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123 
Member since 3/4/09
Posts: 1711
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Posted on: 8/26/10 12:58 PM ET
So I've been kicking myself for the last few weeks for not bidding on a Rocketeer on eBay that ended up selling for only $125 and was a local pick up. (My SMAD was in its early stages and I convinced myself I shouldn't buy it because I "don't have the space" and "don't need it." HA! I should have gone with my gut and gotten it.) Anyways, I was feeling rather glum about that last night (and the fact that it didn't rain all summer until the past 5 days when I was on my beach vacation) when lo and behold, a Rocketeer shows up on my local CL. Yippee!

That's the back story. I am going to pick it up this Sunday, and the machine is in a cabinet. From the CL pics it's not a very nice cabinet and I will almost certainly get rid of it because I definitely don't have space for a cabinet, let alone an ugly one. But I don't think that the cabinet is optional, so I'll have to take it with me. Aside from finding out the dimensions ahead of time to make sure it will actually fit in my car, what do I need to do to safely transport the machine? Should I take it out of the cabinet to make sure it doesn't flap around and get damaged? If so, how do I do it?

Here's a pic from the listing if it helps:


(In theory I could just remove the machine from the cabinet and dump it at the curb, it's NYC and weirder things have been done. But that doesn't seem right. Although I may have to do it if the cabinet won't fit in the car, LOL!)
  
Member since 9/21/07
Posts: 1921
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Posted on: 8/26/10 1:02 PM ET
Yes, remove the machine from the cabinet. You will need a flat-head screwdriver - don't count on the seller to have one.
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Tess

"I am a degenerate art supply junkie" - Jane Davenport
“I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." - Gilda Radner
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 5885
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Posted on: 8/26/10 1:06 PM ET
If I don't have a truck, I lay the cabinet down in the back of my car (hatchback) and that makes the sewing machine upright. Have done it several times with no problems.
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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
  
Member since 3/4/09
Posts: 1711
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Posted on: 8/26/10 2:47 PM ET
I will probably remove the machine from the cabinet. I would be nervous about the machine getting damaged with the wacky driving one has to do in NYC. Will it be obvious how to remove it? I guess I should bring a few screwdrivers since I don't know what size I'll need.

Of course once I remove it from the cabinet I will be very, very tempted to ditch the cabinet on the street. I'm planning to call the seller tonight to iron out the pick up details, maybe he'd be willing to sell me just the machine.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 3623
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Posted on: 8/26/10 3:40 PM ET
I have that ugly cabinet too! heheh. It has the 401 in it.

What I did was slip it in the back seat. I put a cloth that will let it slide easily (once I used a yoga mat and that did not work, as it was so sticky I could not get the cabinet to slide across the seat.)

Then I rubber banded a sock on the leg that was sticking up in the air so it would not hit the roof of my car and poke a hole in it.

The original color of that cabinet is blonde. I see why they painted it.
You can't stain it, its all slick. Unless there is a way that I don't know about.
Congradulations on the rocketeer.
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"What you WANT is irrelevant, what you've CHOSEN is at hand." --Mr. Spock
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 3623
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Posted on: 8/26/10 3:41 PM ET
I did not take the machine out, I laid it on its side and slipped it through.
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"What you WANT is irrelevant, what you've CHOSEN is at hand." --Mr. Spock
  
Member since 5/9/05
Posts: 1471
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Posted on: 8/26/10 4:58 PM ET
Take it out. 2 screws through the machine and back hinges on the under side of the machine and lift up. Easy peasy. Use a 3/8" flathead screwdriver. Take a baggie or piece of tape to keep the screws from getting lost. It is not necessary to take the cabinet hinges off, as I have seen many people do.

It is also possible that the machine is sitting in what is called a 'cradle' and not screwed into the cabinet at all. If you tilt up the machine and there is a metal plate that comes with it, that is the cradle. The cradle releases the machine with a 2" long lever on the left side. Just push it to the down and to the left to release the machine and lift up the machine. DO NOT pitch the cradle with the cabinet. They sell for about 20-30 bucks on ebay. Be sure to save the screws for it as well.

Better safe than sorry and you are going to take it out when you get home anyway. The safest place in the car for the machine to ride is on the floorboard between seats. Front of the machine should face the rear of the car. That way if you have to stop quickly (NYC) it won't get thrown forward and mess up knobs etc.

Somewhat helpful link??

Congrats on your find!
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She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. Proverbs 31:13 NAS
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 8/26/10 5:20 PM ET
In reply to chicaem29
Different cabinet but I left the machine in. I took off the legs so the cabinet and machine would straight in the back of my car. Hauled it from CA to Alaska and back to Texas! So far, so good!
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www.thereisjoyadventures.blogspot.com
  
Member since 10/15/06
Posts: 1401
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Posted on: 8/26/10 6:32 PM ET
I know you don't love that cabinet, but it may be original. I'm under the vague impression that style of cabinet was sold around the same time as the Rocketeers, but I might be wrong. It certainly has that mid-century vibe.

Beth
  
Member since 3/4/09
Posts: 1711
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Posted on: 8/26/10 10:11 PM ET
Thanks all. I'm still waiting to find out the dimensions of the cabinet. Turns out the poster is actually the daughter (and her husband) of the owner (I'm guessing the machine was her mother's and the father is now downsizing). I'm hoping I hear from them relatively soon about the size so I know if it will even fit in my car. And I may be able to negotiate the price when I pick it up.

SansSouci, you said you have the same cabinet. (I'm glad you think it's ugly too, and weren't insulted!) Do the legs come off?

DoggyGirl, maybe I won't be so hasty in getting rid of the cabinet. I'll at least give it a few days.
  
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