My first pepsi machine

[motor8463]

Hello to all. I'm new to this thing so here goes. I just acquired a Vendorlator VFA 56 B-B Pepsi machine. It is a can machine in fair condition and cools great. The coin op does not work and the pull levers do not release. I know nothing about the machine. It's cool and I like it and would like to try to restore it. Where can I get parts, manuals, decals etc...  Serial # 511048551  Any help or advice appreciated

[90grad]

Welcome to the site!  There are a ton of people here with infinite knowledge on this stuff.  I am in the process of restoring a can machine probably identical to yours.  Restoring it (just waiting on exterior paint) has been a TREMENDOUS learning experience.  Here are some thoughts:

1. Pictures are worth a billion words.  Any time you can post one, it really helps to explain.  Plus, everyone likes to look at them for the cool and drool factors.

2. One of the best parts suppliers is Funtronics.  They are also one of the sponsors of this site.  Getting through to them on the phone is sometimes difficult (Steve Ebner works out of his house), but it's well worth the wait.  For $7, you get a catalog.  Another supplier and sponsor is The Soda Jerk Works, www.sodajerkworks.com.  Again, very nice people.

3. Replacement coin mechs are easily found from some one here, on eBay, or on the net (a company called Premier Vending or Premier Vendors).  You can manually release the can gates by moving a single post on the rack.  Basically, on the bottom of the can rack, there is a solenoid (electrical thing).  When it receives the signal from the coin mech, it will trip the post, allowing vending.  In the picture I attached you can see the solenoid and a lever hooked to it.  A post can be seen on the left of the picture.  If you pull this post toward you, it should allow the rack to vend once.

4. Don't forget the pictures!

Welcome again.

[Kevin C]

Hey

Great pictures to use as a learning tool.

Kevin

[loman4ec]

Post your need for parts here first as alot of us have spare parts laying around and we are usually alot cheeper than anyone else. If you need any help with the restoration let me know as I have built a few Vendo 56's and I have kept detailed pictures of every step.

[sodaworks]

Hello motor8463,
  Welcome aboard!!! '>

[jasmine64]

I had a bottle Vendorlator 56, sold it to Kevin C.
I like those machines best. They make great first time learning machines.

I hope to acquire another one this winter.

Post some pics.