Phetishboy
Well-known member
Solid shape, complete, hasn't been plugged in for 25 years. I hosed it off and now am doing some research on restoring it. Not even sure where to begin.
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Thats a Vendo 56 bottle machine. Very good, dependable machine. There appears to be some rust under the sign and a few other spots on the front of the machine. The stylestar marquee is cool, but looks to be shot. I have some parts for that machine if you run into things you need. Is the inside complete?
Typically, when I get a new machine I spray it down with a good cleaner like Spray Nine or similar. That will break up any funk from exploded sodas and stuff. Pressure wash if possible. Let it dry for a day or so before plugging in. Give the wiring a good inspection and if nothing appears to be shorted or exposed, plug it in. The bottom fan should come on when the compressor is running. There is also a fan inside the cabinet that should be running. This fan stays on all the time. See if the machine is cooling before going any further.
Cool. Found a guy less than 2 hours from my place that restores these machines. I emailed him to check cost and turnaround time. I may let a pro tackle this one for me.
Cool. Found a guy less than 2 hours from my place that restores these machines. I emailed him to check cost and turnaround time. I may let a pro tackle this one for me.
Now, what kinda talk is that?! You sir ARE the pro! C'mon, where's that can-do attitude I love?
Sweet machine BTW. I love the front signage.
Pop Machine Shop?
This guy has done several of these and has it down to a science. Maybe I can trade him a restored arcade machine for his trouble.
Don't try and rip him off- you don't even know the guy.
I don't know him personally, but he is a long time, very active member at SMC. I've seen pictures of his work and it is beautiful. I think he would do a top notch job.
Yes and the bonus is that he is local. When I stumbled on his website I was thinking "Ahh, dude's gotta be in Cali or South Carolina or something." Nope, right over the border in Wisconsin, on the way to Duluth, where we will be heading in a few weeks. I hope we can agree on a price that won't break the bank.
Keep in mind when you are restoring one of these square top machines.. resale value. a V56 isn't a high dollar machine, although the hope is these will be the round top machines of the future. If you are planning on keeping it forever, spend the money.. If you do get over to John's place, ask to see his collection. He has some pretty cool stuff.
Yeah he got back to me with a starting price of $3500 on a full resto.
Yeah he got back to me with a starting price of $3500 on a full resto. I do plan on keeping it forever, as it was my uncle's, but that's a little extreme for a machine like this. I'll take it apart, make stencils for the writing and decoration, have the local body shop paint the shell and then look for a new cooling unit.
That is a bit much to put into that machine.. The money will never come close to that for resale... Decals are available through a few suppliers, so don't knock yourself out with making templates. I have a few parts machines, so if you run into needing parts, let me know. I have a 56 that has been in pieces for a few years. I ripped into it, got most of the bodywork done and never completed it. The refrigeration systems in those machines are pretty solid. Before scrapping it, there are a few things to try to bring it back to life. I just resurrected one over the weekend that is from the 50's.
Funtronics has all the coca cola licenses to make decals and other coke items.. The have all the parts you could ever need for the machine.. http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/
I'll help you out with any questions or issues you come across. Before jumping in head first, check out SMC and read through some of the topics.. There is a boatload of info on these machines.
Awesome, thank you so much for the help. I will have plenty of questions I am sure.
No problem.. if you need pics of anything, lemme know. I have a complete 56 running on my patio with cans of soda for the kids right now..
How about some pics of the inside of your machine?