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Author Topic: I'm NOT a collector - but need your advice...  (Read 15519 times)
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cjohnson
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« on: November 13, 2007, 07:50:20 pm »

Hi there,

I am not a collector and know NOTHING about it - but I thought this would be the best place to post my question because you all are clearly the experts!

My husband LOVES coca cola in the bottle.  I was thinking for Christmas that I would try to track down some sort of coca cola machine that we can keep in our garage that would house the bottles.  However, I have NO idea where to start - much less how much money we are talking about.

I really just want something that will work and keep the bottles cold - but maybe what I want is such a rare thing that I will have to pay thousands for it.  Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should start looking or how much I may end up paying?

Thanks so much!!

Cindy
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loman4ec
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« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2007, 08:05:10 pm »

Hi Cindy. Price greatly depends on what you are looking for. Most bottle machines prior to 1960 had rounded top corners and are considered more valuable. If you are just looking for a garage machine and don't care much about value I would suggest a post 1960 square top machine. The most common being the Cavalier 64's or Vendo 56 or 63. These are nice machines and are in fact my favorite. You can usually get a descent one that works but isn't in perfect condition for about $200 to $350. Where do you live someone here might have one for sale.   
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aspbear
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« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2007, 08:15:04 pm »

I agree it is all about what you want but you can watch around in your area and pick up a working machine for 200 or so,  just make sure when you buy one that it does run and cool before you put the money out. It normally only take 20 to 30 minutes for one of the smaller machines to cool down and you can listen for it to cycle.  Most of the 56's and 64's would be an ideal size for the garage.

What a nice wife you are to be looking for a machine for your husband but we warn you this can be habit forming just ask my wife....
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aspbear
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« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2007, 08:34:06 pm »



My husband LOVES coca cola in the bottle.  I was thinking ............



Cindy

       You will find a single-vend round corner machine at a very reasonable price.
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Glen
Pat Pixley
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« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2007, 09:41:26 pm »

Hi Cindy   Josh is in the right dept.  for the garage a nice Vendo 56 or 63
or Cavalier 64 or 80  those are nice machine easy to get parts for  and
great machine's  they look great all lite up in a dark garage at night or on
the patio .
   So those would be the models I would be looking for
I also would ask  if any one on the board may live in your
area that may have one of these models.

Pat
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cjohnson
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« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2007, 08:38:49 am »

Thank you to all of your for your help.  Now that I know what to look for, does anyone  have any idea where I can find it?  Do I just search online for it?  Thanks so much...  I truly apprecaite it!!

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loman4ec
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« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2007, 10:04:39 am »

I would try here first. We all help fellow members. Just say what city and state you are in and someone here might be able to help you. You won't meet a better group of people anywhere. I have been on here for several years and i consider all of the members here are like family. 
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collecture
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Tom


« Reply #7 on: November 14, 2007, 10:11:38 am »

If nobody on this site can help you with one, try your local Craigslist, check the classifieds in your local newspaper. Maybe even put an want ad on Craigslist or your local newspaper - then, of course, there is eBay.
Word of mouth is also good, tell everybody you know (that won't tell your husband) what you want to do. You'd be surprised - somebody may know a neighbor or a friend that has one just sitting in their garage.
« Last Edit: November 14, 2007, 10:14:30 am by collecture » Logged

Cav 27, 33, CS-55E-2, 72
S-48 DP
Ideal CC 35, Barq's 55
1930s DP Counter Cooler
Vendo Coin Changers (ea. style - orig w/ stand)
Vendo Junior (rest.), 23 Deluxe, 39D, 44, 56RT, 80SS, 81A (orig), 81D, 6 C.V.
VMC 27, 27A, 81D DP, 110 DP
Westy WC-42-T, WC-44SK, WD-5(2), WB60
Victor C-14
SIGNGUY
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« Reply #8 on: November 14, 2007, 10:17:11 am »

Let us know where you are located... Most of us have an extra or two or 10 Machines lying around, or we could locate one in your area for you..

Good luck
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cjohnson
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« Reply #9 on: November 14, 2007, 10:18:01 am »

Let us know where you are located... Most of us have an extra or two or 10 Machines lying around, or we could locate one in your area for you..

Good luck

Wow - you all are great!  I live in Charlotte, NC.  If anyone can help me locate one, I'd greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks!!!!
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collecture
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Tom


« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2007, 11:53:10 am »

Kevin C is in SC - maybe not too far away?
« Last Edit: November 14, 2007, 11:55:31 am by collecture » Logged

Cav 27, 33, CS-55E-2, 72
S-48 DP
Ideal CC 35, Barq's 55
1930s DP Counter Cooler
Vendo Coin Changers (ea. style - orig w/ stand)
Vendo Junior (rest.), 23 Deluxe, 39D, 44, 56RT, 80SS, 81A (orig), 81D, 6 C.V.
VMC 27, 27A, 81D DP, 110 DP
Westy WC-42-T, WC-44SK, WD-5(2), WB60
Victor C-14
cjohnson
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« Reply #11 on: November 14, 2007, 04:09:42 pm »

Kevin C is in SC - maybe not too far away?

Just depends on where in SC.  I am not far from there at all... anyone who can help me - it would be much appreciated.  I checked ebay and couldn't find much... maybe I don't know what I am looking for, but I searched on what you all were recommending.

I have checked my local craigslist, but will check again...

Thanks again!
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Pat Pixley
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« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2007, 04:35:31 pm »

Here is this in GA  Item number: 200173662700    This may be worth checking out ?   smile

Pat
« Last Edit: November 14, 2007, 08:37:01 pm by Pat Pixley » Logged
cjohnson
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« Reply #13 on: November 14, 2007, 05:39:35 pm »

Here is this in GA  Item number: 200173662700    This may be worth check out ?   smile

Pat

Thanks, Pat.  Where do I search for this item # in order to find it?  Is it on this site somewhere?  THANKS!
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collecture
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Tom


« Reply #14 on: November 14, 2007, 05:50:38 pm »

Pat was giving you an eBay item number - paste it in the eBay search box.
here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200173662700&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D200173662700%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1
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Cav 27, 33, CS-55E-2, 72
S-48 DP
Ideal CC 35, Barq's 55
1930s DP Counter Cooler
Vendo Coin Changers (ea. style - orig w/ stand)
Vendo Junior (rest.), 23 Deluxe, 39D, 44, 56RT, 80SS, 81A (orig), 81D, 6 C.V.
VMC 27, 27A, 81D DP, 110 DP
Westy WC-42-T, WC-44SK, WD-5(2), WB60
Victor C-14
cjohnson
Guest
« Reply #15 on: November 14, 2007, 06:19:06 pm »


Oh - thanks!  I just checked it out and placed a bid.  We shall see if I get it.  I can definitely drive to Atlanta to get it...

Thanks, everyone!
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collecture
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Tom


« Reply #16 on: November 14, 2007, 06:33:13 pm »

If you win the machine, be sure to get your husband on this site so we can help him get some other machines to play with tounge
Just kidding!
He will undoubtedly have some questions though and we can help!
I always install a new wiring harness, new fans and a thermostat and possibly gaskets. The machine will safely operate more efficiently and quieter. Those items can be obtained from sponsors of the site here like Fun-Tronics or Soda Jerk Works.
Good Luck!
« Last Edit: November 14, 2007, 06:34:59 pm by collecture » Logged

Cav 27, 33, CS-55E-2, 72
S-48 DP
Ideal CC 35, Barq's 55
1930s DP Counter Cooler
Vendo Coin Changers (ea. style - orig w/ stand)
Vendo Junior (rest.), 23 Deluxe, 39D, 44, 56RT, 80SS, 81A (orig), 81D, 6 C.V.
VMC 27, 27A, 81D DP, 110 DP
Westy WC-42-T, WC-44SK, WD-5(2), WB60
Victor C-14
Pat Pixley
Guest
« Reply #17 on: November 14, 2007, 08:51:16 pm »

 Hey Cindy Sorry I forgot to tell you it was on Ebay   oops   Well you got there with help from the Crew We are a great bunch of people here, And  remember to let your husband
know   biggrin  biggrin

And yes if you win this for him you will have to send him this way .
And like Tom said fan motors new cord and new Thermostat and
gaskets later.

  Also Glen is right this is not the post to talk about Al Hoffman,
 This is about Cindy and getting her Husband a Coke Machine.
And GETTING A NEW MEMBER   HA HA HA HA
OK Just joking about the member thing  glare Or am I  glare

  Pat
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cjohnson
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« Reply #18 on: November 14, 2007, 10:21:04 pm »

Well, I just bid $250.00 and I have been outbid... so I think this one may not be meant to be.  Maybe I just can't afford it for him right now - I'd really love not to spend any more than that, especially if I have to drive 3 hours one way to pick it up.

Oh well, I put it on craigslist too... maybe something will come up.

Thanks to everyone - and keep me in mind if you know of anything!

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loman4ec
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« Reply #19 on: November 14, 2007, 10:24:54 pm »

Take your time. You will find one. I have had probably 25 Cavalier 64's and I have never paid more than $200 for one. Just be patient. If you run an ad in the newspaper under the antiques column chances are you will be overwhelmed with calls.
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Pat Pixley
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« Reply #20 on: November 14, 2007, 10:33:41 pm »

Real sorry about that Cindy, One will show up soon , like
Josh said he has had about 25  myself maybe 10 these
machines are out there so don't worry .

  Pat smile
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cjohnson
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« Reply #21 on: November 14, 2007, 10:47:59 pm »

Take your time. You will find one. I have had probably 25 Cavalier 64's and I have never paid more than $200 for one. Just be patient. If you run an ad in the newspaper under the antiques column chances are you will be overwhelmed with calls.

Well, that is an idea... if I do that - what on earth does the ad say?  I don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't run and that my husband has to repair before we can even use.  But, he will definitely be willing to maintain it...

Any help with what to say in an ad?  I want to get the verbage right so I don't sound like a complete idiot out there...

Also, just to be sure - the Cavalier 64's or Vendo 56 or 63 (which someone recommended is what I need), that will hold bottles, right?  And, I assume I can buy bottles somewhere online?  He really loves the coke bottles - and I want to make sure I get something that makes sense.

Thanks!!!
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Pat Pixley
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« Reply #22 on: November 14, 2007, 10:57:06 pm »

Cindy do you live near a Sams Club They have Coke in the glass bottles
and some sell Orange crush  and the other flavors and maybe IBC Root beer.

Josh is the man for the help on the ad deal  he is the man for that.
Just a quick note  still keep your eye's open on ebay one may show up in your
area.

 Pat
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Kilroy
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« Reply #23 on: November 14, 2007, 11:14:39 pm »

And don't forget you can specify  searches by  distance, price and keywords coke on Ebay, and send you email alerts, no sense looking at machines cross country.



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loman4ec
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« Reply #24 on: November 15, 2007, 02:52:58 am »

I would always run an ad in the antiques section NOT in the wanted section. say something like

Looking to buy 1950's and 60's Coke bottle vending machines. Must run and cool. Call or email to XXXXXXXX


You will get a lot of calls. A lot of people think that because they have something old that says Coke they can retire on its value. Don't let these get you down. I usually got 1 good call for every 8 to 10 useless calls. When you go see a machine if you are not sure about it just take some photos and get a price  and post it here and we will tell you what to do.
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loman4ec
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« Reply #25 on: November 15, 2007, 06:39:26 am »

I wanted to post some pictures here so you have a better idea of what we are suggesting to you. You have already seen what a Cavalier CS-64 looks like as that is what you bid on.

I would also suggest a Cavalier USS-64. They are a shelf machine like the standard cavalier 64 but they will vend both bottles and cans. They are a great garage machine because you can vend anything in them. That is the first picture.

The second picture is of a vendo 56. This is a nice compact little machine. It vends 56 bottles. They are easy to work on and parts are easy to find. they can also still be bought rather cheep.

The Third pic is a vendo 63. These are slightly more expensive than the 56 because they are better looking. This is an early model and the most sought after.
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halehouse
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« Reply #26 on: November 15, 2007, 06:47:12 am »

Like Josh said, the USS machines are pretty versatile.  See how the bottle slot openings are round on the bottle only machine?  On the USS Cavalier machine, they are square with a knob that turns to deliver the product. 

Josh, which can/bottle machine has the little "flap" or "tab" you pull?
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« Reply #27 on: November 15, 2007, 09:42:00 am »

....and do get discouraged by how the machine looks at first... most will be pretty beat up or ugly Like the woodgrain ones... but with a little time , one can get pretty cleaned up and repainted either by a pro or just with some spray paint and decals for the garage if you jsut want it to look nicer than the ugly brown...
Good luck
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« Reply #28 on: November 15, 2007, 11:59:54 am »

....and do get discouraged by how the machine looks at first...

       He means "don't" get discouraged.

       Found this in my Craigslist a few weeks ago.
        http://ventura.craigslist.org/clt/453675382.html

       Well seller soon realized $500 was way too much. End of the
month came and this machine had to go. I was willing to offer
$50.00 to $100.00..........but ended up getting it for free  happydrinkers

       The refrigeration problem?   The drain hose was keeping the
lower fanmotor from spinning. It works perfect.

       You will find yours too Cindy.
« Last Edit: November 15, 2007, 12:03:40 pm by MoonDawg » Logged

Glen
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« Reply #29 on: November 15, 2007, 03:07:05 pm »


As the proud new owner of a Westighouse 44SK may I suggest that as a possible contender.
Smalland versitile with a crank handle.... I like it anyway... Dave
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #30 on: November 15, 2007, 03:11:44 pm »



There's this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/Westinghouse-44-Coca-Cola-machine_W0QQitemZ200172577124QQihZ010QQcategoryZ38QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is it too far...
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cjohnson
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« Reply #31 on: November 15, 2007, 04:51:39 pm »


Thanks for looking - but yes, it is a bit too far for me to go.

I will keep my eyes peeled... and of course, thanks to you all for doing the same!
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cjohnson
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« Reply #32 on: November 16, 2007, 04:42:11 pm »

Hi everyone - again!

I am still on the hunt and found this posting on my local craigslist...

"this is an older coke machine, i do not know what year it is from. it did work, it has a bad switch or relay, it hasn't been turned on and has been sitting in this corner for a long time. it is in good shape and with a little knowledge and TLC it will come right back to life. runs on standard 120v outlet
purchaser is responsible for pick up."

he is selling it for $100.  but i am worried it won't run and i will end up giving my husband a junker...

any thoughts??

 



 
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cjohnson
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« Reply #33 on: November 16, 2007, 04:44:56 pm »

I also found this that someone is selling for $70.00 locally.  it is a 1940's coke ice chest.  i assume it doesn't hold the bottles, per se... it just is an ice chest with the coke logo on the outside, right?

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« Reply #34 on: November 16, 2007, 05:20:10 pm »

      We enjoy your questions. The machine you found is a can
vending machine. Cans are stacked in different columns. After
a coin is accepted a button is pushed and a motor is activated
in one of the 6 stacks. Way too much electronics for a first machine.
       
       The other machines you were referred to were simple.
Deposit coin, open selection door and pull out a bottle and
another bottle will roll down the shelf to take it's place.
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Glen
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« Reply #35 on: November 16, 2007, 06:02:05 pm »

I agree, those are very heavy and can be complicated if you have vending problems.  You are going about this in the right way, a 56 or 64 will show up and will be a great first machine for your husband.  On the other item that coke ice cooler is not to bad a buy, if you want one,  I bet if you offered the person 40 or 50 bucks you would own the ice chest. 
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aspbear
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« Reply #36 on: November 16, 2007, 08:18:07 pm »

      The six-pack carrier and 6 embossed bottles are worth more
than that big ol' picnic cooler. Hold off, it's no real bargain at any
price.
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Glen
cjohnson
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« Reply #37 on: November 17, 2007, 10:41:33 pm »

Hi there everyone...

I could use your help again.  I found this online at ebay and was wondering if it is worth me trying to bid on?

http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-coke-coca-cola-vending-machine-1960s-bottles_W0QQitemZ140179916019QQihZ004QQcategoryZ38QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It is not too far for me to pick up at all...

Your thoughts??

THANKS!!

-Cindy
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loman4ec
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« Reply #38 on: November 17, 2007, 10:46:44 pm »

Nice Vendo 63. I think that is a great move. It is missing the coin mechanism but we can walk you through the steps to wire a free vend switch (easy) and then you don't have to bother with coins. It needs a new lock but that is under $10. The Vendo 63 is somewhat more collectible than the Vendo 56 due to it having more chrome and being flashier. It will hold it's value and will actually be a good investment for the long run. Go for it.
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« Reply #39 on: November 18, 2007, 09:11:02 am »

Good looking machine,  you will be surprised what a little soap, water and wax can do for one of these...
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aspbear
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« Reply #40 on: November 18, 2007, 11:58:26 am »

         Not only will it clean up nice, it comes with a very nice light-up
sign. Since they're plastic most are pretty cracked or scratched and faded.
         Best of all.......you found it or your own!  Good job  happydrinkers
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Glen
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« Reply #41 on: November 18, 2007, 02:35:35 pm »

Hope there is room in the house, after a little cleaning, it will look to good to be sitting in the garage  smile
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« Reply #42 on: November 19, 2007, 09:38:58 am »

Great looking machine... good luck..

We'll be watching.
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cjohnson
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« Reply #43 on: November 19, 2007, 11:28:07 am »

Great looking machine... good luck..

We'll be watching.

I think I may have secured it.  I talked to the guy just now and he said that he will sell it to me for $260 and that he would even deliver it for another $50.00.  Doesn't sound like a bad deal, huh?

I hope I can get it and keep it a secret from my husband for the next month!  I will be in touch!!!  THANKS!!
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