Vendo 56

[HI-OCTANE]

Here is a all original Vendo 56 every thing from the paint and the coin changer and refrigeration works, Just needs a few things like a lock for the door and maybe some new decals. He is asking $3.500, for it I think I could pick it up for $3.000 Does that sound about right for a original machine like this. Not looking to flip   Just something  for my self to enjoy with a few other collectibles. Thanks for your opinions.

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[HI-OCTANE]

Here is the inside of the machine.

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[loman4ec]

let others chime in but i think it would be an ok price. not great but for a machine for you i would say its fair. i prefer original to restored any day. If it were me I would [ay it. I think the 56 is the best round top made.

[collecture]

It is nice paint and is complete, but that is NOT the original compressor assembly for the machine.....pass IMO!

[johnieG]

I agree that the compressor isn't original to say the least! it's a transplant from a modern refrigerator, first hint, look at the condensing coils fan-shroud, it's plastic & set too far to the right, and the condensing coils been turned side-ways, the compressor is an Embreco "ball" style & it's all been mounted onto the original deck plate .

[Marvin]

I really want a 56.  I think that 3000.00 is a bit high.  I'd say 1800.00 or so would be more in line.

[mygoose101]

I wouldn't give up on that machine so quickly, that is a nice machine. 56's are a tough machine to get and in that original condition. Correct, compressor is a bummer. I would use that to bargain. $3,000 would be fair at best with correct compressor, as is maybe $2,000. For that price you'd get a great machine and would leave you room to search for a correct compressor someday. Good luck.

[loman4ec]

Does it really matter what compressor is in it? Its just the deck that has been replaced the original evaporator coils are there. If nothing else it may be more efficient and possibly quieter. I would bargin on it but if you really want it for yourself I would say $3K is not bad. You couldn't get a restored machine for that price and I think a good original is worth more than a restored machine. Or has it been repainted? If its been repainted and has the new cooling system it may even have had new insulation done.Its up to you but if I had the money, was looking for a round top and found that machine I would buy it.

[MoonDawg]

       If you want it original as possible, a complete refrigeration system from a square corner 56 will fit perfectly. Junkers usually can be picked up for $100 or less.

[mygoose101]

There you go. Now, go get it. If that is all original you can't go wrong. Also keep in mind that it already has the glass door, rare on the 56 unless one cut's it out so that will both save you some work and a few bucks.

[Slapshot42]

I would pass on that one.   I just had one go in my area for $1,500.00. 

[HI-OCTANE]

I have to agree loman4ec, I think I would rather have a new modern compressor that works and is quite and efficient . I do like a machine to be all original as possible, But also want the machine to cool and vend soda pop bottles. And when you have one of these things fully restored by a professional,you are looking at $4.000. to $8.000 dollars from what I have seen on some of these websites + shipping WOW ..... So I would think this is not a bad deal especially on a  56 with a glass door  and all original paint and coin changer and here in Albuquerque, NM. You just don't find these these round top two tone red & white Coke-Cola machines out here in this part of the country any more. 

I am a collector,  not in it for buck , Just a machine to go with my gas oil pumps and signs.

[Matt]

From looking at the front picture, it does not look like this machine has a coin changer.

You may want to research modern compressors--specifically, their noise level and weight. The originals typically cool just fine, assuming they work.

With that said, if the machine is for you, you don't plan to sell it, and you're happy then by all means buy it.

[HI-OCTANE]

I'm kind of new to these machines, So I probably mean coin mechanism,  And I could always look in to original compressor  to be 100% all original parts.

[Matt]

I'm kind of new to these machines, So I probably mean coin mechanism, 

Correct, every machine should have a coin mech. The coin mechanism in a large door Vendo (i.e. 56, 81D) can be either a coin changer model or a non-coin changer model. Just wanted to provide some clarification.

[collecture]

From the decal, I am guessing it has the small door/large door type mech in it.
This type mech will accept 2 nickels or 1 dime (no quarters) to vend, but does not allow a coin return once coins are accepted into the mech, which is why there is the "Do Not Deposit Coins If.....Visible" decal.
Great mech as you can easily set it for "Free Vend" (no coins needed) with the turn of a screw.

[cokemachinesandmore]

i would pass also price seems kind of high

[BrianS]

There has been some discussion lately on the 56.  I am in the wrap up stages of my first attempt at a restore and it just happens to be a 56.  Still have to add a few minor items and a few decals, but overall, I'm pretty pleased.  Thought I would share a few pics and my appreciation to all here for their input and knowledge.  Without it I would have never given this a shot.  What's everyone's thoughts on the value of the 56 compared to that of the 81.  The 81 seems to be the king of the hobby, but I really like the size and look of this machine.

I tried to put a bit of a timeline together,  for anyone interested, there are a few more pics at  http://photobucket.com/vendo56
 

[Kilroy]

Needs a Sprite Boy Decal. Kidding...

First off, very nice job on the restore Brian.  She's a keeper.

I also like the 56's. I think the 81 is more  popular since it it doesn't look as stocky as the 56, or maybe  to be able to hold an additional case worth of bottles.. Shrug.  Just my two cents

[sodaman]

Price is way too high.  Pictured are the 2 V56's I restored for my kids, they are sharp looking little machines.

[sodaman]

Larger picture:

[Matt]

That's a huge bottle/hand decal.