Westinghouse WB-102-6. Fix or get rid of?????

[jenkine]

I have had this machine for about 10 yrs.  Stopped working about 2 yrs ago.  Service tech says evaporator fan is shot and there is a leak in the evaporator coil.....Looks like it would be about $250 minimum to change fan, tap a line, add coolant and run a can of stop leak through it....I have already spent $125 on it.  Should I cut my losses and look for another machine or try to get this thing fixed?  I am not sure it is worth that much anyway....

Thanks.

[collecture]

I would cut my losses.
You can part out the machine and recoup some money.
Not too much valuable on the machine - dial selector, vend motor (for sure!), coin mech and a few other small items like the cap catcher, coin box, drip pan etc. - might get $100 out of them.
Buy a smller machine like the WB-78 or WB-60 or Vendo 56 or Cavalier 63. Your choice all depends on what you want the machine to vend - bottles, cans or both?
If you go for the WB-78 or 60, you may want to keep the vend motor as a spare since they are unavailable elsewhere.
If you really like the machine though, $250 is not a bad price for what is being done.

[jenkine]

Thanks.  I am inclined to agree with you!  This would give me a chance to buy another machine.  Maybe a Vendo V63 or Cavalier CS64.  I was thinking square based on affordability and practicality.  I am looking about donating the old machine to a trade school that teaches refrigeration repair - could at least write off the FMV for tax purposes.

[collecture]

I have a WB-60 in constant use in the garage. What I like most about it is I can load it with cans or bottles.
When I was a kid, I was so used to putting in my money first and then selecting my drink that I would forget to select before putting money in. I always ended up getting the previous customers choice. I used to hate this machine, but now I really like the versatility.

[jenkine]

I assume the best place to look for a machine is craigslist or ebay?  I just happened to luck upon my first one.

[90grad]

Putting an ad on Craigslist can also generate some finds.  I paid $99 for my 102.  You definitely can get some $$ back from the parts.  The Vend motor, as Tom (collecture) said, will sell since these are not made.  Let us know what you have, as you may be able to sell some stuff here.