C51, how practical?

[Kapri]

Hi all, I've found a C51 near to me that's a bit rough but complete and working.
My question is, having no experiance of pop machines, would this be a good first machine?
I have restored other coin op stuff (mainly pinballs) before, so have an idea what I'm getting into, just need to know if it will be too big, heavy etc for your average (english) house.
Thanks, Gaz.

[SIGNGUY]

I've never owned that model, but pretty sure it only vends the smaller bottles, so as far as practicality ... not too practical.. ? just my opionion

[davethebirdman]

Hello Gaz...

Any sort of coke machine is a bonus this side of the world...
How much did you pay for it and where did you get it from?? Is it the one that was on Ebay UK a week back??

Its a single vend small bottle vendor but hey, its a coke machine so if the price is right grab it...

Dave

[Kilroy]

If all the parts are there, it can be a cool machine.  Problem   on both sides of the pond is the botle belt ( aka the ammo belt)  is often missing, and  no one is reproducing them, the belts  show up on Ebay infrequewnbtly,  and it's  usually a bidding frenzy. 
Decals  and trim are available  form our  proud sponsors here ( Funtronics,  Soda Jerk Work)
Yes, it's a small bottle, single vend machine, but  cool nonetheless.

[Kapri]

Not got the machine yet, just considering it. Always wanted one and this is probably the best chance I'll get, just don't want to take on more that I can manage.

[RC kid]

I like them. I bought one a while back. It was complete and working nicely. And I buy the small bottles at Sam's. Even though it was complete, I am still replacing the cabinet door. The embossing on the door of the machine I bought was smashed in by Pepsi and a plexiglass Pepsi sign was mounted in it's place.
I would suggest you but one complete. Parts can be difficult and some parts will be exspensive.

[loman4ec]

Since it is a small bottle only machine it can be hard to use however several members here have collected bottles and refilled them themselves. I think this is the best way to go. Collect bottles and buy caps from your local home brew store and just buy liter bottles of coke and fill your bottles and cap them yourself. If your not a Soda fan you could fill them with anything you want. I personally like the C-51's. They aren't the best looking but they are still a cool machine. If the price is within your budget and it is a complete machine I would get it if I were you.

[Kapri]

As Dave says, getting any kind of machine is hard over here, this one is only a couple of miles away and I think it could be a good starting point.
I've offered him £250 ($450), probably a bit too much, but I've done a bit of overtime lately, and it's nearly Christmas!

[90grad]

I have a 51 and really enjoy it.  True, it only vends the small bottles, but like Josh (loman4ec) said, you can refill bottles.  I have it in my basement and have it stocked with Yoo-Hoo.  The diameter of the Yoo-Hoo bottles fits perfectly.  They are just a bit shorter than the Coke bottles.  So, I cut some PVC spacers to place behind the bottles.  You need to push the bottles forward to depress the sold-out mechanism, which then will allow coins to be accepted.  The wife and kids (and me) love getting a cold Yoo-Hoo whenever the mood hits.

[davethebirdman]

I don't think £250.00 is too much... If you do decide to pass plse let me know..

Dave

[Pat Pixley]

I also have a Cav c-51 that will probably  go to the shop next year  for body and paint work.
  they are a cool machine  yes it is only one size but still a neat machine.
 Wayne I like you idea on the Yoo Hoo that is some good thinking , you should do a post
in the tips area  ?

Pat

[RC kid]

When you factor in the savings from not needing to ship along with the condition and how easy or hard it may be to restore, it makes since to pay a couple of dollars more for a complete and easy to restore machine that is located nearby.
I would gladly pay $450.00 for a complete c-51. Heck, I paid more for mine.
Besides, I wonder what the coin mech and bottle belt are worth, if you can find them?

good luck.

[collecture]

Besides, I wonder what the coin mech and bottle belt are worth, if you can find them?

Coin mech is the exact same as a Vendo 39, so they are plentiful.
I sold a bottle belt many years ago for $300 or so.

[Kilroy]

The best I've seen around here for a complete but needs to be restored Cav 51  was $750.00 USD
And don't forget the Cavalier being discussed is across the pond,  it's a lot easier to find a good machine, or parts here than in the UK.

Since my first machine  was a Vendo 39, I have a special place in my heart  for single vend, small bottle machines, so I may be slightly biased

All that matters is:
Is the machine complete?
Do you feel comfortable  giving  restoring a go?
Do you like it?

[RC kid]

I love the vendo 39. It took me almost 20 years before I was in a position to buy one. Now I am restoring two.

$300.00 for the ammo belt. Wow! Thanks a lot.

So $450.00 for a complete machine should be more thet fair.

[coke_and_stuff]

$300-350 for ammo belt
$150 for rollers
$125 for coin mech
$100 coin door with coin bezel $40.00 with bezel

and thats just a tip of the iceburg!

Joey

[GreginNM]

I agree...it's all about what YOU like!

RC Kid...I'm the same as you!  It took me almost 20 years as well to get a V-39.  It has always been my favorite for some strange reason, and I have always equated the C-51 to the V-39, though not as high on my fav list.

I guess I'll have to watch the C-51s that come up dirt cheap and complete around here.  I didn't realize they were so much money in just parts!

Greg

[collecture]

I guess I'll have to watch the C-51s that come up dirt cheap and complete around here.  I didn't realize they were so much money in just parts!

The sum of the parts is almost always greater than the whole with any machine.

[Kapri]

Just had an e-mail from the seller saying he's been offered £700 for the C51.
Looks like I'm sticking to the pins then!

[davethebirdman]

Never mind something will come along eventually...
Was it the one on Ebay a week or so ago??

Dave

[Kapri]

Yes, looked a bit tatty, but I think it was all there. Greed-bay pulled his auction for some reason.

[davethebirdman]

I bought a pinball from him some time ago.. Nice guy...
I was going to bid on it myself if it stayed low...

Whereabouts are you??

Dave

[RC kid]

700 pounds is to much for a machine you are going to have to restore. You'll find another.

[Kapri]

Dave, I'm in Derby, literally  5 mins from his house. I've bought pinball stuff from him before and he is a decent guy, says he may keep the machine now.