Spotted an ad on Craigslist last October for a Coca Cola neon. Called the guy and said I would buy it. Went to his house not far away and purchased it as it was better than described although the neon tube was broken.
After paying and on my way to the car he asked if I had any interest in an old "Coke box". First thing that came to my mind was the typical Westinghouse chest but thought I should look at it since I was already here.
He then walked me around to his patio where it has been sitting for over 10 years. He said the compressor leaked freon, he has had it fixed twice and it failed again so he quit using it.
Although I was in shock, I calmly asked him how much he wanted for it. Of course the reply was "I don't know what it's worth now.....how much will you give me"?
So the game begins, I offered him $500.00 and he replied that he would think about it. A month later I called him back and left a message but no reply so I went back to his house and found him working on one of his several classic trucks.
I asked if he still had his old Coke box and he said yes but a friend of his was interested in it and he felt obligated. Another month passed and I stopped by again. His friend was still interested but had not shown him any money yet. I replied that I had cash so he told me to check back in a few months.
Respecting his wishes, I held off but didn't forget about it. Last weekend I returned and asked about it again. He still had it so I made another offer and this time showed him some cash. He said he would have to call his friend and went into the house for a minute. When he came back, he said.........."well it's yours"
Although it is also missing some vending linkage so it was set for freeplay, I was thrilled to become the new owner. Lesson here is to never give up.
Here is a picture of the old "Coke box" and the neon sign that started it all.
