Ideal 55 slider - need some help

[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!  

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[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?