A couple of weeks ago I was browsing on Craigslist for vintage sewing machines and came across a 1961 Singer Slant-O-Matic 503 Special (This machine is called the Rocketeer by collectors, because of it's streamlined shape). I know I didn't need another sewing machine, but I have been coveting one of these beauties since first seeing a beat up one at a NY flea market. The price was right and I couldn't resist. It didn't help that my boyfriend was egging me on, because he likes to see the look on my face when I buy something I have really been wanting. So you ready to see her... Here is Roxie:
And:
She is in pretty good shape, but was really dusty and needed some intense cleaning. I took her apart to dust and delint the insides, I oiled everywhere the manual said to and wiped down the outside. Needless to say, she sews but needs some work that I don't think I can do. The rubber ring that engages the bobbin winder is disintegrating and needs to be replaced, so I can wind bobbins. Also, when sewing she will do a great stitch for about 6" then the fabric just stops feeding under the foot and the top thread breaks. I haven't figured out what this is yet, I was getting really frustrated with this and gave up. I want to go back in to see if when I took apart the bobbin casing and face plate to clean underneath (boy, there was some serious lint trapped in there), I may have put it back together incorrectly. I just want to sew with her, but I want to make sure she is up for it. More to come about my other sewing machine babies...
Ah very cool machine. I've just been looking around the web for info about the Rocketeer and came across your blog. If you're looking for parts, I also found a source for Slant-o-matic parts here:
http://www.tandtrepair.com/SlantOMatics.html
Now I have to keep checking ebay to see if any come up. I don't really need another machine and I'll run out of room soon. But this is so calling my name. Now what I mean? Anyway, congrats on your find!
Posted by: Tami | 01/15/2008 at 12:13 AM