are these good deALS? Candy and cigarette machine

[Justin W]

Going to look at both of these machines tomorrow.  Can anyone tell me more about them?

The cigarette machine is a Fawn, the guy has had it for 25+ years (he says) but never had a key. Hes just used it for the mirror and decoration.  Says his kids used to pull cigarettes out of it when they were younger.  Not sure of whats inside but he says its light.  Should it be light?   What era is this from?  50's?  He wants $100.

The candy machine appears to be from the 70's but I'm not sure. Its a national vendors CM72. Cant find any info on it anywhere.  Its in a firestation and has been for years.  An old firefighter left it when he retired.  It was recently serviced and works well,  they just cant adjust the price any higher to make any money on the candy so they want to get rid of it.  They want $125.

Anyone have any info on the machines?  Are these decent prices?

[MaineT]

The pictures of the Fawn are not showing the pulls, so there are probably big holes there where they should be. Its fine if you want to convert it into a cabinet for your garage, but he should be giving it to you if the inside is missing. you are going to have a hard time finding the mechanism without shipping, then you will be very upside down on this one.

The national from the 70's is not that visually appealing to me, there are some nationals that are that you would could find for the same price.

personally, I would keep the $125 and look for one really cool one.

[memorylane]

I would not waste your money on these, put your money into a good Stoner candy machine. Cigarette Machines are a hard sell and even harder to find parts for & the Candy machine is what everyone will pass on. Get one nice machine that you can work with.

Curtis, Memory Lane Restorations

[Justin W]

Thanks.  Im gonna go look at the Fawn and see if it looks complete.  IS there anyway I can tell if the mech inside is working without a key?  Can I put in coins and see if the pulls work....assuming the pulls are there These machines are all mecahnical right?  no electricity.

And I'm not that into the 70's machine either but it seemed well taken care of and I like to find good deals.  Maybe it'll sit around for another few weeks and I can get it for somethng more reasonable.

[MaineT]

Thanks.  Im gonna go look at the Fawn and see if it looks complete.  IS there anyway I can tell if the mech inside is working without a key?  Can I put in coins and see if the pulls work....assuming the pulls are there These machines are all mecahnical right?  no electricity.

And I'm not that into the 70's machine either but it seemed well taken care of and I like to find good deals.  Maybe it'll sit around for another few weeks and I can get it for somethng more reasonable.

Yes, do not go look at it until he sends a picture of the whole front of the machine. You will see a big gaping hole where the pulls should be coming out. You will be able to stick your hand into it up to your elbow! There is no such thing is a light vending machine made out of steel.  I have the MRI to prove it!

[Justin W]

Thanks Curtis.  Thats why I come here to get the good info.

[Justin W]

There is no such thing is a light vending machine made out of steel.  I have the MRI to prove it!

Thats true!  I was thinking more in comparison to a coke machine,  but these things werent designed to be easily moved around were they??!!

Thanks again guys!  I was trying to get something other than a soda machine and this was my first lesson.  Like I said I'm just looking for good deals and $100 sounded good but not for these two machines.

[Jacko1070]

I always wanted one of those candy machines, until I found one.   It's the kind I grew up with, but indeed they weigh a freakin' ton.   Held off and got a fixer upper Stoner from a member here and couldn't be happier.   Not a lot lighter, but it definately is, and WAAAAAAAAAY more aesthetically pleasing.........

[davethebirdman]

If its only around the corner I'd be inclined to have a little lookie ast the Fawn machine. He may throw the other one in...

[Justin W]

The more I think about the cig machine the more I want to know if its complete....whats the harm in going to look, right?  I dont have a cig machine and its just a few miles away. 
My wife would have something to say about that 

[memorylane]

If you can't get into the machine, push the coin return to see if theres a coin mec in it. You will be able to feel preasure when pushing in on the coin return. That away you will know if theres a mec.

Curtis, Memory Lane Restorations

[MaineT]

To me, the chase is most of the fun. Just don't get your hopes up, take a look and you will gain experience for the next one. 

There are some really cool cigarette machines out there, and we all can't drive a ferrari, but for what you would have into this one, you could have been driving one. When you are done, you will still have a really nice ford escort of cigarette machines.

FYI, This is from a guy who put $15,000 (and hundreds of hours) into a $6500-8500 car, it was a tough lesson to learn and I would not have listened if someone had told me not to do it. If you start with a 1968 fairlane, no matter how much you throw at it, you will still have a 1968 fairlane!!! I could have doubled my money, not halved it, if I would have started with a mustang GT.

[Basementgeek]

Just an FYI on the Candy machine.  It is National Crown seventy two series.  I still have a brochure
on them.

If the fire station wants to make go up to a $1.30 vend.  I have what it needs.
Also an electric conversion unit that will go to $ 6.35 for it.

BG

[Justin W]

So I ended up getting the FAwn machine for $50 then spent $25 to have a key made......BUT when I got it opened I found a complete carton of vintage KOOLS which it looks like I could sell on ebay and recoup all my money  

I've started to clean up the machine, as you can see on the white portion.

I filled it with candy and bubblegum cigarettes so everyone can enjoy it.