Singer 66 Rare Blackside Model WWII era Sewing Machine Restored!

[@johnnytruck2009]

Very informative video. Looking at my new score #66 now. She’s a runner! Beautiful machine.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

That is awesome!

[@kateverbeke4216]

I came across a 1941 Crinkle finish blackside a few days ago. She had one owner and is really clean.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

A one owner? Ah, those are the best aren't they? Such provenance and I often feel humbled to be the next caretaker; at least for a short while until I find them new homes.

[@shelliecarlson7015]

My mother-in-law just gave me a Singer 66 Blackside from '48. It was locked up, but an hour or so and copious amounts of oil, and she spins sweetly. The belt self destructed, and I'm missing the spool pin, but it spins. Now for a few parts.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Congrats Shellie. It's amazing how forgiving some of these machines can be given the state they are often 'rescued' in. The good news is that parts for these are widely available and generally low in price. You can use the old belt to measure for ordering a new one. You can also get spool pins (new) to replace the one you are missing.

[@Villa10.0.0.0]

I own this machine. Left it at my mother’s and somehow the bobbin lid is now missing…. Trying to figure out more about it. Hope to find that missing piece soon! Thank you for posting this informative video!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Luna. If you do not find the missing bobbin plate, you can find vintage or reproduction replacements fairly easily for this machine.

[@PHG115]

This is such a cool video! I am almost finished restoring my 66 that was my grandma's and one I learned to sew on when I was young. I don't think its Blackside though. My father-in-law Kindly re-wired new electrical cording on it as it was literally disintigrating and crumbling. Now all I need is a belt and possibly a new piece for the bobbin winder part which is also crumbly. Where do you recommend getting parts? what size belt would fit the 66?

[@timothymason3423]

Also do they" do reverse by gearing ? I can see it looks like the broken Bakelite plug looks like it has a contact for a Common Ground yet the peddle switch does not.

[@timothymason3423]

You just taught me how to thread it too thanks"

[@jillmaisch7921]

I have a singer 66 and it sews like a race car- I can’t get it to slow down at all- I did buy a new foot pedal would that cause it to sew super fast? I ended up replacing the pulley on the motor to try to slow it down.... any help would be welcomed! Love these videos!! They are super helpful!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Jill. Speed is generally impacted by speed controllers (foot pedals or knee control) and motors. If either has any electrical issues, that MIGHT be the cause in which case the pulley change would have little effect as you have noticed. If your new foot pedal is new, it might be the motor. Some motors even new from the factory could vary a bit, but I would have yours inspected by a qualified pro to be sure its not that. But replacement motors for the 66 are easy to find (new or used) and not costly. The only other thing to wonder is if the foot pedal you purchased was defective or damaged. If they get dropped or high impact in shipping, this can also be a source of the problem.

[@jillmaisch7921]

Thanks for the response- I did take the motor apart to put a new plug wire on it so that maybe the issue..... I will look deeper onto that! There was an “H” shaped piece of cardboard (insulator) that came out of it..... could be I need to figure out where that goes .... :-). Thanks again for the super great videos!!

[@carolinesmercantile4290]

I got this machine in the very early '80's as a "desk"...best Desk I ever had! Mine is convertible and can run via Treadle AND electric motor, how rare is that feature? I think it's from 1930. AD181412

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very nice. It actually is not that uncommon to see both treadle and motor setups for machines circa 1930. By then,, there were millions of sewing machines on the market and not everyone was willing to trade in just for the motor power. Singer (and perhaps other brands) offered retrofitting kits where they would attach a motor bracket to the machine and the owner could use it either way. I suspect that today, we would call such a setup, 'Hybrid', LOL. This was Singer's way of keeping customers in the fold and allowing prior customers to enjoy the benefits of the 'high tech electric power' that their newer customers were enjoying.

[@legalsolutions07]

Good video. How do you clean the Singer Crinkle finish? I just bought a 1938 Singer 66-18 that needs a cleaning and oiling.

[@cynthiacreer6966]

I retrieved a Singer 128 with this finish from my dad’s shed that had been there for many, many years. It needs some cleaning but it works. Can you tell me what you used to clean the finish with?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Cynthia. I always use a soft brush first and even sometimes canned/compressed air to remove most loose dust. After that step, unlike with the lacquer finish machines where I use sewing machine oil, for these, I find that a damp cloth (hot water damp) can make for a great overall cleaning. I would wring out the cloth very well as you don't want or need much water. Go extra gentle around any letering or decals. I avoid cleaners as they can be so harsh as to ruin decals. You can use rubbing alcohol and or metal polish on the metal plated parts. Always try any kind of polish in a discreet area to be sure of how the metal reacts to it.

[@cynthiacreer6966]

Vintage Sewing Machine Garage thanks for your response. I will give it a try.

[@timothymason3423]

Ok so just bought one was able to replace friction wheel yet I still need the Bakelite plug and adapter that is mounted to the machine I can do a work around but do not want to"Where do you get parts from? And mine isn't exactly the same I think paint Only it is a AL822014 Am correct is it the same thing ? Thanks in advanced if you are still around this video is a couple of years old ?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Based on the serial number you listed, yours is a Singer 66 model from circa 1954. I'm unclear as the the parts you are describing. If by "Bakelite plug/adapter" , are you referring to the terminal with 3 pins that the cord/plug attach to? Also, when you say "Friction Wheel", are you referring to the bobbin winder tire/donut? Each of these parts can still be found. The bobbin tire can be found new online at a number of sites for very little cost. The terminal can also be found online. Good luck with your restoration.

[@timothymason3423]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Yes the terminal

[@timothymason3423]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Why does it have 3 pins I don't see that Has A common ground and the middle connection looks more like a Rivet no pin. I bought this Spontaneously I liked The Industrial Look And I am always building Something Radios Gasifires KITES Etc Etc So I Will Leave This Business To The Pro's like You however I would like to refurbish this one I am so sick of buying modern day junk and use it for a week only to have the timing go off or nylon gears strip All That Stuff that interrupts my Play" So year I need a terminal Block and Mine Was one Of those Shiny Ones Tarnish is Deep Do you Hand paint the Stencil's? I Think Yours Is Prettyer Than Mine And it's Got less Paint but the etched plate over the head is nice too mine just has vertical lines it looks like siding.I am not sure the motor on mine came with this particular machine close though" It is an admiral job you do and a real work of art"If I wasn't So ADHD I might zero in on it too but then I don't have your knowledge ether.

[@amberdutton4166]

Hi! I just acquired one of these machines, it works and I have oiled everything but it’s running very slowly. It did sit for a long time before I got it. Any tips? Thanks!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Its hard to know given the number of possible causes Amber. If your motor is in good condition, you might add a bit more oil if the machine had sat for a while. Also, the belt might need replacement and/or adjustment.

[@mymonanfarms1081]

Enjoyed this! I picked up a Vintage this past week I think it matches this one!!! Anyway I can send you a picture of it and you could help verify for me? The serial number- listing stated it was 1910- a Model 15K though?? But it sure looks like this one!! Thanks! VM

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. Your serial number should be accurate. Singer used many of the same styling cues on much of their model range. Take a look at your machine and if it is a Class 15 model, it should have a thread tension dial facing to the left on the side of the machine. The 66 model you see in this video has its tension discs/dial facing the front of the machine. Hope that helps.

[@berthasanchez5874]

How mush do you charge to restore my vintage machine, don't know what Era it's from

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Bertha. We are in southern Ontario and we restore machines for those local to us.

[@berthasanchez5874]

Ok thanks anyway 🙂

[@robburnside6636]

What was the serial number on this beauty?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Wish I could share that Rob but it long since found a new home. I'm only guessing, but I would say that anywhere from 1945 to 1950?

[@csroyal1]

I am in the process of fixing up a 1951 Singer 66 and need to replace the Stitch Length Lever as it was broken off. I can't figure out how to remove the broken one to replace it. Can you direct me?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I would suggest doing a search online for a "Singer Ajusters Manual" for the 66 model. Those are what Singer's original service personell would have used. You can find replacement parts at places like bonanza.com , Ebay, and Etsy. None of these items should be expensive. Singers are the most restorable machines ever made in terms of finding parts and info.

[@csroyal1]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thanks for your help.

[@berthasanchez5874]

My machine is very rushed and I want to know how to restore it

[@mesozoicperiodvlogs8323]

Where can we view your inventory for sale!?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. If you like, you can contact me at my email address under the ABOUT tab and let me know what area you are located. Thank you

[@tishj8032]

I live in the Charlotte area and I am looking for a machine. Do you still sell sewing machines and service them as well. How do I reach out to you about inquiries.

[@eugeneharmon1983]

Try Ebay

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. Yes, we still offer restored machines for sale in the Charlotte area. You can reach us at: [e-mail]

[@larryraynar9760]

can i put a hold in my singer 66 for a moter on the size becouse it doing have one it was atreadle sewing machine

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I would definitely not recommend that. Getting the hole properly sized would be a challenge and machines designed for electric motor use are very common. That would be a much simpler solution. If you did not want 2 machines, you could always sell the treadle version you now have.

[@gracieferguson1653]

How do find the model number on a vintage Singer sewing machine?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Gracie. Most Singer models going back over a century list a SERIAL NUMBER and have a bronze/brass colored plate on the right front area of the bed of the machine; most often right under the stitch length adjustment lever. A few models such as 221's and 301's have the serial number underneath on the left side under the bed extension just above the bobbin shuttle area. For model numbers, you some models such as 15's and 201's and 301's will have the "MODEL NUMBER" right on the front of the machine. But the best way to identify the MODEL is to search under the serial number at ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html Singer is one of the only brands where you can use this lookup function and its a very useful resource.

[@alfonsogarcia5459]

I recently bought the 66-18 the singer logos are there but faint. that not common rite????

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Alfonso. Well, your logos might be covered in old oil/grease. Or they might have been cleaned by someone with strong cleaners that might have made them faint. But either way, I would use the serial number to check on the age and production numbers for your model.

[@timothymason3423]

So this is the GRISWOLD NO.13 CAST -IRON SKILLET WITH #13 LID" of sewing machines? OOps Forgot to add the PA. To The Pan.

[@susanmcdowell3768]

I enjoy watching your videos but it would be better if you could use fresh fabric when demonstrating the stitches. It’s hard for me to focus on the one stitch you are sewing . Love your videos. Thank you

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thank you for the suggestion Susan. I agree. I will focus on your idea for future videos. Thanks again!

[@jeanbeaupierre6779]

what's the price range

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Jean. A small percentage of machines I work on sell for prices partly driven by demand even though they are not rare (Singer Featherweights, Singer 201's, Singer 301's). A very small percentage of the machines I have restored are rare and command more due to how scarce they are. But the vast majority of the machines I offer are priced based on hours invested. Some models require more time than others. Some machines require a lot more effort to overhaul due to how they were stored (attics and garages are very hard on machines). The cost of spare/replacement parts can be a factor but rarely. Most parts that I have to replace (when needed) are not that expensive. Labor by far is the most important variable. It has been some time since this machine was sold and so I dont recall the exact amount but a full overhaul of a Singer 66 lacquer finish machine might run anywhere from $225-$250 on average. As for appropriate pricing for machines used and unserviced, this would really vary depending on geographical location. Prices are higher in urban areas than rural generally.

[@jeanbeaupierre6779]

Vintage Sewing Machine Garage thanks for the quick reply...I'm looking at your videos trying to see if I'll see one like mine, but not yet, I have a singer, manual...it sews very well...I have seen others like it on eBay...anyway thanks for all the information....you're doing a good job...

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thanks so much for the encouragement Jean. Most all Singer machines have their serial number printed on the front of the machine on a brass/bronze colored plate. They normally start with letters followed by numbers. It will give you the model number, approximate year of production, and also production numbers so you can see how many were made the same year yours was. You can use that number to check at: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html

[@user-neo71665]

I have a 1953 and its all chrome but I think the presser pressure screw is blackside. All the others I've seen are chrome (like the one here). Sadly I know no history on it besides it was given to a person that had no interest in it and given to me. I'm one of the weirdos that likes the crinkle finish.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I like this finish also. It is actually remarkably durable and much more scratch resistant compared to the lacquer models.