Vendo 39

[mznb1u]

I have a line on a Vendo 39--the earlier all red model.  According to the seller it is in original condition and is in good working order.

  Being that I am very new to this hobby, I am looking for any pointers or things to look out for when I go to see it.  I want to make sure that it is what it is supposed to be.  Is there a registry or a way to de-code the serial number?   Has anyone ever manufactured a reproduction model of this machine?  If so, how can I tell the re-pro from the real McCoy?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Tim

[Creighton]

Too the best of my knowledge nobody has done a re-pop of a 39. Major items to check would be, is it complete. Drum, coin mech etc.. Next is condition of the main shell. Any signs of rust through? Parts are pretty easy and sheet metal can be fixed. Drives the restoration cost up past the break even point if too much work is required though.
Picture?
Creighton
 

[loman4ec]

Yep most parts are available but can be costly. Mainly the drum and coin mech. How much do they want for the machine?

[Sodaman101]

And assuming it has the old bottle drum; It only vends the small bottles( the 6 oz-8oz ones) If I recall correctly and only one flavor. So from a practical standpoint they lack in practicality( was that redundant LOL :-) This is why my slant shelf machine is my hero 

[mznb1u]

Here are the pictures.  The guy wants $500.00 for it and I am going to check it out later this afternoon.  My Cavalier USS 64 will be my everyday machine.  I just thought it would be fun to have one of the older machines for parties and this seemed like a good deal if it still works as the seller is indicating.

More importantly, I have the okay from the War Department because her family bottled Coke for four generations and she would like one of the old machines.  I figured I better move quickly.  I also thought if it was a complete machine that it could be a fun restoration project for my sons and I.

I was asuming that it had the older drum as well--is there an easy way to tell if it has the newer one?

Aside from the cost of the newer drum (if it needs one) how hard is it to change that out?

What about the cost and availability of the coin mechanism if that is missing?  Or is it easy to set this machine to free-vend in the alternative?

The thing that had me a bit confused is the box (see picture) that is in the pre-cool area of the machine.  I have seen a lot of pictures of the Vendo 39's before and after restorations and have never seen one with that.  Perhaps just an add-on somewhere along the way.  Any thoughts on this?

Sorry for all the questions but I really do appreciate all thoughts or comments from the group!

Thanks guys!

Tim

[davethebirdman]

Looks like the earlier version... "Ice Cold" embossed on the door.
Unless it has the modification drum fitted afterwards it will have probably come with the original drum.

You can buy modified drums for the larger bottles and even can drums have appeared in the past.
I think that the drum change is as simple as undoing the nut. Providing you have the fingers etc attached.

As already stated all parts for V-39 are either repro'd or appear regularily on Ebay...
I think $500 is a good price for the machine but others are better placed to tell you.

I have absolutely no idea what that box is but it doesn't seem to have anthing attached to it... 

[SIGNGUY]

He's asking $500... so that means go with $350 CASH in hand and see if he'll take it... but even at $500 it's not a bad price for a classic machine, wether you use it or not.. still one of the most recognizeable COke machines ever produced...
Looks pretty clean too,,, probably wouldn't need a new paint job, just a buffer.. JMO

As far as function... it will most likely only hold the small bottles, which are available at most wharehouse chains, and some grocers...

For $500 i'd go for it if it where near me....

Oh does it cool? if it does... ask him to have it plugged in and running when you get there to be sure.... otherwise.. refridgeration can get costly...

Good luck

[collecture]

Looks to be all complete and that is the original drum in there.
I would keep the original drum with the early 39, but that just me....
$500 is a good price for a 39!

[loman4ec]

Its a nice machine. If it cooled and it was close to me I would easily pay $500 for it but as signguy said $350 cash in hand may catch his eye. I like the 39's. Even though they only vend 6.5 oz bottles. But there are a lot of people here that refill and recap their small bottles. That is what I would do if I had a 39. Only makes sense to me. The pre cool tray just looks like something someone has stuck in their. The normal bottom of the precool area usually collects some water from condensation so someone probably used that area for sandwiches or something like that that they didn't want to get wet. I agree though make sure it cools. It can get expensive to fix the refrigeration unit. Just getting someone local to look at it can be hard. Also remember that if you lay it down to bring it home wait 24 hours to plug it in!

[RC kid]

I love the classic looks of the V-39. I have two right now and they are easy to work on and parts are available. You can get drum capable of holding cans but the little bottles are still available at most supermarkets and I find them a lot cooler to use, even though they are a little more costly. If you do decide to go the can route the modified drum may run around $350.00. You can test the coin mech out before buying your machine as it is a mechanical devise and does not require electricity to work. I would ensure that everything does function, but even if it doesn't, it probably can be fixed with a little tinkering, Although I have a hard time myself with the cion mechs. The refrigeration is also easy to up-grade. Look up Globle Refrigeration, they are located in texas I believe. If you do need a new unit look at spending upwards to $700.00. You may be able to get someone local to look at your unit if it runs but does not cool, which is usually the case.
Looking at the pictures of your prospective buy I would jump on it. Just ensure there is no rust through on any of the metal. Take a flash lite and get down and look really good in the compressor area, especially the roof above the compressor. Look closely for little pin holes that would indicate severe rust on the inside of the box. If the seller allows, you should push on this area with a screw driver, if it is rusted out the screw driver will push right through. Even if it is rusted through it can be repaired, just requires a good bodyshop guy. But this will add to the cost of the restoration. Also check the inside bottom of the cabinet to ensure it too is solid. These cabinets are easy to reproduce and I can get one here in NC made out of stainless steel for a couple hundred dollars.
When restoring this machine ensure everything works properly prior to final paint and assembly. You don't want to damage your exspensive paint job by taking things off and on repeatedly. So assemble everything prior to painting, take photos of all of your adjustments, then tear it down and send it off to the paint shop. When it comes back the final assembly will be much easier. Don't forget to tag your parts and hardware as you remove them and remember, never throw anything away, keep everything so you will have the correct piece to use as a guide. When replacing screws or bolts, I take the hardware with me when I go to the hardware store. And the little spacers, they are hard to find in the correct size, so I clean them up and reuse them when possible.
You should check out Funtronics and get one of their catalogs. I buy from them and off Ebay regularly.
I think you have a great father/son project. Good Luck.