NOOOOOOOOOO!

[Mr Twingo]

The 201K I won on eBay arrived today.

In pieces.

The carrier had clearly been careless, and despite the ample bubble wrap, severe damage was done.

Broken bobbin winder – I could live with that, and wind bobbins on a different machine.
Broken belt protector – annoying, but not too major.
Bent thread spindle – again, annoying, but I can straighten it.
Broken thread take-up lever – without that, the machine won't sew.

I did receive a full refund, though initially the seller only offers a £10 partial refund. Still, I'm very disappointed. IS there any easy way to replace a broken take-up lever?

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Oh no, how very disappointing!  Sorry, can't help with the take up lever though.

[Mr Twingo]

There are plenty of take up levers on ebay, but not for the 201.

[Surest1tch]

Oh dear, that's heartbreaking and I'm so sorry to hear it.

[Efemera]

Ask Dave on FB
https://www.facebook.com/groups/966147206856166/

[BrendaP]

There isn't one for a 201 currently on her website, but try contacting Helen Howes
http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/threadguides.html#threadguides

[Mr Twingo]

Ask Dave on FB
https://www.facebook.com/groups/966147206856166/

Thank you.

Facebook won't let me use my account as I won't provide a mobile phone number.  Perhaps I'll have to use my wife's.

[b15erk]

Try Helen Howes,  excellent service for vintage machines, and comprehensive website.

Jessie

[Mr Twingo]

There isn't one for a 201 currently on her website, but try contacting Helen Howes
http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/threadguides.html#threadguides

Thank you, Brenda. I have emailed her, and fingers crossed…

[elephun]

It looks like there is at least one on Ebay in the US at the moment.

[arrow]

Should be doable. As mentioned, Helen Howes has parts, probably a donor machine or two on a shelf. The take up lever involves a few screws I think, and I recommend the Yaho Vintage Singer group, they have the service manual and expert help to be found. They have turned to something new lately, but there's link to the new https site.

[Mr Twingo]

Helen Howes is working her magic. She DOES have a take up lever in stock, and is helping with the other damaged parts, too. Such a helpful person 

[Iminei]

The 201K I won on eBay arrived today.

In pieces

Did it look whole in the ebay listing ???

Did the machine that arrived look like the ebay listing (apart from being broken)?

[arrow]

For a 201 to get damaged it's probably been through the sort of horror handeling we can search up on youtube. Don't ever trust a courier service, it's  not the same as the back of you car at all! When it's not picked up in person, always insist on having them packed bullit proof, ideally it should survive a parachute landing. I used to say this as a joke, but more than once it has turned out to be real. This happens regularly unfortunately.

[Mr Twingo]

The 201K I won on eBay arrived today.

In pieces

Did it look whole in the ebay listing ???

Did the machine that arrived look like the ebay listing (apart from being broken)?

Yes, the pictures on the listing showed an intact machine. The snapped parts were in the box. I think the problem is that the 201 was packed on its side; it it had been standing, it would most likely have survived unscathed.

Fortunately, I received a full refund, and the seller should be able to claim against the carrier (Whistl). So I'm not out of pocket. The cost of the replacement parts from Helen will be less than my winning bid + postage.