Converted vendo 83?

[bubba]

I just picked up an old 10cent Pepsi vending machine. After looking around, I found out that it is a Vendo 83, which from what I've been able to find so far was only made for Coke. After looking at the machine, I can see red paint, so I'mpretty sure it was originally a Coke machine. It has been converted to a Pepsi machine by Pepsi. It has the front label riveted onto the machine up top, decals on all the sides, and a Pepsi vending company label on the side. The machine cosmetically is in fair shape, but with some body work and a paint job, it will be a decent machine. The compressor runs, but does not cool, so it needs atleast a charge.  Does this machine with the Pepsi logos make it worth any more or less? To do a restore on the machine, would I be better off making it a Pepsi or Coke machine. I kinda like having an oddball, but I also want to make it the best value in the long run. For now, I don't have any plans on selling it, but someday it may happen. I plan on putting it outside my home movie theater. I know these machines aren't worth that much, but any ballpark ideas on prices for the condition its in and in refurbished condition?

[Creighton]

Hello Bubba,
Welcome to the board! It will be worth more as a Coke machine. For an idea of value watch eBay auctions.
Creighton

[Eric]

I agree with Creighton....Take that the sign off, clean it up and sell it or hang on to it... there is an embossed Coca-Cola logo under it... Does look cool as a Pepsi though...
And Ebay will be your best guide as to what it's worth... (Though location will be a factor too)

Welcome to the board.... and Stick around... you'll be hooked....

Eric

[bubba]

Thanks Creighton for the welcome! I've had the machine for about a week now, and I haven't seen too many. I saw dollar signs when I first saw the machine, but now I'm starting to get attached and possibly starting another hobby I don't have time for....

[audiobeer]

Welcome to the sickness. We aquire....aquire....aquire....then thin the heard only to aquire more. I wouldn't change anything on the Pepsi machine until you decide to refinish it. I agree with the others here that the machine is actualy worth more as an 83. Now an 81 is a another story.

[loman4ec]

The vendo 83 is one of the less popular machines out there. The machine has many downsides to it, it's size, extreme weight, ability to only vend small bottles and only one flavor. Vendo also pumped out a huge number of these through the years. I just passed up 5 of them in Atlanta. 3 of them are good restorable machines and 2 are for parts and he wanted $300 for all of them. I have seen descent origionals selling on ebay lately for Between $150 and $200.

[bubba]

Audiobeer.. I don't understand the reference to the 81. Guess I'll go look for some pics... Since this machine isn't worth a whole lot anyway, I may paint it and dress it as a Pepsi machine, and maybe have something different. I can definately see this being an addictive hobby. (just what I need '> )

Loman4ec... I think I saw your post about that on another site?

I've seen some info saying this machine is supposed to be about 450lbs? It sure didn't feel like that much when I unloaded it. Is there any way to determine the year from the SN on the machine? Are bottles available for this machine? What size are they? Where can I research the basic info without asking a whole lot of newbie questions.. Apparently I'm missing my searches on google, cause I'm only coming up with a few sites.....

[Creighton]

Not to worry that has happened to everyone here. Any questions just ask. A good sit down and read of all the old posts answers many questions.
Creighton

[Eric]

Also check the soda machine area (On this Home page) for images....
You'll find a WHOLE Lot of machines that will end up on a “Gotta Have” list!
You'll also see some great machines in the photo gallery with a few of the members collections.
As far as bottles... good ol' Wal-Mart carries the little coke bottles that should work in it.

You've got square top machine collectors and the older machine guys here... Ready to help
with any question you may have.... If someone here can't answer something about
a machine.... It can't be answered!

Eric

[halehouse]

If you can't get them at Wal-Mart (I can't), check Sam's Club. That is where I can get them for about $10 a case.

[bubba]

I tell ya guys, you are making this too easy for me to get into. I've walked into some forums on some other hobbies I've gotten into, and all you hear is read, read, read. Very few actually like to share the knowledge.. Thanks for the support!

I love looking at the old machines. I wish I had more room to store all my toys. I think it may be time to kick the kids outta the basement and convert it to my game room. Since I got this machine, I've been doing alot of looking around and have found many, many things I need.  
So this machine uses the 10oz bottles then. I saw some threads about refilling and bottling, and really started getting nervous. I guess Coronitas will work also '>

I'm bidding on a manual on ebay right now for the machine. For starters, I don't have the key to the lock. Someone along the way got the door open without damaging anything that I can see. If I drill the lock cylinder out, are they a standard barrel lock, or would I be better taking the whole assembly apart and getting a key made. I can't read a number on the lock cylinder.

[Eric]

There are suppliers of parts here that may help with the lock (on the Home page under suppliers)
Fun-Tronics and/or Soda Jerk Works would probaby have that lock and a copy of a manual
for you too.

Eric

[loman4ec]

The 83 takes 6.5 to 8 oz bottles. I don't know if the 10 oz work. I don't think they fit. Even though they don't bring alot of money now that doesn't mean they will always be that way. A few years ago you couldn't give square tops away and now look at what they are selling for. As the 81s, 44s, and other popular machines dry up these will be the next ones people are looking for. Besides they are great working machines. I would keep it if I were you but I think I would make it Coke again. Just my two cents.

[bubba]

I think I am going to make it a Coke machine. I'll have a look through the suppliers and see if it makes sense to just drill the lock out and replace it. The more I am talking to people about it, the more I've decided to keep it. I like projects like this, and I have the space to keep it.

[bubba]

Anyone want a V-83? I think I want to get rid of it and get something different. The machine is complete, but didn't cool. I didn't have it plugged in for more than a few minutes, so I don't know for sure. I also had the door open and it looks like there may be some type of door switch? I figured that since you guys got me started in this addiction, I'd put it up here first. I'd consider parting it out too if enough of the machine goes.

I'm in NJ, but have the ability to crate and ship from a commercial place.

[audiobeer]

My 83 would not take the 10 oz. The prices on these are crazy. I bought one local for $100 working and sold it for $800 7 years ago. I have never seen one top $450 on Ebay this past year.

[bubba]

I'm kinda torn on getting rid of it, because I like the look of it, and the way it operates. I don't like that it is only one flavor, and it takes the small bottles. My only thought if I fixed it up would be for the small bottles of water, but I don't know if I could justify a machine for just that. The way my kids have been going through the stock in my other machines, I couldn't afford to keep it stocked with small soda bottles.

[loman4ec]

If they go through them fast buy a capper and fill the bottles yourself. They wouldn't last real long buy if the kids are drinking them fast it isn't a problem. I have also heard of people filling the empty bottles with juce and caping the bottles.