According to Walter's 3rd Edition, the Canada Dry Ideal 55 (and I suspect 85 based on your example) "is one of the few "sliders" that came in two different versions where the embossing was concerned. The more common version features their "shield" embossed. It's not very intricate and all the lettering inside is painted on. The second and much less common version has a much more intricate "crown type" shield embossed. Both are painted a green that is very similar to Dr. Pepper green. Lettering is always white."
That probably explains why you are not finding any color on the embossing under the white paint job that someone applied to your machine. The sample paint job that you show is similar to the Canada Dry Heintz C-2P cooler. On the Heintz, the shield outline, crown base, and words "Drink" and "Beverages" were painted black or dark green and the stars on the crown and words "Canada Dry" were painted red. In the Walters book, it looks like the embossing on the base of the crown is more intricate on the Ideal with the "Fleur De Lis" in relief.
I like the Heintz paint scheme over the plain white as it would stand out and give the machine more character. Of course, you could also paint that embossing like the later decal but that would take more time and cost more money unless you do it yourself. I have included a picture of my unrestored CD VMC 110 with a good picture of the decal logo and a picture of my Heintz that I owned for a short period of time. The Heintz had been repainted by the former owner and the lettering had not been redone.
Whichever way you go, that is going to be a great looking machine when completed.
Tim
