Edey:

My feelings are that if a machine has a badly damaged paint job but can be saved by repainting and made usable again, I'd go for that then trying to maintain a possible antique value of the original but badly damaged finish. There are some beautiful car paint colors available, so it is a useful idea.  Edey

I agree with you on the old look of the machines. We have a tendancy to leave things in their original condition, as long as flaking paint doesn't cause a mess. Imperfection in the old and ancient reused items is what our decor is all about. We've been told we are 'old souls' and I tend to think they are right. Fortunately, I have not begun flaking paint myself! Thanks for the cool info on this subject!