Well, Glenn, we did it. Phil worked on finishing the Vindex Special's finish today. He wanted to do it... He likes that kind of stuff. So here is a before pic.[ATTACH=CONFIG]326525[/ATTACH]
and still in process
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I had to get out - the smell was giving me a head ache. I got it re-assembled - chrome is all cleaned up... I'm thinking it still has some more internal work to go before we go at the finish some more - we wanted to try it though.

I went to sew with my Bel Air and it had no needle. It is either a model 33 or 88 can tell which one it is. Doe anyone know what size needle it takes and what side the flat side goes on? Kathie

I like this Atlas with its HC, smart idea!

Kathie,

If this is one of the Japanese class 15 imports, the needle will be a standard 15x1.
And they are usually threaded left to right with the needle's flat to the right.
Cathy

Thank you Cathy. Kathie

I saw the pics you emailed and it really is begining to look good. Phil is doing a great job on the finish. The decals are really coming out nice. Now to find a screw for the stitch adjustment. I agree it was in rough shape in the bigining. This is going to be a nice machine.:thumbup: Skip

Miriam after you have cleaned and smoothed the finish as stated in the tut When it looks the the way you want it then lightly go over the decals with the same method to clean some of the brown shellac off to brighten them up. Now did your wrap rag finger in shellac and add a few drops of linseed oil ane apply in a circular motion to cover the decal with shellac then lightly go in one direction to remove the swirl marks of the shellac. Pick finger up go right to left pick finger up do this until you have removed the swirl marks. You can also go left to right if you like. You can apply shellac this way to the entire machine if you like to shine it up before waxing. Just let the shellac cure a few days before waxing. Skip

The rag sure did turn brown. Some of the decals were gone from the start. It does look a bunch better. That 'before' picture is after we took off the plumbing clamp that was holding a rigged up light - it was tough on the finish and decals up there. I'm wondering how many times it needs to be gone over?

The Vindex's pressure foot lever doesn't do any good - it is stuck up. I don't really know much about the innards of these. I'm learning. I have a good idea how that stitch length works but sure do need a screw.

What makes a machine a 3/4 size? Is it overall size, or a particular length, or just local custom? Laura