Definately clean it up. Many, many Hobart built KA mixers are still around and running well. Enjoy the process you will have a great machine once done.

If you're mechanically inclined and have a few tools, pretty sure you can google and print out DETAILED instructions on how to refurbish a KA stand mixer.

I snoozed and lost on a great deal at a thrift store... and have been kicking myself ever since. There was a restaurant model (don't know model number) for something like $20. Big, crank-up bowl, whisk/paddle/hood. I lugged it to an outlet and quickly turned off/on. Was getting ready to haul it to check-out when another shopper tapped me on the shoulder to tell me it only ran for about 3-4 seconds and then would stop?? The VERY brief time I ran the thing, heard nothing strange, but sure enough... it cut off after 5 seconds max. And no strange sound when it did quit. I decided to pass on it. Once home got thinking... maybe only a little $$ to fix and according to KA website, it cost something like $400 new. Of course, when I went back... POOF! It was gone!