Well this is just my opinion........but I see a lot of history by looking at an
unrestored machine like this, the decals intact and body straight. The yellow
background on the water release decals certainly shows it's age. Prior to being
a Faygo machine it was green, maybe Dr. Pepper/Canada Dry?
        Once you sand it down the history will only be seen in photograghs.
        I would clean this one up real good, then buy another generic Ideal 55,and
copy it with all new paint and decals. They certainly would display well together.
       

This will take you back johnnieG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQqyDj7RX6Y&feature=related

Enjoy!