If it's in your budget for a $350 machine then cost of restoration whatever that cost may be I would combine those 2 cost and buy yourself a nice original machine. The Cav 51 is a single vend machine to I would pursue a nice clean original Vendo 39, VMC 33, or even another Cav 51 that is in better shape that would not need a restoration.
I agree - there are better machines out there to be had. Why look at this beautiful machine - multiple flavors AND working for way less than restoring a single-flavor 51!
I'd be willing to bet the seller would even travel up to 100 miles from York PA to meet the buyer for delivery! If you are looking in the Poconos, you aren't too far from York!
http://york.craigslist.org/atq/3777671479.htmlok...ok... it is mine. I really don't need 2 sliders and I'm definitely not parting with the Ideal Coke that Pat restored for me. Shameless commercial plug over.
Jim