Vendo 81 purchase help

[skreien]

Hey guys,

I'm still looking for my first machine.  I was looking at 60's machines, but my wife likes the older ones better which is fine with me.  This one has popped up very close to me.  Any opinions on shape and appropriate price are welcome.  

http://toledo.craigslist.org/atq/3282618196.html

Also, does anyone know if these can vend the plastic Coke bottles?  The aperture looks big enough to me; hoping for someone with actual knowledge though.  

Thanks!

[SIGNGUY]

Welcome to the site and yes your right the Vendo 81 is going to be the best machine to start with (in my opinion) if your looking for a vintage soda machine.
As far as the price.. I'd say he is pretty high on his asking.. although it's a pretty nice looking original with some issues... this one may be able to be cleaned up a bit and left as is with some elbow grease.. there is no REAL Major issues with it and after cleaned up could pass the "living room test"... meaning would you put it in your living room or is it so bad you need to get it restored.

if your looking for a machine that you know you want to get restored and have it shiney like a new penny, then this one is priced way too high for that..  you could find ones in worse conditions for 1500-2000 on average..

as far as your bottle question.. it all depends on the diameter of bottle your looking to vend... yes there are some "skinny" plastic bottles the vend, I think they are the 16 oz once ones... but basically if it fits through the vend mechanism it'll work for you!

hope this helps.

[msanborn]

I agree with Signguy on value, plenty of nice ones around for less money, just need to be patient. 

[Marvin]

I have been getting these 12oz plastic bottles to put in my 81.  I think the 16oz bottles will fit.  I just have not tried any yet. 

[mygoose101]

I wouldn't give up on this machine just yet, you may not be as far away from a deal as you think.

First for your 1st machine it wouldn't be fair to the rest of us that your 1st machine would be a Vendo 81 but we'll get over that and you'd be forgiven in time.

A nice 81 which this appears to be will sell for $2,500 or more all day long on e-bay plus for that price buyers would cover shipping of about say $400. That's $2,900. If this machine is close to you and you can get it lower then his $3,500 asking price then you are there.

I know you are not buying it to resell but the easiest machine to sell is a unrestored Vendo 81, no question.

I would pursue it for sure but for that price everything would have to work and would need to look as good in person as the pictures. The only thing that I would change for sure in the 10 cent foil decal. It's slanted which looks funny and that little changes the look to the machine but it's a easy $4 fix. 

[cokecolaman]

With all the rust on the bottom of the tub liner, I would be concerned about belt line rust.

[MoonDawg]

       Thermostat and junction box have been replaced, neither of which look original.

       One of the latches for the coin door is missing so the locking bar may be missing as well.  Rust looks minimal to me.

        I think $2500.00 is a fair price

[cokecolaman]

I also think $2500 is a fair price.

[Slapshot42]

I have found persistence paid off for me.   The first 81 I looked at was priced at 2500. 11 months later of back and forth e mails asking the seller if it was still available  I bought it for 1100.  

Be up front give them a fair offer, stick to a price you can afford.  You may be surprised what happens.  The holiday season is right around the corner you never know when the seller may needs some extra cash.  

Jared

[SIGNGUY]

Yes persistance can pay off and like I stated.. if your going to leave it as is, and just clean it up, 2500 would be fair.

granted we all want to get them cheap, as it's just human nature..

I picked up this one recently for $500! but for obviousl reasons..