Fresh pictures of my wc-44sk!

[BrianB]

Check it out!

[BrianB]

And another....

[BrianB]

Welp, this machine has been great so far....For learning lessons!!! '>  I got this one from Greed Bay for a steal. It was basically just missing the vending rack and that has been provided to me by Mr. Moondawg along with some other various "knick-knacks".

The only probs so far have been the sheared compressor line (fixed that by sweating in an elbow union). In my haste to get that fixed I overlooked a HUGE step that I almost never screw up on....DOCUMENTATION! I disconnected all of the wiring to facilitate replacement of the main power cord and to also allow me to properly restore the compressor to its former glory! Welp.....I forgot to snap a pic/sketch out a complete schematic diagram.....Needles to say I had to go scurrying to SMC for help!!! Glen ended up sending me a pic of another WC-44SK compressor wiring setup and Steve Ebner sent me a line diagram. By using both for reference, I was able to get it wired back correctly.

So, now I figured that I'd continue with my restoration of the compressor deck and was fiddling around with the compressor fan motor (3-wire version) and found out unhappily that the wiring was completely shot! Welp...I made a few modifications using a standard 4 watt motor and a motor stand from a junked VF-90 I got for $36 not long ago and she's back in business and the replacement stand/motor looks pretty sweet!(I'll post a pic when the deck is done)

On we go....I was finishing up polishing/cleaning the thermometer lines when all of the sudden...."Hisssssssss" and then I gave a hearty "you dirty little pile of  '> " and threw some formerly inanimate objects around and delighted in their rapid disassembly of parts. Turns out the same hit the machine took that sheared the compreesor line also nicked the thermometer line and all it took was just a little pressure to do it in. So, it's probably better that it happened now versus when I installed it. Luckily, good 'ole Moondawg came to my rescue, AGAIN! He did a dumpster dive for me and retreived the thermometer from his junked 44 and included that in what I'm now calling my "care package".

Hopefully this will be the last of the dramas (as if) with this machine. It has however been a great learning experience and I have to say the Westinghouse design engineers did a great job with this machine.

[BryanH]

Wow. Beauty... how about some before pics so we can see whether your skills are in buying, refinishing or both '>

Posted the above comment before Brian posted his saga.  I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and acknowledge bith the buying and refinishin....

Brian - did you paint it yourself?

[BrianB]

Ummm.....No comment? '>  Nah, this one was completely repainted and looks as if the person that had it repainted didn't take the best of care of it. It has some nicks/scratches but overall is in great shape.

My restoration skills are being put to good use right now during my Cavalier 55 project...It should be done here pretty soon. Then I'll show you!!!!!

[Bob K]

The 'dawg comes through again... :'>

[joesquid]

Brian,
Nice score!!  I thought about bidding on this one but coudn't get COMNAVHOUSELANT to release funds! '>   Can you post pics of the enterior as I'm still trying to piece together my machine?

Absolutely beautiful. I've always thought you got a fantastic deal on that one. I love the little carpeted base it's on. Is that to give it a more firm resting place? The paint job looks fantastic from here.

[Jim]

Brian,

Well Done!
Very good choice for a first restoration, not a complicated machine with small straight panels to work with for body work and painting.
I'd like to utilize the photo in the Soda Machines Section since I've been waiting for a good picture and this one fits the bill!

[BrianB]

Eric - COMNAVHOUSELANT  '>  That's a riot.....I used to call mine COMNAVWIFEPAC!! Yeah, the whole transaction was awesome, the seller was totally cool and really did a good job packaging the machine for shipment. I'll take some more pic's for you of the interior. Are there any specific shots you'd like to see?

Kito - Like the base, eh? Haha..I thought I'd catch some grief for that... '> The location was perfect and I had some scrap carpet/wood leftover from the house build and figured it would be better on the carpet to help disperse the load onto a larger area. I can just picture those metal feet digging into the carpet!!

I've loved working on the 55, it's been such a great experience so far. I can't wait for it to be done!!! I would be honored if you used the picture for the Soda Machine Section. I feel all popular now......

[joesquid]

Brian,
Thanks for doing this!!  I need pics of the interior including bottle rack, vending mechanism, compressor/evap assembly, and backside of the door, including the coin mech and surrounding areas.  Hope that's not asking too much.  If you don't want to take up space posting them to the website, e-mail them to me here:
liferjoesquid@aol.com

Here's another thought.  You should post these pics on Jim's photo gallery, you definitely have a class "A" machine to show off!!:'>

[BrianB]

Roger that, Eric! The only part that I don't currently have is the vending mech, but it is on it's way from sunny SoCal courtesy of Moondawg. I will however be happy to snap some photo's of the other parts. Currently the compressor is out of the machine so it will be a cinch to take pictures of.

When the vending mech shows up, I'll take some of it out of the machine and some in. I'm pretty stoked right now '> !!This machine should be ready to go shortly.

Oh yeah...Looks like my hopes for CPO are pretty bad (putting it lightly!) No quotas this cycle for MAC's. Better luck next time, eh?

[joesquid]

Don't feel too bad, I know a few guys I swore would have made it but didn't.  All things happen according to God's plan brother!  I've known to excellent individuals who should have made Master Chief but didn't, retired, and both literally fell into their current jobs making twice their Navy income, plus their retirement, plus no more deployments, more time with their families, and living a pretty good life.  Sometimes what we see as a setback is God putting us in a holding pattern while He sets plans into motion.

Thus endeth today's sermon! '>

Quote (VMC117BMB @ May 24 2005,3:10)

Kito - Like the base, eh? Haha..I thought I'd catch some grief for that... '> The location was perfect and I had some scrap carpet/wood leftover from the house build and figured it would be better on the carpet to help disperse the load onto a larger area. I can just picture those metal feet digging into the carpet!!

It's actually a smart idea. If condensate drips down or something leaks, you won't have a ruined carpet. Just replace the stand. Very smart.

[BrianB]

Eric - Thanks for the encouraging words, I guess you're right. I'm not mad about it, just a little irked. I completely destroyed the test and my record is airtight.....But, if it wasn't meant for me now, God will know when!!

Kito - Every once in awhile a smart idea leaks out....only every once in awhile though!!! '>