Ideal 55 slider - need some help

[ZMonet]

I am VERY new to this hobby, but have been taking the crash course in soda vending machines over the last couple of weeks.  I have always thought about getting an old soda machine for my father, but never pulled the trigger.  With father's day/ his birthday approaching in July my brother and I are now putting together a game room for him.  He already has three classic games (Frogger, a pinball, Pole Position II) in the basment, but he really doesn't have any setup.  Anyway, on to my point.

One of the things my brother and I want to give him is an Ideal 55 Slider Coke machine.  We were able to find a supposedly fully working one (pics below) not too far from my parent's place and I plan on driving from where I currently am (350 miles away) picking the Slider up and trying to do a quick and dirty restoration on the thing.  I may have paid a little too much ($350), but it is close by and the seller agreed to store it.  I am not looking for perfection since this is going to sit in an unfinished basement, but I would like it to at least have the feal of a 55 Slider Coke machine.  In that regard, I was hoping that someone might help me with my bullet list.  ANY guidance is appreciated:

REMOVING PAINT -- it looks like this thing has at least two levels of paint on it.  I don't have access to a sand blaster and was planning on using a chemical remover and sanders.  Any suggestions on specific chemcial removers?

REMOVING PARTS - In removing paint/repainting I think it would be smart to remove the coin mechanism and bottle cap catcher.  How difficult are these to remove?  I plan on buying the original manual from Funtronics, so maybe that will provide guidance.

NEW PAINT - I plan on can spray painting Krylon Tough Coat Acrylic Alkyd Enamels Cherry Red.  I know it won't go on as nice as an air sprayer, but I am somewhat limited to what tools I'll have access to and I think the spray paint will meet my needs.  ANy suggestions on technique?  Also, does anyone know if the original Ideal slider had the coin mechanism painted balck or red?

LOCKS - there are no keys for the existing locks.  How difficicult is it to drill out the old locks?  I plan on bringing it to a locksmith if this isn't something that can be done easily.  I plan on getting new locks and/or latch from Funtronics.

DECALS - I plan on getting the fishtail decal from Funcoland.  Were there any other decals on the original?

LID-  Any tips for polishing/buffing the chrome trim/lid?

Any other advice you can provide would be appreciated.  I have read the old messages and gotten some guidance, but not everything I'll need.  Thanks in advance!

Pictures, as promised:

[ZMonet]

pic#2

[ZMonet]

Pic #3

[ZMonet]

Pic #4

[davethebirdman]

I can't help you with your questions. But I think for $350.00 you did well.

[collecture]

Welcome ZMonet,
I do not own a slider yet, but I think I can at least answer some of your questions. The cap catcher should just slide up of the mounting studs - they were never secured to machines as you needed to empty them frequently. I think the sliders used a crank type opener on the access door and key locks on the coin mech - a 1/4" Titanium bit should do the trick on the key lock. I am not sure about the crank lock. Once you get the coin mech open, I think it should just pull out after the mounting screws are removed.

There are lots of helpful people here and many are much more knowledgable about the restoration of sliders than me, so you will get answers soon. I think you did well for $350.

[MoonDawg]

You got an excellent deal. The slider rack, coin mech. and cap catcher are worth $500.00 for parts.
        The side door opens with a 3/8" allen wrench.
        The lid can be polished but will show the dents even worse then.
        You state that you are 350 miles away from this machine and are going to do a  "quick restoration" to it when you get there.  I guess we all would like to a satisfactory job quick and cheap, but it doesn't work that way.
        Why go to all the work of stripping the paint off, only to use a spray can to paint it. Would you paint your car with a spray can?
         The existing white paint will clean up nice. With red decals it will fit real nice in the unfinished basement. If you really want to use the fishtail logo, you could just paint the front red, leaving the rest white.  Here is a pic. of Ideal's version of reverse colors

[ZMonet]

Thanks for everyone's reply and input.  I certainly appreciate it and am glad to see that I did not overpay for the machine.  MoonDawg -- I think I'll see how the spray can paint goes on and if I'm not liking it, I'll stop, remove what I put on and plan on taking another trip to my parent's place in the future to spray on something like Dupont Centari.  While I understand your comparison to spraying a car, I have to factor in my audience for this machine, my father.  He is in to nostalgia, but not necessarily into having a finished showpiece.  In fact, he might even like it better if I kept it in its current state.

Can anyone venture a guess whether any of the existing paint is original, or do you think this was repainted at some time?  It appears to me that on the side view that I can see some red bleeding through the white.

Also, does anyone know what is in the upper left corner of the picture of the rack?  It appears like some other locking mechanism, but I've never heard of there being more than two locks on these machines.

Finally, will these machines take the new 20 oz plastic bottles too, or will they only take the old style glass bottles?

Thanks again everyone.

[MoonDawg]

The inside of the compressor area seems to originally be painted white.  That is what would lead me to believe you have an original paint job.  I say clean the heck out of it and give it to him original, with a red Coke logo.

[collecture]

You can buy a reproduction rack that holds the 20 oz. from Fun-Tronics for $285 plus S&H.

[dr galaga]

If I were you I would just try giving it a good cleaning.  The paint (at least in the pics) looks like it's in pretty good shape.

How is the cooling system?  The Coke bottle has a silver cap, so I bet it was bottled at least 20 years ago (who knows if it has been in the machine that long though but if it has I wonder when the last time it was turned on).

[ZMonet]

I haven't seen the machine in person yet, but the seller says everything works: the machine gets cold and the machine vends on a dime.  

For the white paint, if I go that route, how do I go about cleaning it up.  WOuld it be possible to remove the decals without disturbing the paint if this is original.  I kind of like the idea of keeping the machine as original as possible, but it seems to me that the paint needs a fair amount of touchup, especially on the sides.

[BryanH]

Quote (ZMonet @ June 11 2006,8:09)

I may have paid a little too much ($350)

Not a bad deal at all... as Glen said, parts alone will sell for close to $500

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Any suggestions on specific chemcial removers?

Your paint looks pretty worn.  I'd try sanding first... especially if you're going to try painting with a spray bomb.  May want to try buffing it first to see how well it comes back.  May end up looking better as shiny but used rather than spray bomb painting.

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In removing paint/repainting I think it would be smart to remove the coin mechanism and bottle cap catcher.  How difficult are these to remove?

Real easy. Tom already told you that the cap catcher lifts up and off. The coin mech is almost as easy. Loosen the set screw on the blocker plate (the thing that keeps only one bottle getting out a time). Unlock & remove the coin box.  Lift the cover up and off. Remove screws holding assembly to body.  Pull the assembly out.

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I plan on can spray painting.... Also, does anyone know if the original Ideal slider had the coin mechanism painted balck or red?

I'd try buffing it before stripping and spray bombing.  Coin mechs and bottle cap catchers were black.

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How difficicult is it to drill out the old locks?

It's pretty easy.

If there's anything else that we can help with let us know.

[ZMonet]

Wow, thanks guys.  I appreciate all the information and opinions -- it is invaluable to a newbie like me.  I think I have a good idea on what I need to do.  If I buff it and don't like the look of the white paint, am I better off "spray bombing" or using a roller enamel paint?  I know most of you would say neither, but if I need to learn from my own mistakes '> what would you advise?  I figure worst case scenario I go back to stripping/sanding and shoot it with a higher quality paint later.  Finally, if I do use a chemical stripper along with the sanding, which stripper works best?

[MoonDawg]

Quote (ZMonet @ June 11 2006,4:55)

If I buff it and don't like the look of the white paint, am I better off "spray bombing" or using a roller enamel paint?  I know most of you would say neither

Neither!!!!!!!!

     The original paint has hardener in it, and was made to last!  The Coca Cola shadow you see on the front of your machine looks like a sticker or decal was once applied and peeled off.  Laquer thinner will wipe the glue residue off and not hurt the paint (unless it is spray can or house paint underneath....hint ....hint )  
       Once the outside is buffed, clean and paint the insides, slider rack, coin mech cover, cap catcher, and re-wire and paint the compressor. Change the side door gasket.
       Install a red Coca Cola logo on the front and give it to Dad.  If he asks about the chips in the paint on the sides..........tell him you and your brother just rescued it from an old gas station, and thought that he might like it just the way it is.......

       We bet he will              
      

[halehouse]

You did well for 350. Don't spray bomb or roll it.  I can't imagine it would look better than the current white after it is cleaned.  Under the side door just looks like dirt in the photo and it looks like there once was a round decal on that door.  The fishtail residue looks like it will come off and I kind of like the "Refreshes You Best" decal on the front.  Like Glen said the insides, slider rack, coin mech cover, cap catcher can be painted fairly easily since they are smaller, but it would be hard to paint the outside with a can or roller.

By the way ZMonet, are you in Alexandria VA?  
Hey Wayne (90grad), we may have a new Mid-Atlantic member!  

'>

[ZMonet]

Thanks again guys.  You're slowly swaying me.  If it was between air spraying with something like Red Dupont Centari and keeping as is, which would you guys do?  I have an air compressor, so I guess it would be a matter of just buying or renting a paint sprayer and getting the paint.  Where can I get Dupont Centari and how much do you guys think I would need?  Geez, I can't believe your persuassive powers     Anyone have suggestions on a paint sprayer?  I also still need a suggestion on a chemical paint remover.  I can't believe how expensive this gift is getting, but my Dad is worth it.

Oh, and yes, I am from Alexandria, Virginia, but originally from Connecticut, where this machine currently is...Anyone in between Connecticut and say Mass. where I can get filled bottles of soda for this machine?  What are the limitations on the bottles?

[collecture]

One other thing - IF you have been persuaded to keep it original (I like original) -  before you drill the lock out, check it and see if there is a number on the face of the lock. There are quite a few keys still available from various sources and you might just be able to get a key for that vintage lock.

[halehouse]

ZMonet,
Sent you a PM

Dan

[ZMonet]

Quote (collecture @ June 11 2006,11:58)

One other thing - IF you have been persuaded to keep it original (I like original) -  before you drill the lock out, check it and see if there is a number on the face of the lock. There are quite a few keys still available from various sources and you might just be able to get a key for that vintage lock.

I think what will determine if I keep it original is how the paint job turns out.  As it stands right now, I think I'm going to need to paint it, but I won't know for sure until I spend some serious time buffing and cleaning it.

Anyone know about places to get Dupont Centari/a good chemical stripper if I need to go that route?

[sodaworks]

Hello ZMonet,
Welcome aboard!!! Check your local automotive paint distributors, if you decide to do a nice paint job using Centari or PPG paints. If you decide to do a "quick and easy" paint job try using a quart of industrial paint like Rustoleum and buy a cheap gun from Harbor Freight. If you use a roller or spray bomb you will not be happy with the results. I personally would show the machine to your Dad and explain that you just aquired it and then take it home and restore it correctly. I believe it would have alot more sentlementle value to your dad knowing that you took the extra time to create a restored machine just for him!!!  

[MoonDawg]

Quote (ZMonet @ June 11 2006,7:08)

............... so I guess it would be a matter of just buying or renting a paint sprayer and getting the paint

Boy, are you under estimating the hours ahead of you!!  I like Terry's idea of taking it home so you can make time to do it right.  
       The slider is one of the easiest soda machines to paint once the side door is removed and it's a piece of 1950's history so at this point, you might as well spend a few more bucks and spray a hardcoat shiny finish like it had originally.     ( BTW you may inherit this machine back some day)

       You asked for our opinion, and here is mine....This machine is 50 years old and this is it's first re-paint, so either paint it right or don't paint over it at all.  

[ZMonet]

I just purchased some items for my 55 Ideal Slider from Steve at Funtronics.  The guy is an encyclopedia of knowledge on these machines and it would be worth purchasing him just for his advice on particular items.  Anyway, he sells Dupont Centari paint in spray cans and although I know this is against advisement of the board, I plan on using the spray cans to paint the machine come early July.  I'll take pictures and let you guys see how it comes out.  If nothing else you'll be able to say "I told you so".

[ZMonet]

Well, I finished the project and gave it to my father for his birthday (July 8th).  He really liked it so it worked out well.  My brother and I picked it up on the 7th, worked on it and got it done in less than a day.  I'm pretty happy with the results, although I understand that these results might not meet many of your quality control levels.  However, so that people can remain somewhat informed on what someone with little can spray painting experience can do and to see the Funtronic's spray paint applied, I have attached pics (the original pics are attached to the first messages in this post).

Interesting side note, we had to drill out the locks and we found 50+ full 6.5 oz Coke bottles in the lower compartment.  Judging from the dimes that were left in the machine, I don't think the thing had been used since the early 70s.

[ZMonet]

more pics

[ZMonet]

1 more

[bubba]

That came out really nice... good job... congrats! '>

[davethebirdman]

Yep Well Done. Bet your dad is pleased. Now get yourself another one and have
another go... A couple of years down the road you'll be like the rest of us. Did I say years, should have said months.

Dave

[BrianB]

Wow, great job! I bet your Dad was happy with it, I know I would be!

[BryanH]

Nice job... looks like it turned out pretty nice.  What's next?

[dr galaga]

Looks good.  It also appears as if you have a nice selection of soda in it too!  

[ZMonet]

Quote (BryanH @ July 10 2006,11:19)

Nice job... looks like it turned out pretty nice.  What's next?

Thanks for the kind words.  My father was thrilled with the machine and I was amazed how quickly he got into using it.  You guys have me fully addicted.  Unfortunatly I just don't have the space for these machines, but that doesn't seem to stop you guys so I doubt it will stop me either.  As for the soda selection, I've spent the last month and a half looking for different sodas and ended up going a little overboard, buying my dad 115 sodas in total.  At least I know he won't try that 1960s Coke that was left in the machine.

[halehouse]

You might be able to make some of your money back with those '60's sodas that were left in the machine.

[Creighton]

Nice job and welcome to the board!!
Don't worry you will find the space :-)
Creighton

[audiobeer]

It's obvious that your Father has your respect and love. It's cool to see kids taking care of thier folks the way you two did!  '>

[Jim]

I second audiobeer's words of wisdom!