Dad's is done!!

[bcharlton]

I just wanted to show you the Dad's Rootbeer machine.  It looks great in the dark as  as well.  I hope you all like it better then the Mott's machine.

Brian C

[bcharlton]

Apple juice anyone???

Brian C

[collecture]

Nice job Brian!

[Yarochrehc]

Hey Brian,
That really looks great.

Is that Coke Red?

[loman4ec]

That looks great! I really like these theme machines. And no I don't miss the Motts machine.  '>

[MCarter]

Can you say a..  LOL nice job '>

[dr galaga]

Yea, what color is it?  How did you pick it?















Poor Mott's machine. I miss it too '>  

[collecture]

Obviously it's Jelly Bean Root Beer brown.

[Pat Pixley]

WOW!!!!!     Looks great Brian I like the color.
 Do you have any photo's of the inside ?
   great Job .

  I have to agree with Josh on this  I really like these Fantasy
  Machine's ,it so cool to what we all can come up with
  and the little neat trick or what we painted or chromed
   it's just so cool.
  
  Again  Brian very cool.
  
     Pat  

Root Bear Barrel candy brown

Nice job Brian!

[bcharlton]

Ok, the color is House of Colors Cinnamon base coat.  I used Ppg clear coat.  I used House of Color Pearl white for the bottle door.  It is an extra step but the pearl looks great.  You can not see this from the pictures. I wet sanded and buffed it.  Then I recleared it.  I wanted the extra protection because this "can"machine will sit outside my poolhouse.  Matt. I AM SORRY YOU DON'T LIKE THE ROOTBEER color but I have about had it with Coke red.  

I have a great idea but I don't know if we can pull it off.

I want to do a "Square top" face off/contest with people sending pictures of both the inside as well as outside. of their prized restorations.  We would send in pictures of the restoration process.  No cheating.  They have to be new projects not old ones already finished.  We would all vote on which one we all liked the best.  The winner could win a gift certificate from one of the vendors that might donate a few bucks like Allan, Curtis or Mike from Niagara plating.  Maybe we could have a $25 dollar entry fee and the winner gets to use this money to spend with a sponcer of the website.

The rules could be simple.  No coke or Pepsi restorations.  I am not the only one who would like to see a lot more creativity in the square top contest.  The entries would have to be completed by September 1st.  There would be a five day period for the votes to be cast.  I already have an idea for my next one.  Let me know what you guys think.  My only request is that Matt C does not get to hold onto the money.  He is going broke buying all new stainless steel for his Minit Pop popcorn machine and he can not be trusted.

Or maybe your all CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!!

Brian "the squre top junkie"C

[BrianB]

Dad's machine looks great, good job!

Now on the subject of a contest, It sounds like a neat idea but......I may be speaking out of place but here goes! I myself really enjoy this place because there is NO competition. People just have fun showing their work and in turn we also LOVE seeing pictures of each others work. The stories of the awesome finds and the one's that got away also keep us all very entertained and it keeps the hobby alive and people searching for that next great deal.

By adding money and percieved prestige to this site would taint it for me. Unofficial bragging rights between friends is one thing but a money driven contest is a completely different ball game. To me it adds commercialism and in this day and age anything that still has some innocence is very attractive.

Please don't take this as a personal attack, it's not. It's just my opinion.

[bcharlton]

BrianB

None taken.  I think the event may spark a little more creativity in the restoration hobby.  Because square tops are cheap, just about anybody can get one.  I like seeing them done up with brands that never historically existed.  Also, I don't see bragging rights and a $50 gift certificate "commercialising" our favorite pastime.  I think such a contest would allow some great ideas exchanged between members.  Also, I am sure you would see even more co-operation with competing entries.  I have restored 4 square tops Vendo 56.  I have given away 3 of them as gifts.  I have recieved a ton of help over the years from guys like Curtis, Allan, and Matt C.  I would like the opportunty to help others just getting into our hobby.  I am amazed at the friendly members and their willingness to assists the new-commers.  

I see the contest as an extention of this.
I would like to hear what some others think.

Brian C

[www.memorylanerestorations.com]

Good job Brian! Your stuff has been looking top shelf! Oh! are you sleeping in the garage yet? Machines? Wife? Machines? Wife? You keep this up and your going to have to buy her a new Car! For those of you out there looking for the best in Chrome plating ( Niagara Plating ) First class and great people to work with. Thanks. Curtis, Memory Lane Restorations.

[bcharlton]

Curtis:

Curtis:
Thanks for the love but I would have to disqualify you in any square top contest.  We are amatures.  You are a professional.  If you still have the pics, why don't you post the billiard machine.   That is one of the coolest square top restorations I have ever seen.  Now, if I could only afford a 9 foot Brunswick.

Brian C

[collecture]

I have to agree - the Billiard 56 was cool looking!

[loman4ec]

I kind of agree with Brian about the contest. I like the idea but I don't think it is right for the site. Not everyone has the funds or ability to participate. Meaning that only a few of us have the space to paint and do a restoration quickly. That would only leave a few of us to participate in it and that isn't fair to the other members. If it were to happen I would normally go along but I already have three projects going and have no money for a theme machine.

[BrianB]

Point taken, kind of. I've seen the kind of strife/hate & discontent that "contests" can generate. I know that all of the SMC members that are regular posters/contributers here are above that. (the strife/hate that is)

Theme machines are great, I agree I like to see what people can come up with and love thought provoking peices. Like Josh, I don't have an endless supply of cash (who does!) and don't have the locale to shoot paint.

To me, anybody can dissassemble a soda pop machine and farm everything out to be done. What fun is that?? Sure, it's a "restoration", but at what cost? I think that part of this hobby is the inate ability for those that don't have a lot of cash to do the majority, if not all, of the work themselves thereby promoting a sense of accomplishment and sometimes in this hobby a sense of overcoming overwhelming odds!

I'm all about friendliness, that's what first attracted me to this site. Everybody was super-helpful and more than willing to lend a hand. If not for SMC, I would have never of gotten this involved with the hobby. Not a soul wanted to compare machines and see who had the best. If that had of been the case, I would have bailed in a heartbeat! I don't have time for show-off's and needy-attention grabbers.

I've seen/heard about other websites and forums that are completly overun with egotistical, "look at me" types and it totaly ruins the experience. At the same time it turns away potential newcomers that don't want to get caught up in the drama and feel that they can't compare.

Luckily, Soda Machines.Com is exactly the opposite. Great people, great stories, 0% competition. Let's keep it that way.

Just my two cents.

[www.memorylanerestorations.com]

Here are a few photos of the Billiards 56 I restored. This machine was also on the TV special, ROKER ON THE ROAD back in june of 2005 They did a piece on my machines. It was called a blast from the past. They re run it from time to time. There's alot of cool things after they were finished with my mug. Thanks guys, but there are so many good people out there doing great work. This is fun stuff, I'm just lucky enough to be able to do this for a living. I work about 200FT from my house. Keep in mind, I'm always willing to help anyone if I can. Thanks. Curtis Kauffman, Memory Lane Restorations.

[bcharlton]

I think you are misunderstanding the concept of friendly competition.  I am in no way talented when it comes to restorations.  I take what others have done and try to add a little of my own individuality.  There are many people that have helped me along the way and have asked for nothing in return.  The idea of a group of us tackeling squretops with the concept that "anything goes" intrigues me.  I am probubly one of the least artistic people out there and I thought a friendly contest may help spark ideas of future projects.  It is all in fun.  I also understand that we all may have limited funds.  I spray painted my first restoration Vendo 56 and it is still of of the nicest restorations I have done.  I think it cost me a total of $250 including the decals.  I am going to start another vendo 56 restoration in April.  I have a concept that I think will turn out pretty nifty.  I am hoping we can do this in the spirit of friendly competition.  If not, I will still be posting some pictures in May of my newest concept in Square top
design.  

Prepare youselves for "the ultimate in fifties drive in B movies".  Can you visualize a Square top done in "Creature From the Black Lagoon" and the Attack of the 50 foot Woman"?  I would paint a drive in movie theme with old 50 style cars in the forground. It would be a double feature with the movie screen in the background.

It would go perfect with my fifties style malt shop in my basement.  And I would do all the work myself.

Let me know if anyone else out there would like to "throw down" and have a little fun.  We can extend the deadline to whenever but I think there should be a deadline.  For those of you who don't believe in the concept of a "best in show" award, every entrant will win something.  I am not doing this to hurt anyone's feelings.  I think it would be a blast.  Most of us have to withstand our wifes or husbands thinking we are completely out of our minds that we work on old soda machines.  If we have the courage and fortitude to stand up to our spouces, a little frindly contest can't be that bad.

Brian C
ps  Not bad for spray paint Huh?'>

[www.memorylanerestorations.com]

More of the 56

[www.memorylanerestorations.com]

Last of the 56

[bcharlton]

The Pepsi square top now sits proudly in my painters work shop getting very dusty.  The Dad's machine will sit in its place.
Brian C

[bcharlton]

Curtis:

You have just proved my point.  You restore these squartops at a completely different level then us amatures.  I can't believe that you inlaid gold leaf on the Billiard machine .  You are not invited to play in any furture competitions.

Regards:

Brian C

[Eric]

I wouldn't mind designing a square top but really have too many projects... 3 pumps,
5 RT machines, 8 gumball machines... Oh it goes on.....AND all that is behind the Honey-DO list
not to mention I don't have a square top... No room at the time. If we enter a fantasy square
top via Photoshop let me know... If not... Josh or someone.... maybe we could do a group project machine.

[Pat Pixley]

I also wouldn't  mind doing this, But I think this has to be planned out ,  BrianB is right there are some people that
 can't  afford to do this in a short time , And there are some of us that will farm out the stuff and just do the final
assembly. And as far as a time  some people might be  stuck waiting for there chrome to come back from plating (6months 11 days)  it should be  one year then show and tell time, Also There should be some classes like stock & custom.
 There should be a  plan for this and I think next year would work better for some people.
 

 And this is just my two cents .

 Pat   '>

[Pat Pixley]

OH yeah !!!!  This should be put up to a vote for the members
to see if they want to do this or not.

 Pat '>

[bcharlton]

I am more then fine give a one year time frame for completion.  I think there would be some amazing ideas put forward.  I have already sarted tearing down my next 56 square top.  Also, this would be a great project fot the first timers.  I mean really, how much damage can you do to a square top?  Keep me posted on what others feel about it.  

Brian C

Brian

[Creighton]

I don't see this as a bad thing. Kinda like little league, soapbox derby whatever... If you want to compete have fun and enjoy the contest. The folks in the grandstand will enjoy everyones efforts as well.

I will be one of those in the grandstand. The Honey-do list is long and if results are not forthcoming soon there will be one less living member of SMC :-)

The pictures of machines in progress and finished on a daily basis are great. Think some of the dynamic exchange of idea's would be lost if there is a static date when finished machines are submitted for vote.

Just my thoughts,
Creighton

[sodaworks]

How about including generic RT's?

[collecture]

Quote

I spray painted my first restoration Vendo 56 and it is still of of the nicest restorations I have done.

Brian,
It is funny you should say that. I converted a Pepsi 56 into a 'fantasy ' machine for a close friend here in town and gave it to him for his birthday. He had said to me once that if I ever needed someplace to put one of my machines, he would put one in his house.
Well, his last name is Bruder and he is of German descent. I changed the spelling of his last name and created a 56 just for him-used about 6 cans of Hammertone paint on it. It cost me about the same.

[bcharlton]

These things can look great with just rattle can paint.  Nice work.  Anyway, If we can get 5 entries for the square top /face off I think it will be fun.  We could have two catagories.  One for first timers/rattle can outside only, and the other could be automotive paint, inside done as well.  My enry may only be an outside only machine.  I will be sending some pics of the Dad's Rootbeer machine inside.  I don't know if it is worth doing a grade one on the inside of a $50 Vendo square top.  I dont know if I would go to all that trouble again.

Brian C

[Pat Pixley]

Ok I,ve got a few thing's to say.
 First, Terry what is a   generic RT's  ??
 Second,   There should be a pro class,
 inside and out right down to the last nut.
 Stock & custom
 Then there should be the spray can class.
 and again inside & out and stock & custom.
 
  This should be put up to the member to see if every one wants to do this or not.
 If there is only two or three people doing this then itnot much of a contest now is it, And remember this is for fun
and that how it should be.

 This need to be set up were you want to do this
  and not be afraid.

   Again just two cents worth.
      Pat

     boy do I feel like a dork     RT's Round Top's.
       And Yes to the Round Tops

[www.memorylanerestorations.com]

Hi everyone, there seems to be alot of great ideas for this venture, please keep in mind. If anyone knows Brian Charlton they know this, he is always there for anyone who need his help. I know he always says how much I have helped him out but he has always been there for me, when I need something in a pinch. Who else can you send a piece to on thursday and ask him to use his connections to do a quick turn around on a A+ chrome platting job and Monday morning a package arrives and your piece you needed so bad and so fast is in the box all shinny and new looking. Now keep in mind Brian lives in Buffalo, NY a two day UPS trip from me. How he did it, I don't know and when I tried to pay him, he wouldn't take a dime. He said he was just happy to be able to help me out for a change. So go easy on Brian's ideas, I assure you, his intentions are the best. I myself would not be able to participate in this contest, I'm backed up till OCT, NOV. So good luck everyone!

[Pat Pixley]

Dont get me wrong I like the idea, I just think this should
 be up to every one just not a few members of the group.
 I think this would work good for next year to give every
 one time to get some idea's on paper.
I've already got a few and maybe two machine that I might do for this.  '>
 Curtis, we are going to need a few judge's on this
 Maybe you ,Steve Jebb, Steve Ebner and Jim or who
 ever the group want at that time.

 Just a few cent's that all.


 Pat '>

[loman4ec]

I agree with waiting a while. I am out of machines to build. I need to find some more square tops.

[bcharlton]

Curtis:
I am not worthy.  A couple of years ago I did not know the difference between a square top or my round belly.  I have a lot of friends that have made the restoration hobby a blast.  Thanks for the kind words,  I love the idea of Steve , Curtis and maybe even Allan doing the judging if we can pull this thing off.  We could set a 12 month deadline.  I thought a squre top restoration contest would be a good idea because they are the most affordable items that we restore. Almost everyone can play.  If I said let's have a Vendo 81 Royal Crown contest you could accuse me of being a little snobby.  Let the games begin.  My 50s retro B movie drive in theatre theme for my Vendo 56 square top is well under way.  At least it is in my mind.  Isn't Eric a graphic designer?  He should be able to kick all of our asses with his ideas.  I have to borrow most of my stuff from Curtis, Allan or MAtt C.  Anyway, let me know who is up for the challange. We can face off next March

Brian C

[loman4ec]

I am not saying I am in for sure but I am looking for a cheep square top now. I do have a Cavalier 55 sitting in my shop completely taken apart and in primer. '>

[loman4ec]

Could this be my spray paint entry?  '>  Just kidding

[bcharlton]

I like it.  I just missed one in the Buffalo area that went cheap.  Send the pics in when it is complete.
Brian C

[Eric]

I can't kick anyone.... I'm pretty laid back... and don't know how to do any of this
bodywork stuff... Do enjoy helping come up with ideas...
Just need someone to find us a good decal maker.....
(Moondawg... haven't heard back from your friend about the icy-o... Has he been able to find
any pictures of the lettering and a decal maker... I'll draw them up when he finds them and
can send them to me.... Gonna be cool when it's done).....

[BryanH]

I'm dying to find the right machine to do a "custom" or fantasy machine.  Been thinking of doing it after the local professional lacrosse team (Arizona Sting).  We're huge fans and the colors / graphics are great.  But I'm 3 months into redoing the Ideal55 and I'm only half way through priming.  Just not enough time in days.

[rogerz]

I Like the idea and would be interested in being in

rz