I have some old Look that came with a used bike I bought - I imagine they're from the 90's. I bought some shoes for them, but their being shipped here. Before buying cleats, I was wondering if these were good for a first clipless pedal (I've ridden with clips for a while) and if there was a way to tell if the tension is good and if they work right without actually buying the cleat. Sorry if these are obvious questions, but I am clueless about these.
Thanks

Those pedals should fine. I still race mine. Give the "heel" of the pedal a tug. It should have a strong spring and be difficult, but possible, to get it to move.

One seems a little looser than the other, but they both spring back, is that ok?

Maybe shoot a little WD-40 down the sides of the heel thing. I have some of the black ones from around 1991, or so, and they have a little screw in the center of the platform to adjust the tension.

By the way, assuming you got the vintage correct, then you need the "Delta" cleats, not the newer Keo type that look similar, but are smaller.

Mine are black too, but I can't find an adjustment screw...but there is something on the sides that looks like it might fit an allan key, but none in my set fit :-/ Would this be the adjustment; there is one on each side about in line with where the heel thing moves

Some can be adjusted, some can't. Mine can, and have a 5mm ? screw underneath. The screws you're talking about sound more like part of the hinge.
Don't worry, just ride them.

As mentioned above, sounds like Delta Cleats to me. might have to buy these online somewhere, as most stores will only carry the Keo ones nowadays

you can still find the delta cleat easily. performance bike has them. i still use a delta cleat with my new Ritchey WCS pedals. i also have a few pairs of the older Look pedals and they still work just fine.

Thanks for all the help; i'll be getting the shoes in the mail in a couple of weeks!

I got them today, and they work well...the cleats I have right now are Welgo brand...Are they really any different than the Look Brand? And should I get the kool covers?

Not much difference. Sometimes one brand has a little more play than another, but they should all work fine.