Refrigeration restoration services on ebay?

[joesquid]

<font color='#000000'>I thought about posting this on the auction topic but figured it'd be of more help here.  Apparently Vintage Vending is auctioning restoration services on e-bay.  I also thought to post here in hopes Eric (Global Compressors) sees this.  Eric, you've got some interesting competition.

Has anyone used these guys before?  I tried contacting them via e-mail five times looking for parts and never received a response so I'm somewhat negatively biased.

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38&item=7153051331&rd=1" target="_blank">vintage vending services on ebay</a></font>



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[Jim]

I think this is Antique Vending, not Vintage Vending...

[joesquid]

Jim,
You're absolutely right.  Obviously my literacy level drops significantly around 3:00am.

[Skeleton Man]

Quote (Jim @ May 07 2005,7:57)

I think this is Antique Vending, not Vintage Vending...

To ask a silly question.. what is the difference ?

[Jim]

They are two completely different companies...

[Skeleton Man]

Thanks.. I thought it was reffering to different era machines (e.g. 50's vs 70's, etc)

[halehouse]

Eric,

I was comparing 3 different companies to do my machine. From everything on their (Antique Vending) website, I was prepared to take my machine down have have them redo it (I am in VA, they are in NC).  I emailed my info and questions twice back around early Feb. and never heard one word back '> . Not the best way to build a good reputation is it? So, I went with a second choice that I ended up being very happy with.  I got my machine back just this last Sunday.

[halehouse]

Eric,

Just an update to say that I did hear back last night (May 9) from Antique Vending regarding an email I sent on Feb. 8.

[joesquid]

Hale,
  How ironic.  I just got an e-mail from them too.  No apology or explanation as to why it took three months to respond (Pony Express was faster than this) and merely asked me if I had tried Steve Ebner with Funtronics.  Antique Vending's website (which currently appears to be down) totes the company as having the largest collection of machines that they use as a reference to manufacture specialty parts in house.....and after my request for Vendo 80 door latch parts....I get an e-mail (after three months) asking me to check with Funtronics.  Guess they don't have any Vendo 80s in their "collection".

Has anyone else (successfully) done business with this company?

[BrianB]

Joe -

Last Friday I took the plunge and boxed up one of my spare WC-44SK compressor decks and sent it off to Antiquities Vending. I talked to Alan Huffman, the owner. He seemed liked a pretty cool guy and I have a good feeling about the whole process.

I found out exactly how much it would cost to send it UPS by making a few dozen phone calls....Basically, from Indiana to North Carolina, it cost me $28.61. As long as you keep the box under 49"H x 20"w x 20"L and under 70 lbs, you'll be ok. I got super lucky and met all of the dimensional rules and was 1/2 lb. under the 70 lb mark!

I'll keep everybody updated on how things go with this transaction. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
  '>

[BryanH]

Brian - did you send the whole unit (evap, cond & compressor)?  If so I'm assuming you just cut the lines to make it fit within the box?

[BrianB]

Yep, I sent the whole unit without having to cut any lines. I got pretty lucky, the configuration of the evap. for this particular machine is pretty unique. Instead of having an evap. that sits approximately 13 inches high, this one is about half of that and when remove from the machine, sits nicely on top of the compressor.

 The picture posted here is the original one I restored first, the actual one I sent looks identical, just a little more dirty and all of the copper lines are intact unlike my original I had to fix.

[globalcompressors]

Hi Guys,

I too have heard of Alan. From the looks of it, he does seem to do great work. I have never done business with him or know of someone who has. That doesn't mean anything though. I think competition is a good thing. I hear he is a very busy man and that may explain the slow communication. Now, those of you who have done business with me before or who have simply called me for advice, know that I'm just a phone call away, TOLL FREE at that. I don't mind giving a hand, advice, or service to ANYONE who calls or e-mails. Just keep in mind, my service and quality stand alone. I don't have any other jobs or interests other than one, the one that keeps you guys cooling. That is why I'm always available. THIS IS MY ONE AND ONLY JOB, PERIOD! Remember the old adage, "you get what you pay for". Not only do you get a great product and quality service, you also get the benefit of my experience, 17 years and counting. Have I  steered you guys wrong, yet? Let me know how things turn out. If any of you need me, you know where to find me,

TOLL FREE 1 877 856 4996.....GLOBAL COMPRESSORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric:)

[Kilroy]

I now feel compelled to gice Eric a call, if just to say thanks, we do appreciate you being here '>

[sodaworks]

I recently bought a new complete drop in refrig. unit from Eric. I was totally impressed with his quality and workmanship. As he said, he is readily avail., just a phone call away. Eric does awesome work guys!!!

[sodaworks]

Sorry, I failed to mention that was  Eric @ globalcompressors.

[Creighton]

>I now feel compelled to gice Eric a call, if just to say thanks, we do appreciate you being here

Just did that. The deck he sold me 2.5 yrs ago still runs and looks like new. Had a silly question answered and a good laugh. Outstanding service in all regards.
Creighton

[txturbo]

I've talked to Eric on the phone a couple times in the past couple weeks and my wife talked to him in person the other day at his shop. Great guy and is very helpful and knowledgable. Highly recommended. Thanks again for the parts Eric!

[globalcompressors]

You're welcome.

Did everything work out as planned, overload and motor? Let me know if I can
help again. Remember, you can reach me any time!

Eric

[txturbo]

The parts worked out fine. I ran it for about an hour yesterday and it got really cold but never cut off. I'm not sure if the wiring is correct and I haven't found a diagram yet or maybe the thermostat is bad. I may just get you to send me a new thermostat anyway.

[firemun]

I am not for or against Antiquities Vending but here is some info:

I have been up to Allan's place and spent some time with him.  He has more machines crammed into various buildings than I could count...even a Vendo Decapper and 2 different models of  ICEY –O’s: 1 each - Atlanta and Charlotte models.

He is extremely busy and his phone never stops ringing.  He supposedly has about 700 + machines in service on his vending route plus running his restoration business.  I have heard both good and bad things about his work....as I have for almost everyone else who has ever restored a machine.  It seems to depend on who you talk to and when you talk to them.  The machines of his I have seen look great and he took me into his shop where he reworks the refrigeration systems and he had a dozen or so that had came in that week and he said he could turn them around in 7 days.

As for parts from him, I doubt it, as he has all of his machines he uses for reference to build stuff for his restorations.  But again, this is just my thoughts...and not a known.  He always takes my phone calls... but he does take a while to answer emails.

I plan to send a unit up to Allan soon and see how it turns out.  I currently have one down at Eric’s at Global Compressors (which has been there over 2 years…a delay mostly of my doing… I told Eric I was in no hurry then after some time I asked him to intentionally hold off on it until I told him otherwise due to a $$$ crisis).  I expect to be happy with both of them.

Jeff

[globalcompressors]

Hello Jeff,

  Hey man, you're right! I've been waiting for a phone call, to give me the go ahead. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Please give me a call, toll free,
1 877 856 4996. My number has been the same for all of these years. I wish you would have called me, touched base, or an e-mail, when things were better. I would of had it out right away!

Eric

[firemun]

Eric,
It is no problem...I have not been able to work on the WD 22 for a long time.  In the last email you said you would just store it for me until I was ready for it ....and you have done that for me and I appreciate it.   My fault for not getting back to you.  I will give you a call this week.

Thanks,

jeff

[BrianB]

Jeff,

Thanks for the info, Yeah, Alan seems pretty busy. I should be getting my unit back here in a jiff, hopefully by early next week.

Eric,

Definitely think you do an awesome job. Everytime I've called you with a question you've been more than happy to answer it plus give me a little razzing when I deserved it for doing something "bad"!  '>

'> This is my first time on this website in the
discussion area.  Actually in any area where I get to
type! I am Alan Huffman - www.antiquevending.com - Hey
Eric -How are you doing - I know I never get to call
you and talk with you - you are right I cant seem to
get a spare moment. Be-bop joe called me today and
told me I was mentioned in the discussion on this site
- so I decided to check it out tonight. I registered
my name and everything so I can say Hello to everyone
- I first want to say I am sorry I did not respond to
your email's right away - Please know that I can be
reached by phone 7 days - a - week and I work long
hours. My phone does seem to ring off the hook - all
the time  People are suprised that I answer my phone
like I do. One night my phone rang at 12:30 midnight.
I heard it ringing and jumped out of bed to see who it
was -I thought it must be from some other country or
something and they do not know what time is here in
N.C. - I could not believe it when I recognized the
Area Code as being from Mooresville NC - just 45 min
from Granite Falls. I picked up the phone and said
"Hello this is Alan" and the phone was quiet - I said
again " Hello this is Alan"  and a voice said -
"Hello"  - I said "Hello"  and a voice said - "Are you
a recording? "- I said no this is Alan from
antiquevending - he said - "wow - sorry for calling so
late - I thought I would get a recording and could
leave a message - I was just surfing the internet and
found your site - I want to come and visit you
Saturday - what are your hours?  I said " I will be
here - call first and come on by!" He came by Saturday
and I am now restoring his antique soda machine for
him.

Anyway - You are more than welcome to call me 7 days a
week with questions - I cannot promise I will pick up
my phone at midnight so call earlier if you call me.
I get questions about refrigerations all the time and
you are always welcome to call me - anytime! I am sure
Eric's phone rings off the hook as well.  I launched
my Website Aug 7th of 2004. I was swamped before and
now it seems even worse. I have about 25
refrigerations here in the floor right now and another
10 on the way. We are currently restoring aroudn 48
vintage soda machines for customers.  I do meet the 7
day turn around sometimes for refrigeration systems
that are mainstream - however it seems that most of
what I get is Odd Ball, Rare Systems - like the Ideal
85 I just shipped out - they take longer and are
harder to ship. I just picked up a new friend at Carry
Rate and he is helping me ship the larger
refrigeration systems by Truck and not UPS - Some of
these systems are hard to Ship UPS and I have had two
damaged systems this year. It is best just to redo the
system and pay for it myself, UPS will claim I
overpacked the system or something to get out of
paying a claim. For those of you who need a
Refrigeraton Question answered right away - you can
always call my Phone number direct and I will answer
99.9% of the time - When I am on the drink route my
phone will not pick up in the mountain areas and I
know I miss a call from time to time - If you get a
out of service area message - call me back and try
again.  My phone also has call waiting so when you
call - you will not get a busy signal. I have talked
my Drink accounts into stopping by my shop and picking
up the Soda Pop they need for the month - this has
helped me alot. I started the vending route in 1989
and it runs vintage machines and sells glass bottle
soda only - All my accounts have a Key to the machine
at their location and they store extra soda in a
closet or back room. My family owns a Radio Shack
Dealer Store and a Drug Store in the same town - I  do
electronic work in the Shack during the Week and help
organize delivery Trucks for the Ice Cream Soda
Fountain Shop Next Door to the Drug Store / Radio
Shack. Some of you who have stopped by to see me have
probably got a free meal out of me at that Soda Shop -
They sell my Sodas in the Ice Cream Shop and instead
of paying me  - My visitors and I eat for free from
time to time. - I am not a big fan of Email - However
it comes with the territory of being on the world wide
web.  I get about 100 emails a day right now. Some of
course are junk emails. I prefer just to get a phone
call and deal with everything the old fashioned way.
One good thing -is you will always get me when you
call. I do not have a Secretary - only two paint men.
Believe it or not I do take my phone with me on
vacation - against my wife's wishes.

Tonight I only had 122 emails and I sent a responce to
every email. A few months back I got a call from Dukes
of Hazzard - Cooter's (Ben Jone's) Wife about 7:30 pm.
She wanted me to Restore the two Cooter's Garage
Machines - and bring them to Dukes Fest along with a
lot of Glass bottle Soda and Water for the Cast and
Band Members. Dukes Fest was less than 60 days away
when the call came in. Everything seems to go into a
higher gear when stuff like that happens. It is best
to call me direct to get a quick responce to your
question. I can tell you my phone rang off the hook
while I was attending Duke's Fest both Saturday and
Sunday. A customer that I knew called me Saturday
while I was in the tent behind the stage loading the
antique Chest Coolers full of Soda. I Picked up my
phone "hello this is Alan!" It was a customer that
calls me from time to time to get refrigeration
advise. " Hey what are you doing"  - I said " Hey Bud
- hold on a minuite Iwill Let  you to talk to
someone."  I handed my phone to Cooter.  Cooter grabs
the phone and says" Hey Good Buddy - Crazy Cooter
commin at you - I might be crazy but I aint Dumb - you
got your ears on."  The customer says " who is this?
- Cooter's reply " It's me Crazy Cooter  -  Cooter
handed me back my phone and the customer said to me
"Who was that?"  I said " that was Cooter - the real
Cooter from Dukes of Hazzard "  - and the customer
said " Yea! - who was it really!"

Anyway - www.antiquevending.com , phone 828-962-9783 -
Alan Huffman , Call me and come on by for a Free Ice
Cold Soda Pop - Hang out - or you can Help out while
you are here - Ive got plenty to do!

[petey64]

Isn't that the biggest first post you've ever seen....... welcome to the site

[Creighton]

Welcome to the board Alan!
Creighton

[globalcompressors]

I had a chance to give Alan a call today. He is a very personable and polite individual. We spoke for little over an hour. He's got the same problem as I have, just not enough hours in a day. From what I gathered, he works all the time! He is very knowledgeable and really does care for his customers, trying to get to each and every one out as fast as he can. His theory is the same as mine, if he's on the computer, he's not in the shop building. He would rather, like I would, "talk" to his customers directly. For me, it seems easier to explain things verbally than to "bang" it out on a key board. I think it's probably the same for him.

He does good work. Some of the folks, he has worked for, are quite reputable and do speak highly of him so be patient.

Eric

'> Thanks for the Good Word Eric - I am glad we had a chance to talk today and I am glad there is someone out there who does the same thing I do - I need a Break!  - Here is a photo YA'LL WILL LIKE!!!!!!!!

[petey64]

ay chingow

'>  Shipped back the refer system that Brian sent to me to have repaired - I charged him 100.00 - Here is what was wrong with the system - when it arrived - I found that the pressure on one side of the system was in the negative. There was a blockage in the system and the freon could not return or equal out. The compressor start relay was damaged as well, probably from the compressor being shut down by the blockage. I gave Brian a new wire harness , liquid line filter , new freon, replaced the copper lines that seemed to be kinked and damaged and installed a new start relay. I am enclosing a photo of the liquid line filter that was used on Brians system as well as the Kinked Line. The small copper filter that was on Brian's system when it came to me uses a Bead system to filter the Freon. The Beads will break away during system operation and lodge inside the cap tube. These Filters are cheaper and I never use them - they are bad news - especially on cap tube systems. I installed a Blue liquid line filter ( cost around 10.00)  - I was not sure about Brian's Old Thermostat - however it is easily changed by Brian if need be - I used pull apart connectors if it requires changing.

Photo of New Cap tube , New Liquid line filter, New Copper , Valves , Etc

[BrianB]

Thanks a bunch, Alan! I should be receiving it sometime today or on Monday. Glad I didn't try to tackle any of the refrigeration work on this one, just the cosmetics.

The guy I got it from had told me that he did "some" work to it but I wasn't sure as to what extent.

I think this particular set-up looks really good restored that's why I tried to get it as clean as my first one in the WC-44SK that Johnie G helped me ship from Michigan. Again, thanks alot for te exeptional help Alan! '>