In the 1970s, the Kenmore 158 series was a low-cost, heavy-duty sewing machine. The Kenmore 158 was made entirely of metal casings and components, with the exception of the plastic cams. Because of its design, the 158 was a high-quality, heavy-duty machine capable of handling fine and heavy upholstery-weight fabrics. It had an 8-inch needle that could be changed without removing the top cover. The Kenmore 158 came in three models: 158, 158C, and 158PC. The only difference between the three models was the price. The highest-priced model was the 158C, which had carbon dioxide as its only source of air delivery compared to the helium used by the other two models. The lowest-priced model was the 158, which did not have a foot pedal or automatic threader. Both of these options were added to the higher-priced models. The last model, the 158PC, had a pearlized aluminum handwheel instead of stainless steel. This model also came with black fabric tape and a black cordura nylon handle. The other two models had white fabric tape and a white cordura nylon handle. All three models had 7-inch needles and used helical gears for both the bobbin winder and the feed dog. They all had open beds with a total capacity of 1 3/4 cubic feet. The maximum width for this series was 44 inches, and the height from floor to top of head was 34 inches.