call a plumber. It is such a good memory for me. Dad and I successfully replaced the disposal. When he caught me in the act of starting the replacement, he was running down to his house for tools. He just couldn't help himself. I smile every time I think about this.

Gail,

Once you get the old covering off and the machine out they are very simple.

Harbor Freight has inexpensive clamps if you can't find your dads.

Here's a couple threads I did about cases:
{ http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...r-t199606.html }
{ http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...d-t200795.html }

{ http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...x-t202882.html }

Joe

Joe, I am truly surprised at the simple construction. Why I ever thought I couldn't do this is beyond me. Lack of confidence really. All the replies are giving me the confidence to dig in and do this.

I am old enough that I remember life before the internet. I am so glad for the resources and information that can be found with a few simple clicks.

Congratulations on taking on this project. This was a fun "read" this morning. And pictures to boot. I have been a member here forever, and am only just now venturing into the picture showing section. Good luck as you tackle this effort, and your memories seem to be holding together really good for you. That's the best part of doing something like this.

Looks like you already have all the advice you need on the case. You're well on your way to having it fixed.
Rodney

Thank you Rodney. I found the Wood Glue at Meijer and have re-glued the loose corner. Now it needs to dry before I try anything else. All the provided information as been very helpful. When I unpacked the box earlier this week and saw the broken base, I was discouraged. Now I am at the other end of the spectrum and feeling quite confident about it.

Okay, I am stuck. I may have gotten over zealous with gluing. Not sure the corner wedges labeled A and B should be where I have them. If not, I can chisel them back out. Also, nothing else is glued down, just set in position for reference. In the second picture, I have two pieces of wood and I don't know where they need to go.

I would guess all 4 bits go in the main area (as opposed to the accessory area) and they function as the bits that the sewing machine bed sits on.

If so, they should be about 1/4" shorter than the sides when placed on the inside

AHA! Okay, I will take them out of the secondary area. Thank you Steve.

Gail,

Here is a pic of two cases I did that show all the pieces in their appropriate places. The larger of the two thin flat pieces goes into the storage section for the cord block to mount to. There should be a screw hole in it. You can see the screw hole in that section at the top of the left case. The one on the right is upside down and harder to see.

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SteveH is correct, the 4 triangular pieces go in the corners of the main section, under the machine. The smaller of the two thin pieces usually goes in the center of the front as an additional support for the machine. This can be seen on right case. Not all cases have the front center support, the one on the left never had one.

Joe

I knew I would do this wrong, but this is how you learn. The pictures are very helpful Joe.

I fixed up one like that and it looks great now. Lots of sandpaper, get the small grain, clean the old glue off of the sides, re-glue the joints and clamp the heck out of them. Let it dry for several days then sand again. get all of the fine sanding off with a tacky rag, I used spray paint for wood and painted it black to match the machine. Order some rubber feet for the bottom of the box and you are good to go. I used April1930.com to order the feet.

Thanks Pat, all this advice is very helpful. I got the wedges pried back out. I do want to sand it and paint it. I want to paint it a cream color and then decoupage it with old pattern pieces. I thought that would be nice. One step forward, two back some days. :-)

I had the same idea, just having a hard time finding vintage patterns, I want to use the artwork on the case also, with pattern pieces in the background. I found some free downloads, but the resolution of the images was worth about what I paid for them.

I would use a photo copy of the vintage pattern covers rather than the real thing. It would look better and the originals would not be harmed. If we took some pics and posted the pics would you be able to print them? Maybe we could start a new thread for posting pics of vintage patterns? How about pics of vintage sewing machines minstead?

Hi Miriam,

I wasn't going to use vintage at all, just plain old pattern pieces. I bought a lot off of shopgoodwill and I am sure I can also find ones in my stash too. The vintage idea is cute though. Someone on this board used maps, I liked that one also.

Yes I planned on using newer pattern pieces for the background, and pattern cover art copies as well as a few other images relevant to the period of the machine. It's a little hard to pinpoint actual year on japanese SMs.
Of course quilt art would also be good depending on what your target interest group is into.

Hi Jim, my target interest group is myself so I don't think it will really matter. I am not planning on selling the machine once I get it fixed up. Just going to add it to my collection. This is my first Singer 15 Clone.

Have you got it to sew yet?

Hi Miriam,

You know, I haven't. I think that will be a today project. The box is looking so much better. What is currently holding me back is waiting for the cheapo patterns I bought off shop goodwill to show up so I can paper the box before reassembling everything.

I love the look of this pretty blue Singer 15 clone. I am looking forward to sewing with it.

I will keep you posted after I go plug this puppy in.

Try turning the hand wheel before you plug her in.

It sews beautifully. The handwheel is loose and free. A little oiling and all is good.

Now don't forget to clean the bobbin area and take the tension apart and clean it then put it back together.