Singer 15-99 / Removing the Hook

I was asked how to remove the hook from a Singer model 99, so you can get some thread out of there.  Here's a picture of my Singer 15-99.

Here's the hook, all assembled.

The first thing to do, is unscrew the big, black screw.  When you get the screw out,  The retainer will come off.  Then you can pull the race cover and hook out.

Now you can clean any lint out.  Pay particular attention to getting the lint out of the race (which is the ledge that the hook sits on).  Put a drop of oil on the race.

When you put it back together, the hook goes in first, then the race cover.  Make sure the pins go through the little holes on each side of the race cover, and that the beveled edges are facing outward. 

Last, put the retainer back on.  Make sure the bent "hands" grab each side of the race cover.  Tighten the screw.