Restoration/Refurbishment myself or farm it out?

[MoonDawg]

        There you have it, honest opinions from restorers and other members of the Historical Soda-machine Preservation Society. 

[photogman]

Ok, now before you roll your eyes, how can I be absolutely sure this is original and not an old refurbishment?  Just asking....

[Jim]

Ok, now before you roll your eyes, how can I be absolutely sure this is original and not an old refurbishment?  Just asking....

Too many "signs of originality" that would lead us to the direction given to keep it as original as possible...
Our favorite cliche: "It's Only Original Once!"

[photogman]

Yeah I would leave thing alone on the shell , But I would pull the tank ,shelves and bottle rack and spend the time and money and powder coat them 
with a ultra chrome  or super ultra chrome  it will make that inside look much better and when people see the inside they wont be thinking twice about
getting a drink from it .
And  do the compressor  new fan motors new wiring harness and new thermostat.


Just my two cents

I like your two cents!

[SIGNGUY]

yes as stated, too many signs of originality,, most restorations don't use "Screened" labeling, meaning where it says bottle opener and coin return, and the message above the coin door , "if bottles are not visible"  these where screened on originally and most restorations will use vinyl or water release decals.