My first machine - Round 2

[Addiction]

Gang,

As some of you probably know I started a thread yesterday when I was considering a Vendo 144.  At the end of the day it was too big and simply didn’t fit my desires.  Based on the excellent advice you guys gave me I’ve since redirected to a Vendo 110 that was really exactly the kind of machine I was looking for.  It looks like I can have about 10 selections easy, I can also vend 12 oz bottles and such.

Now I have three of these on my radar.  My initial plan was that I would spend about $500 on acquisition and as much as $2,500 later, over time.  And that I’d send the machine out for most of the work and from then on be responsible for an occasional repair as well as cleaning.  I have 3 candidates.  One is a refinished machine that was recommended by one of you who’s seen it.  It has been refinished and works.  There is a second one that works, but needs paint.  There is a third one that might work but only has one rack.

My current leaning is to go after the one that works but I need to get a better handle on the situation first.  So some questions:

- What should I realistically be looking to pay for a Vendo 110 in reasonable condition (no rust, cools, keys, etc)?
- What should I be looking to pay for one in average condition?
- What does it typically take in cost and hours (to a professional, not by a noob like me) to recondition one that’s not too bad off?  I know this is a tough question to generalize on but right now I have no idea if my expectations need to be adjusted.

I’ve seen this vintage cooler that’s actually a new machine, sells for between $600 and $800 and I’m having a tough time defending my decision to the boss (i.e. wife) in not simply getting the vintage remake.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.

[MCarter]

I have a 110 Vendo that a friend of mine is has  for sale.  I think  Seven11 wanted the other machines in this lot sale off. The total was 1100 bucks for all three which in turn would equal around 370 bucks a piece. Let me know if you guys are interested. I can help on shipping.

[Addiction]

I am VERY interested.  IS it in good shape or does it need work?  Is it in working order?  I dont need a perfect machine, but I'd be much happer with one that works.

[Addiction]

Bryan

I thought, heck I still think, I’m only going to own one machine.  I simply don’t have the space for more and I don’t have to the mechanical wherewithal to really get serious enjoyment out of more than one.  However I saw the awesome candy machine with the pull knobs in one of the other sections of the site and I think I’m in love.  And I have spent about 6 hours a day over the last 2 weeks looking at this stuff.  Hmmmm……..

[MCarter]

I know it needs a coin door and mech. Can not tell you anymore about it. I know Seven181 had interest in the other two machines she had for sale. Let me know

[Addiction]

Actually I might be able to do without that since I won't use them in any case but I'm unsure really.  Is there someone I can contact to see pictures and and ask about the state of the machine in general?  Does anyone have an idea what you should pay for a working vendo 110?

[davethebirdman]

First of all welcome to the site.

Secondly don't ever think that you are only going to own one machine. I have been here two and half years and seen people come and go with the idea that they were only ever going to have one machine. A couple of them adamant. They now have at least three.

I was only ever going to have one machine. I've had four. Its all the bits that go with it too. The Candy Machine you highlighted. Before you know it you are going to convince yourself that its a "must have" item. My advice to you is.... give in. Grab what you can and enjoy.

As for new over old. There is no contest. Its not just the machine its the history. Every time I pop a bottle from one of my machines I think about who would have put there money in and got one 40 even 50 years ago and what they are doing now. You can't beat it.

The only thing that holds me back is availability (in its own sweet way a bit of a blessing).Go for a 110 or even a 56 or 81. If you are sure that you only want one (ha ha) get the best you can for your money. A good original that will be admired in its own right. It might have a few scrapes but will still look good in your room. You can then think about restoration.

I would lay money on the fact that you won't bother doing it up because before you know it you will have pumped your money into another machine.

Welcome aboard....

Dave

[FDNY1975]

I believe on of the machines you were looking at on ebay # 230121974100 belongs to a SMC member tomfromjersey. His number is in the listing try to get in contact with him looks like a nice clean machine.                                  Best of Luck, Matt

[SIGNGUY]

The one that Tom from Jersey has looks like a perfect candidate for you Addiction... restored, working, looks awesome and buying from a reputable member of this site! and priced right!!! You'd have 800-1000 in paint alone if you bought one that needed it!
It's a tough decision but fun... OH yeah I laughed out loud when you where talking about the Candy Machine, and how cool they are... You've now OFFICIALLY become ADDICTED!!! '>  Those are Stoner Candy Machines and they look great next to your Coke Machine. Welcome Aboard! '>

[Addiction]

I've been in touch with Tom from Jersey and I'm hoping I can work something out with him.  Thats the machine I really want.  I'm just worried because there are a couple of other machines one of which looks like its been sandblasted (but only half way) for $2000.  Those numbers are scaring the crap out of me frankly.

And I've already begun to think of getting a second 110 for the pool room, sigh.  Thankfully it doesnt count till I actually have 1!

[MCarter]

I need your email addy to send you pictures.

Matt

[johnieG]

Welcome to the Ward, I mean site!   ...Resistance ifs futile, you will be assimilated '>


Where are you located, I think I missed it in the other posts.

[Addiction]

Matt,

Email address is bryan_winston@yahoo.com.  I'm located in Northern Va Johnie.

[Addiction]

Gang,

It turns out that I lost out on my dream machine so I am still looking for a Vendo 110 or similar slant shelf for a really reasonable price located reasonably close to Northern Virginia.  Anyoen know of anything?

[sodaworks]

I have a generic 110 (non embosed) with an electric coin mech. but I'm in California

[Addiction]

Newest update.

Tom and I have mostly come to terms on the Vendo 110 except we have not figured out how to get it from him to me.  He'll be down this way on the 12th and we're trying to see if an exchange can be done at that time.  The Vendo 144 I was looking at also seems to have reared its head again at an insanely low price.  Like low enough that I can live with it not being a 110.  I'll keep you informed.

[Addiction]

OK guys some noob questions coming up but first a better status.

I am 210% in favor of getting the Vendo 110 in Jersey, I think we’re very close on that.  But I am also planning for a fallback that includes not getting it because I want to put this issue to bed once and for all.

If I don’t get the 110 I will most likely go with a 144 three selection and vend 12 oz coke, diet coke and beer.  Instead of mixing and matching types of beer I’ll simply mix and match within a brand (Petes, Sam Adams) and stick with exact bottle matches.  I’ve been doing a lot of measuring and there appear to be a lot of 12 oz beer bottles that are more than similar enough.

I’ve seen the 144 and while its nowhere near as nice as Tom’s 110 its decent and its local.  If I get Toms machine I’ll be ecstatic but if I get this one I’ll still be at least fulfilled.  The 144 does seem to cool, it had a working vend that stopped working after my 6th coin and I couldn’t get it working again.  The third choice (rows 3 and 4) does not seem to work but I have not tried to figure out why.  One thing that I really liked about the 144 Is that while I could feel the air blowing inside and I could feel the compressor running with the door closed it was super quiet.  This machine will be going in a theater and that is really important.

A few questions:

-   How easy or hard is it to set a 144 to free play?
-   When I read about machines and it says something like capacity 144, precool 58 (just an example) I’d assumed that meant it had a storage compartment and it could keep all the soda in the vend racks cool plus an extra 58.  Am I assuming correctly?
-   If I get the 144 I’d probably spend a little money to get the vend fixed for rows 3 and 4 as well as setting up free play.  What the value of a decent 144 so I can set a reasonable budget for how much I put into it?  I’d probably keep it a coupel of years and then sell or trade it when another decent close 110 or similar comes up.
-   An random advice you throw out is also appreciated.

[loman4ec]

First off a cooling problem can be bad news. It can be many things. But what ever it is it will need to be done by a trained professional. I would budget for a minimum of $300 to get the machine cooling again. Second the vending problem can also be alot of different things but you said row 4 is not vending at all? The vend motor for these is not reproduced so if it has a bad one you are in trouble. And last the value of these tall machines is verry low. You will probably end up spending more on paint and cooling than you will ever be able to sell it for. They are nice looking machines but they are hard to sell. On ebay I have never seen one go for much. I would suggest going for the 110. You will be happier in the long run and you will have a machine that you can get your money out of.

[SIGNGUY]

I agree with Josh, Go for the 110, you'll be much happier and when the time comes to sell it and get an 81 or 56 (which are smaller)and even cooler looking (my opionion), you'll have and easier time selling the 110!
Don't by in haste, be patient and get the one your really want!
Just my two cents!
Good luck! '>

[BrianB]

A 110 is a great choice, I'd stick with it for the same reasons mentioned by the others.

[Kilroy]

It's been said before, but I agree.
 Hold out for the machine you really want, you and your wallet will be happier in the long run.

And don't forget to mention to family and friends, heck even strangers you are looking for a soda machine. You'd be suprised at how many of us here have landed a machine that way. I got a lead on  a machine  when another shopper at an antique mall  started up a conversation  because we were both  looking at old pop bottles

[Addiction]

Tom and I have come to terms and I should (if nothing goes horribly wrong) get my machine on the 12th.  Thanks for all your help guys.

Now to just keep my fingers crossed and start thinking about a candy machine.......

[Addiction]

more pics

[Kilroy]

Congrats, it looks like to be sweet machine.
So did we mention  more will likely follow.... :'>

[Creighton]

Great looking 110!!
Creighton

[bubba]

Good choice Addiction... That is a great start to your collection of machines '>

[BrianB]

Awesome looking machine! What a great start.  '>

[SIGNGUY]

Great Choice... You'l be much happier with this 110 over the other machines you where looking at!
Re: Candy machines... many pop up along east coast, so keep and eye on this site and ebay, one will pop up.
Congrats.

[halehouse]

He had a nice looking popcorn machine too that I had on my watch list.

[Addiction]

I'm actually being a new popcorn machine with a vintage look.  My wife was already scared enough of having a soda machine that was 50 years old, she took a very firm stand on the popcorn issue.

[halehouse]

That is what we did too.

[bubba]

(halehouse @ May 03 2007,12:44)

QUOTE

He had a nice looking popcorn machine too that I had on my watch list.

Dan... that is a nice machine also... I had the pleasure of meeting Tom a month or 2 ago when I picked up a nice hot air popcorn machine from him. He has a lot of nice toys.... I wish I could have spent more money there... The other popcorn machine he has is in great shape as well..

[BrianB]

Popcorn machines are pretty cool! I recently picked one up. Maybe you could give it a little time. The machine will grow on her!

[Addiction]

Wow that is pretty neat looking.  But she is pretty set on this, and given I spent more than I told her I would on the soda machine I'm not pushing her on this one.

[bubba]

(Addiction @ May 04 2007,9:05)

QUOTE

Wow that is pretty neat looking.  But she is pretty set on this, and given I spent more than I told her I would on the soda machine I'm not pushing her on this one.

Come on now... the best thing to do is make up an incredible deal that you "couldn't pass up"... and buy both machines  '>