Why is it every time I find a mills 45....

[sc1101]

Why is it every time I find a mills 45 its missing the internals.  Not sure if I should still buy it. It still has compressor and coin mech. I think I can buy it for 200-300 but shipping is going to 400-500. Its also missing front lower door. Any thoughts?? Anyone want to sell there complete one? Pleeease 

[Jim]

Seth,
If you can purchase the parts for the listed amount, I would do it.  Just make sure the coin gear is all present and not modified/customized...  Would also be nice if the refrigeration gets cold...

[coke_and_stuff]

This might make a great donor machine later on if you find a complete rusty one.

Joey

[BONOVOX]

I agree.
Who knows, maybe one day you'll find one with the insides, but the outside is just a rust bucket.
I know it's a tough decision because it's all just a "maybe" machine for down the road, but think of it like insurance.

Good luck either way.

 

[MoonDawg]

         Your machines are for display only Seth, you never actually use the rare ones.
         Nobody will even know if it's incomplete except you (and SMC). 
         Remember;  a bird in the hand.................................

[sc1101]

Thanks guys. I was thinking the same thing. Grab the one that's in front of me now. Hopefully I will find another in need of some of the parts this one has or vice versa. My only hesitation is I know the complete one will show up days after I purchase this one. We all know how it goes.  Either way I guess I'll have spare parts.

[sc1101]

So here's the update. I offered him the 300.00 and he said he would get back to me today. He just called me and said he will not accept that offer. He thinks the machine is really rare because it doesn't say coca cola. He explained to me he thinks it was made before they started selling them to coke. He believes its worth more because of this. I told him it doesn't hurt or help the value. I said the machine will most likely be repainted by who ever buys it because its missing lower panel and most people will want it to match and say coca cola. I then told him if it was complete I would have no problem paying more but since its missing the complete vending system it will be basically a parts machine unless I found the internals. Which we all know is slim. So with that said I'm about to pass because i will be in it well over 700-800 if I offer any more. I saw a nice complete original that sold on liveauctioneers for 1900.00 so that gives me a ballpark of a complete machine to go by. Do you guys think my offer was fair or to low?

[jholmgren]

Did he give you a counter offer to your $300?   Could be you are worked up over a $50 difference in opinion, or it could be that he's been watching American Restoration...

[sc1101]

Haha He isn't indicating Rick's prices but I still don't have a number from him. He said he will call me back after he comes up with a figure. AKA (I'm going try to sell it for more then your offer and if I can't I'll get back to you). Seriously though I think he's going to want like 500-600. I'm going to hold tight at 300.00. I would offer 500.00 if I didn't have to pay freight.

[Jim]

I would offer 500.00 if I didn't have to pay freight.

Anyone within a reasonable drive to get it and possibly bring to Chicago...?

[sc1101]

I could only wish...

[jholmgren]

I know you might not want a lurker swooping in on it - but I'm in the PA/MD area - please PM me if I can help.

[sc1101]

Thanks for the offer. I appreciate it. I forgot to mention it's in California. I doubt anyone is driving that far but you never know.

[TheGarbageHunter]

I talked to the owner of that machine about 2 weeks ago. Funny he advertised it for 3000.00. Now he is around 300 to 500.

[sc1101]

Really?? He told me I was the first person he talked to about it. He seemed sincere but I guess you never know. If it is the same machine and that's the number he's thinking of good luck to him. Are you positive its the same machine? I only ask because maybe there's another out there and that would intrigue me.
                                                          

[TheGarbageHunter]

Same machine. Same story. He sent me the same pic. Out of cali. Rare because no coke painted on. Same machine.

I have his phone number if you want it.

[SIGNGUY]

Maybe have a few of you guys work him a bit.. if he hears the same story from so many people about it not being rare because the log is not there, maybe he'll finally come around and realize it was probably repainted at some point and the logo which is not embossed was just never put back on..

whenever I have a standstill with a seller on price.. I just leave my best offer, and walk away.. most of the time if they are eager to sell, they'll come around after a while.

Good luck!

[sc1101]

1refrescofan-Has to be the same guy if that's the case. I just sent you a PM. Signguy- That's what I did and he said he will come up with the number after he thinks about it. Like I said before he's most likely going to shop it around to test the market and get the best offer. Can't blame him there. I just feel like after people shop it around then come back to you and want to accept your offer it makes me feel like I'm overpaying or at the top end of value. I'd rather someone just tell me how much they want for an item. Then I can say yes or no.