Cans or bottles?

[90grad]

All,

Check out this auction item near me.  

Pepsi Machine

The guy is saying it's a bottle machine, although the front says cans.  Can anyone tell by looking at the tabs in the photo of the bottle door?  Also, what is the mechanism on the lower right of the door (as you stand in front of the machine)?  There seems to be some wiring going to it.  Is this a can opener?

Plus, what do you think about the price?

Thanks!

[Bob K]

Yes, that is a heated can opener.  For those long ago "pre Pop-Top" days.  I like the machine.

[Creighton]

Rack looks like a can vendor. Good price so far. Best of luck!
Creighton

It's a can machine. Not sure why the seller is so screwed up.
The rack that holds the sodas has tabs which when you pull the tab toward you, there is something inside each spot to pull the can toward you. Bottle stacks don't have or need the tabs since bottle drinkers just pull the botttle out by its grabbable top.

Also, yes (as Bob K said) on the front door, the little compartment is for opening the cans in the early days when there was nothing at all on the top of the can to open it. You put the can in the compatrment and close the tinny door by pushing down on it. When the door is fully closed, it punctures a triangle-shaped hole in the top of the can.
Wires run to it because the part that punctures is electrically heated up to supposedly keep it sanitary/germ free.

I used to own a machine like that. I like 'em.

[90grad]

All,

Here are some photos of the inside.  I spoke with the guy and he said there is no rust, just dirt.  Do you think this is worth $125?

[90grad]

Second photo.....  Thoughts?

[BryanH]

$125 is pretty cheap for any working machine, but....
- if it only holds cans I think that detracts from it's demand (and price).  From the pictures I think you might be able to use bottles with it...
- the door isn't glass (which I don't personally like)

That said it's only $125.  If you like it, I'd buy it.

I agree with Bryan.
I buy any machine for $150 or less (as long as it isn't rusty swiss cheese).

[johnieG]

I wouldn't worry too much about the Bottle door being metal anyway, it can be replaced by any squarecorner VF56 glass door, ( if you wish, whatever your personel preference) and if you're going to resell to the general public, Can machines move well, especially for around a swimming pool or any area that they don't want glass bottles... and for a $125.00 I'd go for it too. even for the parts alone. ( compressor deck/vending rack & shelves) '>

[90grad]

I placed a bid on this one.  The wife gave me the nod last night.  I was looking at another 56 about 25 miles from me.  It was a bottle machine.  We don't drink much beer and since the kids are so small (1 and 3), we will be on canned sodas for quite sometime.  The 56 bottle machine went for more than I wanted to spend anyway.  I put a max of around $150 on this can 56, so if I don't get it, no big deal.  If I do, I figure it will be a nice one for the garage.  I will probably clean this one up and repaint it to Coke colors, so it could eventually find it's way into the house.  I'll let you all know what happens.

It's always good to pick up a machine for under $150.  Good luck bidding.

I agree that while a can machine might not be as "valuable" in the collector arena, it may be very desirable for someone who just wants a practical machine that vends modern sodas.

[90grad]

All,

I was the winning bidder on this for only the $125 starting price.  I will now contact the guy to arrange pick-up.  I'll let you all know how it looks when I get it home.  Thanks always for the advice and input.

Congratulations!!  Can't wait to see some pics of it in it's new home.

[90grad]

Well, my son and I picked up the machine on Saturday.  Everything works!  I had the seller plug it in when I got there and the condensor fan did not run.  However, a little push with my finger started it right up.  I got it home and let it sit for a day.  When I fired it up yesterday afternoon, it got noce and cold, with frost on the coils.  

It appears to be a ThriftyVend can machine.  It's missing 3 shelves, which I will try to have remade.  The coin mech is a Vendo Vari-Price, which I think only takes quarters and is a 50-cent mech.  I will probably replace that.  The bottle door is also swollen, but I saw a Vendo 56 thread where Kevin C (I think) was talking about the same thing with his.  Man, this board is great for info.

Other than being pretty dirty, the machine is in good shape.  There is very minimal surface rust and the tank appears to be in good shape.  I think I won't keep this a Pepsi machine and will have it painted Coke colors.

Hopefully, I will get some pictures today (if I get a garage pass) and post them.  So far, the only other question I have is where could I get a manual for this thing?

[90grad]

Next question,

What coin mechanism(s) would be a good replacement?  I'd like to get one where I can change the price.  I'll try eBay with your suggestions (there are many brands on there) or if some one has one to sell, I would be interested.

Thanks!

[loman4ec]

I have one on ebay ending today if you are interested.
Josh's auctions

[90grad]

Yesterday, I got most of the front door disassembled.  I have to get the tar out and take it totally apart.  I also removed the coin mechanism.  I have never messed with one of these, so I will ask the folks here...

Judging by this photo, can I change the price on this coin mech?  And if so, how?

[90grad]

Here's a shot of the relay that activates the vending mechanism.  It works just fine.  However, is this something I should replace since I am restoring the machine?  If so, are they easily purchased?

[90grad]

Here is the Jones plug and receptacle.  The smaller white and black wires ran to the can opener.  I was told a small amount of heat was added to the opener to keep it sanitary (YUCK!).  Anyway, the can opener will remain, but the heat will be gone in the restored version.  I opened the receptacle and carefully removed the black and white wires, being careful not to disturb any of the others.  I also added some electrical tape of the contacts.  My questions are:

1. Did I do this correctly?  There appeared to be a jumper between two of the contacts in the receptacle.

2. Like my last post, should I replace this receptacle since I am restoring and are the easily obtainable?

Thanks and sorry for all the questions (trust me, there will be more).

[johnieG]

Quote (90grad @ July 05 2005,7:12)

Yesterday, I got most of the front door disassembled.  I have to get the tar out and take it totally apart.  I also removed the coin mechanism.  I have never messed with one of these, so I will ask the folks here... Judging by this photo, can I change the price on this coin mech?  And if so, how?

You've got a Vendo "Vari-price" coinmech, the pricing is changed by moving around the jumpers you see on the circut board, as for how to set it, I haven't a clue, the two I keep around for parts are non-functional, & although Vendo used thousands of these in many different 60's & 70's machines, I have yet to come across a single manual on the little buggers, somebody out there has got to have one somewhere!
I myself would like to grab a copy too.

they are easily replaced with any standard 120 Volt A.C. coinmech, such as, Coinco S75-9800 A & B series, or any of the earlier MARS coinmechs like the 6200 series. I agree with you, disconnecting the heater for the can-opener is a must, no need for it nowadays, you did it correctly in removing the wiring from the back of the jones socket, as for the jumper, it depends on which two pins they're across ( to determine the jumpers function)

no need to replaced the vending soleniod if it's in working order, just remove the two wires from it, then remove the rack from the machine & take off the solenoid  before you clean up the rack. it's much easier to go over once it's out of the machine & laying on the bench.

[90grad]

Thanks, Johnie.  I've got a bid in on a mech on eBay.  Maybe when I get the machine back together, I will play around with this mech and try to figure it out.  I have to pictures to fix whatever I may mess up.  I will also try to find a manual, too.  Maybe if I called the Vendo company?

[90grad]

Johnie,

I emailed the Vendo company to see if they have any info.  I then looked at my Funtronics catalog and I think they sell them.  They list it as, "Vendo Vari-Vend Electric Coin Changer."  Wonder if this is the same thing?  If so, the cost is listed as $10.

[90grad]

All,

Next question...

Is there a trick to removing the wires from these plugs?  I don't want to cut them or otherwise screw them up.

[dr galaga]

I have used needle-nosed pliers to bend (or should I say release) the small tabs that are holding it in.  I'm not sure about the big plugs, but I know for the small plugs (audio cable size) there are special removal tools.

[johnieG]

you are correct, it's called a "Molex" connector, & you remove the pins from the body of the connector by carefully pushing in on the little "wings" at the base of the pins, while gently pulling backwards on the wire.they do sell a removal tool, which is basically a small hollow tube that slides over the pin & depresses the "wings" to release them , I believe I bought mine at radioshack.