Great big thanks to all plus 2 questions

[KdoginIndy]

Greetings All!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
First and foremost I wanted to thank all of the posters and creators of this fabulous forum!  You see I'm a brand new owner of a CV-168.  This might be my first post, but I've probally ready 50% of this knowledge warehouse, allready -and I'm hooked!!
I wanted to especially thank Jasmine64, The first person I PM'd who set me down the path of the search tool etc.  I also wanted to personally thank JIM and of course, JOHNIEG.  There are so many other folks to thank- but not enough space! Kudos to you all!
Currently, I'm working on my CV-168 which is much like KEVINC's 299. Which leds me to my last 2 remaining questions.

KEVINC -group.  KevinC, I noticed for your lights that you simply by-passed the original light equipment with some modern homestore versions.  I know that my orginal light did work, however the transformer(?) went out. (It "puffed"
 and smelled burnt and hasn't worked since)  Is the "replace the whole thing" option the best route, or can simply find and replace the "transformer" ?  Question 2 is a dumb one but I gotta ask.  (I only contracted the "Soda Machine Fever" a few weeks ago!) ;-) The only other thing not working is the threaded lock -I've replace the vend lock, (I didn't have a key for the orig. but luckily the door can't lock) but no matter how tight I close the door, the threaded lock doesn't engage it's female partner. I've looked for a replacement -probably just not in the right spot. -any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Again, a sincere thanks to everyone! -Heck, I'm allready planning on some "Scouting trips" insearch of another "project"!  
-Hooked in Indy,  Kdog

[dr galaga]

Welcome aboard.  It's great to see another Hoosier here '> .

The transformer that you are talking about is probably the ballast.  Pull it out and get the specs from it and go down to Menards or Home Depot.  They should have a new one (this is the route I went last year with my Vendo).  Or, yes, you can just put a little under the counter light in there.

Have any pics of your machine?

[MoonDawg]

Concerning the threaded lock. Is there an adjustment that will allow the nut to move closer to the door?

[jasmine64]

Post lots of pics. Especially before, during and after your work on the 168.

Any bits of info helps those of us that have a 168.

[KdoginIndy]

Thanks Dr. G!  I took your advice and removed the part in question, it is stamped with the verbage "Keystone Tranformer Co. Phila PA" but it is a Ballast. -Heading to Lowes later today.  As for some pictures, please see below..

[KdoginIndy]

And another...

[KdoginIndy]

In the previous pic you might make out a wire and a bottle opener.  The wire coming out of the coin return is rigged with rubberbands and is attached to the coinmech (temporarly for testing).  I just give it a tug and then select my beverage.  As for the bottle opener, I bought a cav. bottle opener from the soda jerks and it fits just fine in the area ment for pull tabs.  (I plan to have cans and bottles in this machine)  as for the next pics, they are of the threaded bolt and nut I was talking about. the bolt doesn't seem long enough.  (The wire behind the Nut is to a wireless thermometer I'm using to test the temp.)  Again, Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!  '>

[dr galaga]

Just thinking out loud here:

Does the "nut" part look like it is pushed back or is it real close to the plate?

Could the "nut" part be stripped?

[sodaworks]

Welcome aboard KdoginIndy,
  I like your "Hawaian Punch" avatar. '>

[BrianB]

Welcome to the boards, Kdog! Great to have another Hoosier onboard! Myself and a few others live down in Bloomington and a few others live up north in the South Bend area I believe.

Let us know how thing go with your repairs.