La Cross 100 7-UP Machine

[hoopz]

I picked up a la Cross 100 7-UP machine.  It's in decent condition, I think.  It cools well and isn't terribly dirty.  I have cleaned some of it but still have some work to do.



This is my first soda machine and I am not sure what resources are available to me as far as parts, manuals, etc for this machine.

It's missing the main mechanism.  Ideally, I would like to set the machine up for free vend but I am not sure if the main mechanism is needed for that.



My first thought was that short of the mech that completes the circuit to the switch to release the lever, my only other choice is to remove the levers or figure out how to release them manually.  





So I guess my questions are;

How may I determine if I can get the mech for this machine?

If I can't find it, what is the easiest or best way to free vend this?

Thanks for any help.  

Mods:  If this should be in a different forum, please move. I wasn't sure where to start.

Thanks!

Hoopz

[sodaworks]

Welcome Aboard Hoopz,
The La Crosse machines are not as common as Vendo's, VMC's and Cavaliers. With that said it is a alot harder to find parts for the La Crosse, but you are in luck. If you are just missing just the coin mech. you should be able to pick up a good Coinco 9800 pretty cheap. Our site sponsors sell new units for about 115 bucks, used ones are avail. on ebay as well as a member here may have a good working unit pretty cheap. You should also contact member JohnieG he rebuilds these units as well.
The model 100 means that it will vend 100 bottles.  '>

[johnieG]

Yep I do service & sell the coinmechs including the 9800 coinco series, I also have an identcle parts machine if you need anything other than shelves (those sell like hot-cakes!)

[hoopz]

Thanks for the replies.  On the following picture, is it the coin mech that attaches in the red circle and connects to the female plug in the yellow circle?




johnieG, will any 9800 coinco series mech work or do I need to look for anything in particular?

Sodaworks, I didn't know that the model # meant that.  I do have all the shelves so I am anxious to fill them up.  

Thanks!  '>

[johnieG]

So long as it's a 115 volt AC model ***, Yes any Coinco S75-9800 A or B model will work, the A model is identified by the removable chrome/metal cover over the coin return path on the left side of the mech. & can be set from 5 to 75-cents,

the B model has a one-piece non-removable platic cover that has COINCO stamped into the plastic & can be set from 5-cents to $1.55 per vend.
 
NOTE***( there were some 24-volt models that look physically identical to the 115 volt models.  & yes, the yellow circled female jack is were it plugs into.

[sodaworks]

Hoopz,
 The plug is called a jones plug. Sounds like you'll be drinking cold soda's in no time.

[beazle00]

Congrats on your first machine. I also have a LaCrosse machine.  I managed to set my machine to free vend by removing a spring from the bottle release mech.  Basically at the top of the bottle stack is the solenoid that is activated by the vending mech to release the bottle.  the picture I attached below is what it looked like after I removed the spring(little blue arrow) from where the bigger blue arrow is pointing to.

[hoopz]

(beazle00 @ May 06 2007,7:18)

QUOTE

Congrats on your first machine. I also have a LaCrosse machine.  I managed to set my machine to free vend by removing a spring from the bottle release mech.  Basically at the top of the bottle stack is the solenoid that is activated by the vending mech to release the bottle.  the picture I attached below is what it looked like after I removed the spring(little blue arrow) from where the bigger blue arrow is pointing to.

Outstanding! Thanks beazle00.  That did it! My springs looked slightly different than yours but I was able to release one and presto!   '>

That is a good short term fix until I can get the coin mech.

I understand that value is relative, but realistically, what range of prices would this machine get if I wanted to sell it?  $250?  

To be honest, I really am not looking to sell it regardless.  It was free and I want to clean it up so it looks like new.

To everyone who has helped, I sincerely appreciate it!  I'll be back later with more questions, I am sure.