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