Been scouring the web for information on mechanics and operations to restore one of these thats currently locked up to eventually show my kids a little home ec. Great indepth video. Hope you have more. Thank you for uploading the knowledge from the computer between your ears lol 💪🏼
I have the Kenmore 158.902 that I purchased in late 1963 and would not part with it for anything! It is the best work-horse I have!!! (I also have a Singer Featherweight and a Elna Supermatic (both vintage machines) plus two computerized Berninas. They all have their specialties and I love them all. I really could not see any difference in my 158.902 and the 158.904 you demonstrated - other than my case is different than what you described. Thanks for sharing!!!
So nice to hear about your collection of machines Donna. Its not surprising that your Kenmore looks like and is essentially the same as my 904. Though its hard to imagine now, Sears was once an incredible retailer and their sewing machine department (along with vacuums) was vast with a myriad of choices and price points. Sears would demand a lot from its suppliers (Sears demanded quality of them due to their "Satisfaction Guranteed" policy back then). They would offer more price points than any sewing retailer so as not to turn away customers. This is one of the best Kenmores made in that period and also one of the heaviest, LOL!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage hello. Just got a Kenmore 935. Looks great until I got it home and the reverse button is pushed way in and locked up. It looks like the reverse post going in was pushed so far in that it got off center and can't get off the casting edge. Any suggestions to re-center it?
Hello Donna I also have the same machine I have a ? What does the big button on the left do next to the button that changes the stitch to sig sag I can’t seem to find the manual. Please get back to me thank you.
@@fernandosanchez-qx3ys The manual says it is the "Stitch Expander". It's been a while since I've used it, but I believe it increases the length (ie forward step) of each stitch. Maybe someone else will jump in if my reply is incorrect. I'd suggest you try it and see if that's what happens.
I have this machine, and love it. As others have mentioned, the sound it makes when it sews is great. A ton of great sewing machine goodness! I have the manual, cams, and attachments - and think I am very fortunate to have one. This video was a great demo of all it can do.
Naomi Drew hello there I was wondering if you have a copy of the manual to this machine in a pdf I have one like it and can’t seem to find the manual anymore can you please help me out thanks 🙏
@@fernandosanchez-qx3ys Did you ever find the manual? I just bought one of these and am having the same problem of not being able to find the manual :(
Have fun with your Kenmore lordsgirl. Not only are they easy to learn on, they are one of THE HEAVIEST home sewing machines I've ever lifted. (Thought I had hold of a boat motor, LOL).
I love those hidden bobbin winders! Montgomery Ward sold a number of machines that had the winder hidden under the top cover, with a clever hinge that would allow it to swing into place. If you're a collector, you can see the design language puts this in the same family as the 88 Tri-span, and the 89 Lady Kenmore. They, in turn, came from the near-legendary 740 and 840 machines that were sold by White but built by Gritzner. Fascinating little machines. I love almost all of 'em.
Thanks for sharing this. I have a Brother Project 121 that looks similar, has black cogs, also very heavy. I understand that it was sold at WT Grants dept store around 1966, under the name of Bradford?? I've had my Brother Project 121 since 1970, was purchased used at a local sewing shop. I recall making blouses for myself with Peter Pan collars and adding the decorative stitch around the edge of the collars. As you said, the decorative stitches were a big selling factor back then.
My mom had that same model. I remember the little cams and the button jig. Sadly something major in that machine broke, ...Mom was not happy. I have her old Kenmore model 6 with the pattern dial, but have never figured out how to make it work, other than basic stitches. It is a very strong machine.
I don’t know if you are still answering but help please, I have kenmore 158.904 it will not stitch straight stitches it makes beautiful zigzag all the stitches for the cams . I have put the dial in the window on 0 and 1 . I have others newer sewing machines but I love the stitching of this machine and it stitches thick fabric with ease.thank u
You probably have old dry oil freezing the stitch width in the zigzag position, I had to clean the zigzag slide (under the top lid) with Qtips dipped in rubbing alcohol, then oil, until you can get it to slide super easily, and get it to slide far enough to go back to straight stitch. I think I made a RU-vid video about this issue for both model 90 and 92.
I have model 1963 158901 which is in a very nice cabinet, and it has everything you show here. My parents paid $400 for it which my father was not happy about. I also have the 1973 model 1581760 which doesn't have a cabinet, but again, it has everything you show here. I will say the buttonholer was horrible. I thought it was my problem, but I understand it was much hated by everyone! I did use some of the cams through the years, and it's still going strong!
I struggle with the tension. I am helping make costumes. They are spandex. I have this machine any suggestions for spandex? I keep trying but get skipped stitching and a mess.
I have a 158.902... I cant seem to locate the set for the "Assortment Cam " for stitching. Do you know a place where I can purchase them and what the costs for the set are. Thank you , we love the channel
Oh no Avery; you are most certainly not stupid. This machine does not require a switch to start sewing. It DOES have a button that you push in for the light to work if needed. While many machines from this period had their, buttons/switches on either the left side on or near the needle bar door or sometimes on the right lower side of the machine body or left side of the machine bed, this model had the switch hidden out of plain site. It sits on the back side of the light bulb housing which is also mounted on the back. Hope that helps!
Model 90, is the actual model number. The last number indicates which batch this was manufactured in, with 0 representing the first batch manufactured. There were minor differences in machine or accessory features, with each successive batch. Model 90!! Not 904, or 905. The various batches were not typically available at the same time, they weren't the higher and lower end versions, they were different manufacturing batches. The models in competition, were comparing the actual model 90 versus model 92, with different zigzag stitch width, for example, snap on presser feet, different colors or decor. Look at the Sears catalog advertisements, to see which models were available, and competing against each other. Model 90 is a fantastic, smooth, strong, quiet machine, with multiple needle positions, a very rare feature in vintage Kenmores, only a few models (88, 90, 92 for example) have it, then Maruzen stopped including this feature.
I have the 158.903 with the same color scheme. I was with my parents when they bought it in the 60s. My mother took very good care of the machine and i have all the parts and manuals. I learned to sew on the unit. I recently inherited and was using it when the wheel was frozen. I'm trying to find a repairman who is familiar with this model. I hate spending so much to fix such an old machine but after listening to you it is probably worth it. Do you have a shop where you fix these units?
My work on vintage machines is a hobby. We are located in Southern Ontario Canada and so you would want to use someone local to make it economically feasible and shipping machines is both a costly and very bad idea based on my past experience. I would emphasize that no company anywhere in the world today makes a home sewing machine of this quality. Yes, there are modern machines that have lots of hi tech features and some of those can cost quite a lot but none of them will outlast your Kenmore which is already over 50 years old. Remember, many of us worry about spending good money on older items fearing that it is a waste. While that is certainly true with many modern consumer products including newer sewing machines, I would be willing to spend twice what you have been quoted or even more on a machine of this quality. And the fact that it was your mother's makes it extra special in my own opinion. I would give anything to have my Mom's or Grandmother's sewing machines. Be extra careful when you transport your Kenmore for service because I recall it being one of the HEAVIEST machines I've ever come across. It was made in Japan by Marusen and is one of the best machines Sears ever sold. Note that Sears, like many retailers back in those days, offered iron clad guarantee on their products and whatever they sold had to last or it would have ruined them. That machine, in today's dollars would be VERY expensive and many customers had to pay on installment plans to get them. Sadly, those days of retailers that stood behind their products are largely gone. If I were local to you, heck, I would buy it. I like those Kenmore machines that much. My favorite straight stitch machines are a number of Singer models but for ZigZag and decorative stitches, Italian Necchis from the 1950s and Japanese machines (especially Kenmore and White brand models) are my favorites hands down. Everyone has their favorites but having worked on over 450 machines in the last 9 years, yours is one of my favorite models and it was literally built to last for GENERATIONS. It's true what they say; "They Dont Make Them Like They Used To".
Have this machine, and yes, it is HEAVY, but powerful for sewing denim and pleather. Also have the cams and buttonhole attachment for it. Love it for quilting blocks. I sometimes think that the vintage Kenmores are not valued. I also own the Kenmore 19233, the last computerized Kenmore made. Some have complained about it, however, my experience with the machine has been very position. There are times when I prefer sewing with the 19233 than my Juki Excite. Also own the Singer 404 (straight stitch) for quilting.
Thank you for this video. It was very informative. My neighbor gave me one 5 years ago. Your video has been a great tutorial for me. Thanks. Do you sell a copy of the owners manual?
I have a vintage sewing machine, Badged as a Capri. it also says Deluxe and Model No. 878. It is a zig zag machine. It also accepts cams. One unusual item about the cam system, is that there is a 3-position adjustment for the cam, that moves the cam up or down, which my guess would allow three different sewing patters for each cam that would be fitted on the machine. It seems that the cams would have to have three levels or are stackable three high. There are two buttons on the side of the machine near she cam mechanism marked automatic and manual, which switch the cam mechanism on or off. Have you seen any machine similar to this, or any cams that might be either three levels or stackable to three levels. The pin the cam fits on is about 1/2” diameter and has a single pin sticking out the side
What a gorgeous Kenmore! I'm watching a similar one on Craigslist that I'm very tempted to pick up, but the seller is asking too much for how bad of shape she's in. I'm hoping they will drop the price soon.
I came here because I have one from the house I brought, and I got a bunch of Antique items of Furniture. The lady told me they were worth money. I m trying to figure out how much they are worth.
Thank you for the video! Just picked a 900 like this in a cabinet. Curbside find! With cams, but no foot control, manual, or buttonhole attachments. Looks to be in excellent shape. Will any Kenmore foot control work?
Do you have a good online source to order replacement belt for Kenmore 158.512? So far I can't even find out what universal part number would be good for this belt. This model was manufactured either 1961 or 62, I think. Thanks.
Given that Kenmores are not rare and that they are under appreciated for the quality machines that they are, I would base my offer on condition. Has the machine been used recently? Can it run now without overhauling or tuning? What condition are the electrical components in? You can get replacement foot pedals and power cords, but factor this into your offer. Does the machine come with any extra accessories? (not costly to purchase online but can be a factor if; for instance; you wanted to get a set of decorative stitch cams ). These bring lower prices than many famous machines such as Singers and European makes. I have personally picked up and carried one of these Kenmore models and I can tell you it is one of the heaviest (and most well made) vintage models. Oh, also, remember to check the condition of the bobbin winder tire. This model takes a more hard to find tire than most vintage machines. It uses a narrow tire with a flat (not rounded) surface much like the vintage Necchi Supernova models use. That can also be a factor in whatever price you are offering to pay. Good luck!
Thanks for the reply. I found a slightly newer machine in a carrier with a 3 and 4 step zigzag. Probably 3 years newer than the pictured machine. Still all metal with metal cams permanently installed, but not a trip span. You can't have it all lol.
I just bought a 904 yesterday a my local restore for (you ready for this?) $15.80! The cams are missing, but this machine for my 11yr neighbor who wants to learn to sew. I have 2 issues right now. 1. The belt is starting to shred but of course there is no way to match it up unless I take it apart. Do you know the size? 2. I am missing the shuttle piece that holds the bobbin in and the bobbin. I have the hook. Can you recommend someplace where I can get that shuttle piece? Ive ordered a bobbin from sewing parts online, and have spent several hours on ebay. No luck
Would be nice to see which knobs did what, words like length and width are meaningless if you don't show where you are pressing and how it looks. I find it very difficult to ascertain in various patterns what is actually happening the changes can be very subtle. Its probably me, I do not have a schematic grasp very easily, right brainer!
