Newbie here.....

[photogman]

I have wanted a pop machine it seems like forever.  I finally found one that I could afford (unrestored).  Two previous owners, a gas station owner I was told and a woman coke fanatic that had it before me for 30 years.  She insists it as never been restored and that it is all original.  I'm new enough in this game that I really couldn't tell.  It is a Vendo 81a.  Previously, I thought the one I really wanted was a 81b, but since I've bought this it has really grown on me and I think I want to leave it all red original when I have it restored.  I found this website the other night and I couldn't last sleep thinking about the coke machine and reading this forum so I was up at 4:30 a.m. reading the posts and I really paid for it today.  Oh well....anyway, I'm thankful for finding this site and couldn't be any happier with my Vendo 81a!!  Someday it will be perfect!

[collecture]

Nice machine!
Looks all original to me...I'd just give it a good cleaning! It is only original once!
Looks like the machine originally had a change-giver mech in it because it has the stainless steel slide guard still mounted under the hinge.
Here is my 81A...and change-giver mech

[Kilroy]

Welcome!
I think your machine looks good, a little cleaning and polishing,  butt a great classic to have.

[halehouse]

I agree. That looks pretty clean! I wouldn't paint it.

[photogman]

Would you use car wax and then buff it or something like polishing compound and then buff?

[GreginNM]

WOW Photogman...nice looking 81a!!  That's as clean and original as they come!  I'm with Tom, it's only original once.  I'd carefully give the outside a wax job (and buff out any scratches) and clean up the inside and enjoy it!  Even the compressor looks like it still has it's shine!  

Welcome to the site, and congrats on your FIRST machine!  As you've read...they multiply!      

Greg

[photogman]

Yes, I know...if I had more money I'd keep buying machines.  You can really get crazy over these machines:)

[GreginNM]

So true!

Be careful waxing/compounding around the lettering (especially the decals/screenprinting), as it's easily rubbed off and looks bad.  Yours are nice right now, so just be extra careful.  I learned the hard way.

[BrianB]

Photogman,

Welcome aboard!! Great to have you here.

That's a great looking 81A. Like the others said, be carefull with the polish and the lettering. Other than that I think she'll clean up nicely.

[mznb1u]

Welcome aboard!  Nice score for your first machine!

  Tim

[collecture]

If you would like to sell the slide guard, I'd be interested. It is a part used with change-giver mechs, which you don't have. You have to take the coin door off and the guard slips over the hinge. A coin door screw has been removed, but I can give you a vintage screw to screw in.
Let me know!
Thanks,
Tom

[SIGNGUY]

Jon,
Good to talk to you last night about your machine, as many have stated it's a nice original so you have some choices of what you want do.. either a full resto or a refurbishment like I outlined for you as well.
Welcome to the hobby!

[Larry]

Leave it alone.  It looks fine.

[pepsi-perk]

I don't like totally restored machines all that much.  I mean they are nice and all, but I like to see the blems and the scratch here and there and even that musty old smell.  It tells a story of it's life when left in that condition. Gives it that antique look.  Yours looks great just like it is - save your money that you'd pay to restore it and buy another machine or two.  I wouldn't restore something to perfect unless its really dogged out.

On the other hand - you could restore it and sell it for $6,000 and buy a whole bunch more machines.  ;-)   j/k . . . kind of a joke here. 

Welcome to the board too!

[rayg]

Hi Photogman.... that's a great 1st machine... welcome to the club!

[RC kid]

Great looking machine. I would leave it alone and use it.

Welcome to the site. I remember the first time I ran across this site, I stayed up all night reading all of the threads too.

[Hollywood80]

I love my 81a.  It is my one and only soda vending machine.  Purchased it about 1 1/2 years ago.  It had been restored many years ago.  I have other antiques, that I prefer to have in original working condition.  If I had your machine, and it was mechanically normal, I would leave it original with a good cleaning and waxing.  I wax mine about every 2 months with a good quality automobile wax.  It is outside in a protected area 24/7.  Here is a picture of my baby!

[collecture]

From the looks of your pics, your main door liner is busting out at the gasket holes (99.9% do) Before you start using the machine regularly, you need to replace that! Go ahead and get the suppliers wiring harness, a new liner and fans. Clean, repair and rewire it now - it is an expense, but you'll be glad you did it later on!

[coke_and_stuff]

I'm glad that 81 went to a good home, I talked with the seller a few times on it but just couldnt come to terms. I would leave it as a unrestored survivor.

Joey

[photogman]

I just got it down in my basement about 1/2 hour ago and tomorrow I will take some betters pics of it and post them.  The ones tomorrow will be much bigger and you will get to see it with all its warts an all:)  I wish I had some extra money laying around guys.  There is a 39  I would love to have.  The 39 will be my next machine!!  I'll give you the link:

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/atq/1800810782.html