Need help dating this machine!

[Marine Moma]

Thanks for all of the help.  We are know going to look into restoring it to its' original condition.  My dad said he could remember seeing these machines when he was a kid.  We turned it on last night and within the hour it was cold.  I say he got a steal!  Any suggestions on locating a reputable restorer?  Thanks again!

[loman4ec]

WHere are you located. Someone here might have a suggestion.

[Marine Moma]

We are about 20 minutes north of Nashville TN and would be willing to drive a reasonable drive to find a reputable restorer.

thanks

[loman4ec]

I don't know of anyone personally that is anywhere close to you. Go to the main page of this site and select the restorers key. Type in you zipcode and some results should come up. I just want you to know that you generally get what you pay for. I would generally charge between $1,200 and $1,700 to do it myself and that is going to be about what the going rate for a full restoration will be. But I am all the way in Florida.  I just didn't want you to get sticker shock when you get some quotes.

[MoonDawg]

Hey MM, $10.00 is a great price. The bottle belt and coin mech are worth a lot more than that in parts.
       If he had not bought this C-51,  do you think your father would go out today and spend $2000. for this same machine restored?  Cause that's what you're getting into on a restoration.
        Better that you bid on that nice C-51 on Ebay and use the parts from your machine to complete it.  Avoid restoration

A very good idea Glen.