Ok! More photos of the thrifted Singer 185J!
It was made in Canada in 1964, and it's nearly identical to the 99k, just with a more modern aesthetic. I called it pistachio green after seeing it in the thrift store, but in the light of my sewing room it feels more like a sage green. Either way, lovely colour!
The condition is looking better than I initially thought. It's hard to judge when it's on the floor and you're crouched down in a winter overcoat and other shoppers are walking nearby.
Bobbin plate cover: Missing. Easy to replace.
Bobbins: None, but also easy to buy new. (And I should get some more for the 99k anyways.)
Drive belt: Crustiest one I've ever seen. It will not change shape at all when I remove it. Also easy to replace.
Motor: Working! But I will open it up and see if there's Stuff to clean off, as there was some black buildup that Papa sanded off part of the 99k motor.
Pedal: Also working, but once it's warm outdoors I'd like to try replacing the asbestos sheet. (Very very carefully, wetting it down and following instructions from a professional!)
Wiring: Filthy but intact!
Light: Missing the lens and the little spring that holds it in, and there's no lightbulb so I don't know if it works yet. Not super important though.
Bobbin winder: Seems alright but I haven't tested it. I thought it was weird that it doesn't have that little lever that pushes down on the thread, but apparently this make doesn't have it.
Case: Awful. The plastic is badly cracked and the whole thing rocks back and fourth terribly. I'll keep the lid but throw out the bottom. With help from someone with a table saw I ought to be able to make a nice new wooden case for it this summer, but I will need to find a pair of Singer hinges for it.
There's something small rattling around in the case (too small to be the bobbin plate cover) but I've told myself I'm not allowed to free the machine from the case until I've finished and posted the sewing year in review video I'm working on. Just like how I didn't let myself go back to the thrift store and buy this machine until I'd fixed the snag on my treadle and gotten the 99k back together and stitching again.
This makes 6 machines total, but I do not intend to go on harding them! I already have a friend lined up to take my 99k once it's ready!
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