Just got 2 old machines...

[JTA Mom]

and I can't find much about them at all! GMIL is purging her house and found these two outside in the shed. Her sons wanted to toss them but I just couldn't do that to a sewing machine. I've tried researching but I need help!

One is a Kenmore 158-1301, which I've managed to find a user manual online about. There's also a service manual that I can get for $20--what is it and should I get it? The motor runs but it's like everything is stuck, the bigger wheel doesn't move at all unless I manually move it. Also, the presser foot lever can move up & down but the presser foot is permanently in the up position. Is this bad news?


The other one is a BelAir Bantam in a white leather case. The only things I could find out about it was that it is: made in Japan for US use during the 1950s, it's a portable machine and apparently sews pretty well. I found someone online that says it is very similar to a Singer 99k, whatever that means. The big wheel is perfect, everything moves when I manually turn it. It had a TON of thread and dust in it, but it cleaned up really well. However, when I plugged it in, the lamp and motor came on, the little wheel on the motor was turning and all was fine, until I started to smell an electric type of burn smell. Quickly turned it off! lol Can the electrical components be rewired? Or am I out of luck? This machine can easily be converted to treadle. Also, anyone know where I can find more info on this machine? I'd love to use it but that would only work if I can find parts (bobbins, needles) for it.

I'd love to fix these up and use them. Are there any questions I should ask repair shops to know if they are legit? Please help me!


Ami

[Think of Winter]

What a find! Imo, any machine that has lasted since the 50s will be made far better than anything that you could buy today. I wouldn't purchase the service manual unless you're planning to do the maintenance and repair yourself.

When I took my old machine in to have it repaired, I was charged $20 for them to look at it, but that was deducted from the maintenance/repair cost. So don't be surprised if you have to pay just to get them to take a look at it. If you have 2 machines and only need one, I'd call the shop and ask when the sewing machine guy will be there. Then you can ask him on the spot which one will be worth while to fix.

As for finding a good place, if you can't ask around, I'd just take it to the closest sewing machine repair place (not sears!!) and check them out.

[JTA Mom]

Just thought I'd post an update. I brought them to the sewing repair shop a block from my house. He completely fixed both of them, including adding parts that were missing. He only charged me for the labor, not the missing parts. He had to completely immerse the BelAir to de-jam it, lol. So the motor was fine, it was just overheating cuz nothing was moving!

I tried out both, and OMG, I love them. I have a new (2000) Brother than constantly gives me headaches--very picky tension, etc. I didn't even know how to thread the Kenmore but just followed the pathway set up. It worked like butter. And setting the zigzag stitch width--I've never had it be so easy. I think I'm in wub:

The belair scares me though, lol. That thing races like a speedhorse! I have to put the lightest pressure on the foot pedal, otherwise it's going to run away! It's very simple to figure out too.

I can now understand why so many people kept telling me to buy old machines. They make sewing a happy event rather than a frustrating one. Maybe it's just me but every time I use my new brother machine, there's always something that takes me forever to fix. I still love it though, since it was my first machine and I think I've finally figured out all its quirks, lol.

Ami

[orangefoot]

Originally Posted by JTA Mom

I can now understand why so many people kept telling me to buy old machines. They make sewing a happy event rather than a frustrating one.

Ami

I know what you mean. I sew on my vintage singer a lot more often than my modern machine and every little thing she does is magic!