Pricing on cavalier and dixie machines

Guys -

Help - I've found two interesting machines in my area within driving distance, but am trying to figure out what these are worth -

Machine 1 is a Dixie-Narco, actually my first choice, but it seems a bit expensive.  I'd found one locally that had been "refurbed" by Pepsi with a solid sign and new decals for around $350.  This one is all original, but with new refrigeration.  Any thoughts on what it's really worth?  (There's one that is the same model in California right now that is around $200, with 3 days left to bid).  I had the guy send me pictures of the machine, and it appears to be in pretty good condition, without significant internal rust, and paint is in good shape.

Pepsi - Dixie Narco

Machine #2 is a Cavalier Coke machine, again with refurbished compressor.  Haven't seen additional pictures of interior yet.  I'm not as familiar with this machine type, is the signage / paint original?  

Coke Machine

While I'm at it, one other question.  How about moving these puppies???  I have a Ford Ranger truck, could I lay the machine down in the back and transport them without busting something?  Will I (and willing (??) neighbors) get hernias trying to lift the machines back upright?  I'd like to avoid having to rent a truck with a lift gate, they're downright expensive to rent and drive.

Thanks everyone for your help.  Really glad to have found this site and all the info you've pulled together!

Mike

[BrianB]

Mike, first off, welcome to SMC! We love to have new members! The more the merrier!

Now, on to business! That Pepsi machine is way over priced. At $500 Buy it now, you'll probably see it end without a buyer. The other one that you saw for $200 is still a little pricey, in my opinion.

The coke machine looks very clean and original. The signage and paint scheme are both correct for that year/model of Cavalier machine.

I think that everybody here will agree that renting a truck sucks plain and simple, like you hinted towards! '> I personally have used an old S10 with a standard bed with no problem. So your truck should work fine! All of these machines can be and are recommended to be transported laying flat on it's back. Unless of course you are a pro with the proper tie down points and rig.

The only thing to pay carefull attention to is after transporting a machine on it's back or in any other position other than upright, you have to let the machine sit upright for 24 hours after the transport is complete. The reason behind this is the compressor has lubricating oil that draws from the bottom. When the machine is layed down on it's back all of the oil runs to the side/top and it takes awhile (24 hours) to settle back where it belongs.

If you plug it in for an optest prior to 24 hours, you run the risk of burning up your compressor. Again, welcome to the boards and good luck with whatever machine you choose to get!

[loman4ec]

I agree that the narco machine is way overpriced, but $200 for a nice Cavalier USS-8-64 isn't bad. They are not worth a lot of money but being that they are a slant shelf machine that vends both cans and bottles is a huge plus. I have done a few of these machines and with a new paint job and a new sign they look great. I just don't really care for the woodgrain coin doors. But that is an easy fix.

Thanks a bunch for the feedback.  Takes a major load off my mind to know that I can use my beloved ford to transport these and avoid a $300 rental.  I suspected that the Dixie was overpriced, glad for the confirmation.  Think I may take a run at the other machine and see what happens - it's within a day's drive round trip, and looks nice.  Loman4ec, you'd mentioned the woodgrain door -- what's original for that?  It does tend to bring up connotations of shag carpet and lava lamps, or perhaps leisure suits...

Thx!

Mike

[loman4ec]

The woodgrain is origional for the machine. I however repaint them without the woodgrain door. Below is one of my Cavalier uss-64's that I did a few months ago. They are great machines. Mine started looking exactly like yours.

[BrianB]

Yeah Mike, those woodgrain machines sure are groovy... '> I haven't yet ran across one that I wanted but if I did, that would be the first thing to go for sure!

[halehouse]

I have a Vendo 63 that has (had) a woodgrain coin door that I actually did not mind too much (there is a picture of it in the Photos section under Before and After).  It is being restored for me as we speak. I debated keeping it original with the woodgrain on the coin door, but decided to go all red except for that white section on the sides.  It will have the Things go better with Coke logo though when it is done.

Ok, it's time for a reality check.  Since the auction has started, bidding has crept up to $285 on the Cavalier, and the auction shows that the seller's reserve price hasn't been met at this point.  Auction ends around 7pm tomorrow (Friday, 4/1 - April Fools Day - ?) The unit has a rebuilt compressor on it, otherwise all original.  Anyone want to venture a guess if this machine is getting overpriced, or is there a bit of weasel room here?

I seem to recall seeing on some other post somewhere that these machines could trend between $200 - $500 based on condition, but not sure how realistic that is.  I asked the seller for more pictures - what he sent me were fairly low resolution with three exterior, one with the coin door open from the side, and one of the interior rack/refrigeration.  He'd indicated he'd send more.  My main concern is rust in the bottom liner around the condesate pan, which I don't know if I can rule out at this point.  The thought of pulling the whole rack, the liner, then getting a replacement liner fabricated right out the gate gives me a skin rash thinking about it.  Be nice to be able to spend some time getting to know the machine and resources before a major tear down.

Any thoughts appreciated.  (And by the by, Loman4ec, I love how your machine looks.  Much superior to the fake woodgrain look).  I'm really enjoying the hobby even without a machine yet.  Am looking forward to starting to tinker with something other than an auction site.

Thx!

Mike

[glassbottlesrule]

On some machine I love the woodgrain.  Take my big daddy Vendo 154.  The woodgrain looks just right when combined with the stylestar light-up.  Yeah Markito I know there's stuff on top of the machine, it's alright they are soda machine parts.   '>

Update - our seller has updated his listing to note his reserve is now $500.  High bid is at $285.  I think someone may not be selling his machine anytime soon.  Too bad, it looks like a nice machine, but I just don't see that price working except with someone desperate... '>