SMC Discussion Areas

Soda Machines, Coolers & Dispensers => Pre 60's Machines & Coolers => Topic started by: on January 06, 2005, 10:28:00 am



Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 10:28:00 am
Hi everyone,
As many of you now know, I just bought my first ever Coke machine. I have wanted one forever and finally found a neat old one in my area that I could afford.

It is the Vendo "216 MD" from 1957. MD for Multi Drink because unlike the other (single selection) 216's, this one has 3 selections.


Anyway, since I am new to all this, I unfortunately have a lot of questions. I will continue doing searches, but would GREATLY appreciate it if you could visit this thread regularily and contribute some of your wonderful knowledge toward my project.

I am not at all doing an all out restoration (I'm not repainting it or anything). I just plan to clean it up, replace any parts and get it functioning fully.

It is not to sell, just to enjoy with my family for many, many years in my basement gameroom.

It is in pretty good shape, but is missing a few small parts and has some cut wires (I'll get to that later).

So please open up your heart, remember back to when you first started, be patient with me and share any wisdom that you can.

A little about myself:
I am 36 years old with 2 young kids and live in Saint Paul, MN.
Also in the gameroom I have some arcade games, two old pinball machines, foosball, a three-head bulk candy machine and a pool table.

Thank you SO much.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 11:05:16 am
O.k. let's start off with some photos.

First, here is inside the coin door. I assume just a little cleaning is in order and then easily install a CoinCo S75-9800B coin mech? Plus put a cap catcher back in.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 11:10:16 am
Next, the black plastic liner on the inside of the door is cracked and has this big hole in it.

I assume I'm not going to easily find a replacement liner for this model, so what should I do to cover the crack? Just strips of (god forbid) black duct tape? What do you suggest?

Also, if the insulation is from 1957, would it have espestos in it?!!!?

Can I carefully remove the liner without ruining it, replace the old insulation with some pink Owens-Corning stuff (how do you attach the insulation, or do you just stuff it in?) and then reattach the liner?

Please share tips and views on the liner and insulation.
Thanks.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Jim on January 06, 2005, 12:35:10 pm
You'll also need a coin box...
Just under where the coin mech will mount, you'll notice two brackets; the one on the left will divert change or bent coins/bad coins to the coin return cup; the right hand bracket holds the coin box. This is where the coins from a properly vended cycle will be stored until it's emptied...
If my memory serves me, this can be acquired from various models; the ones that come quickly to mind are V-80, V-144, VMC-144...
I also believe this part can be purchased in a reproduction version from some of the Parts Suppliers






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: loman4ec on January 06, 2005, 03:03:06 pm
You might be able to take the liner to a sheet metal shop and have a new liner made out of steel. I know that a few of the late model Cavalier 64's had steel liners in them. Just an idea. then if you wanted you could paint it black. I normally use regular unbacked fiberglass insulation. Most of the time it can just be stuffed in but I have had to use spray on contact cement before. I hope this helpes.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Jim on January 06, 2005, 03:12:26 pm
Mark,

I forgot to reply to the liner part of this thread...

I would recommend following Josh's suggestion.
I used to make V-39 liners from galvanized sheet metal all the time...
I don't recall the gauge of the metal but I would use something that has a little rigidness to it so the insulation doesn't bow the liner much.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 03:27:18 pm
Quote (Jim @ Jan. 06 2005,11:35)
You'll also need a coin box...
Just under where the coin mech will mount, you'll notice two brackets; the one on the left will divert change or bent coins/bad coins to the coin return cup; the right hand bracket holds the coin box. This is where the coins from a properly vended cycle will be stored until it's emptied...
If my memory serves me, this can be acquired from various models; the ones that come quickly to mind are V-80, V-144, VMC-144...
I also believe this part can be purchased in a reproduction version from some of the Parts Suppliers

Jim, is this it?
I found it laying loosely inside the other area of the machine.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 03:29:44 pm
Guys, if I can't afford creating a metal liner at this point, do you think it would be o.k. to just seal up the cracks and hole with black duct tape?
Also, if so, can duct tape stay sticky in cold refrigerated compartments? If not is there another similar tape that can handle the cold?

Finally, 1957 aspestos in insulation?
Thanks so much guys.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: loman4ec on January 06, 2005, 04:03:01 pm
I think the tape will work just fine. I have bought a few machines that have been taped up. That is the coin box that you found. It should just slide on to the lower right bracket below the coin changer. As far as the asbestos goes I have no idea. I have never heard about it and I hope not as I have worked with alot of Coke machine insulation before. I think it is just fiberglass.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: johnieG on January 06, 2005, 04:52:48 pm
Nope , no Asbestos in the insulation, just good old fiberglass, but if you do remove it, wear a dust-mask, & gloves and long sleeve shirt fiberglass dust can also do a number on your lungs as well, I'd maybe cut a piece of plain plastic to cover over the hole first,THEN Duct tape it into place...duct-tape by itself would just collapse into the hole...until you can replace the liner...JohnieG

PS. yep, thats your coin box!  :D






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 05:39:34 pm
Thanks guys!
Next issue. Cut wires.

Here's the story. This machine was in a Coca-Cola lobby for many, many years. Then they needed more space, so they gave it to an employee. But as an (odd) policy, so that employees wouldn't use it commercially, they removed the coin mech and cut the wires so that it couldn't vend. Very strange, huh?

Anyway, the employee had always planned on getting the wires fixed, but never did. It sat in his garage for 10 years, now he's moving, so he sold it to me. Whew! Long story.

Anyway, I'm getting the replacement coin mech, but I need advice on the cut wires. I assume those are the ones that tell the machine that a soda was paid for, so drop a bottle/can and the other wires probably tell which selection was chosen. Am I right?

Because all of the wires are all the same color (white), which is a huge bummer, I assume it will be just about impossible to know which re-connects with which. So do I just replace both sets (the black & white)? And if so, where do I buy the two sets of wires?
See photos.

And thanks again.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 05:40:45 pm
Wider shot of cut white wires:





Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 05:42:02 pm
And the cut black wires at the bottom of the door:





Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: johnieG on January 06, 2005, 06:48:11 pm
Although it looks bad, it's not as bad as you think...I've bought several machines from some local bottlers & they do the same. cut the door harness...the four small white wires up by the thermostat probably go to the vend switch & empty switch.

First, does the machine have a wiring diagram pasted on the inside of the door somewhere?

from there you can use a simple continuity tester to help you trace. where they start & where they sould end up.... so let's get started!

PS & sometimes the actual wire have numbers right on them , so peel back the black tubing (carefully) & look at the wires themselves...you might get lucky!   if so, them it's a matter of splicing them back together...






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 06, 2005, 08:23:27 pm
Great info johnieG! I really appreciate it. I'll check it out.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: MoonDawg on January 07, 2005, 12:19:04 pm
Back to the door liner subject ----You could remove a few screws from the liner, and slide a square sheet of black plastic behind the damaged area to cover the fiberglass and keep it from being exposed. No reason to change insulation if you're not doing a restoration.
       To the group: I learned resently that insulation used prior to 1968 indeed did contain a prohibitave amount of asbestos. My source was a former state inspector.
        I told him about how many liners I have pulled out and gutted the insulation with no mask, he thinks I should be dead.
        :D   Let's all handle with care from now on.  Glen






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 07, 2005, 02:19:31 pm
O.k., next...
I will post a few picks of the interior. I know you can't make a prognosis without being there in person, but I'd like to get your opinion on what you see in the next 3 photos. Granted, I haven't vacuumed and cleaned it out yet, but any vews on overall condition, anything at all, I'd just love to hear from al you guys about the interior.

For example, does it look like it is missing anything?
Thanks.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 07, 2005, 02:20:51 pm
Now a little bit more:


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 07, 2005, 02:21:45 pm
And more:


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 07, 2005, 02:30:45 pm
One other thing. The circled rubber tube below (I know it looks like copper tubing in the photo, but really it is a rubber tube) with the end on the left being open, is that for like draining condensation or something to a drip pan or something? Should the end of the tube go into a pan? It didn't come with a pan. Please let me know what to do with the end of the tube. Thanks.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: loman4ec on January 07, 2005, 03:14:40 pm
Yes it is just a drain tube. They usually don't give off much water to drain but if I were you since you are not restoring the machine I would just put the tube into a mason jar or something like that.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 07, 2005, 03:43:42 pm
Cool. Thanks.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 09, 2005, 04:42:35 am
Next, as you can see, I'm missing the "crown" (bottle cap) catcher. Can I buy one just like it somewhere?


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Creighton on January 11, 2005, 01:59:38 am
Welcome to the forum,

Like your posts! Looks like any cap catcher for a large door Vendo would work. Got one on a V-56. I can send whatever dimensions are needed. let me know.
Creighton


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 11, 2005, 11:57:24 am
Thanks Creighton. A buddy of mine just told me he may have one. If not, I'll let you know. Thanks so much.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 12, 2005, 05:38:30 pm
So I am replacing the rust-chunk-filled condensate tube at the bottom of my machine. I can almost get the nice new tube in the hole, but just not quite enough. :( See photo in the next post down.

How do you guys do it?
Any tips?
Thanks,






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 12, 2005, 05:42:43 pm
Here is me trying to jam the end of the tube up the hole:





Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: johnieG on January 12, 2005, 06:57:35 pm
Uh..Dude, the tubing is supposed to go on the outside diameter of the drain hole's nipple ( short piece of pipe that extends down into the lower cabinet from the drain-hole)
unless of course your's is snapped off & now located in the end of the old tubing you've just removed... :(


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 12, 2005, 08:10:03 pm
Wow, you're a good artist.
Well, I guess I'm out of luck. The only nipples I have are my own. :p :laugh:
I'll double check in the old rust filled tube.
I figured there must be a trick to it because I was struggling without it.
Thanks for your time.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: johnieG on January 12, 2005, 10:29:29 pm
Kinda thought that's what had happened, here's what you can do, take some medium grit sandpaper & clean up the rusty floor of the drain opening, next get yourself a piece of copper pipe that will fit snugly down the drain's opening & cut it so you have enough extending down into the lower cabinet area to attach the tubing to. then flare the end at the top (so you cant pull it completely through the hole in the drain) & epoxy it in place so it's fixed down to the drains opening, let it setup (harden) & you'll have a nice fix for your machines drain-line...


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 18, 2005, 03:16:42 pm
Hi guys,
Next question...
About one out of every four pop cans gets stuck like in the photo below. Sure if I rock the machine, it continues on down and out the machine's little doggie door, but what fun is that? I want it to come shooting out every time.

What do people do to keep cans from stopping before their intended destination?


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: MoonDawg on January 18, 2005, 04:34:02 pm
Your machine was built to vend 6 oz and 12 oz bottles back in the fifties. They hadn't thought up soda pop cans. The bottles are heavier and naturally drop harder.
        Do the dispensing augers have spacers added? If so, removing them helps. Also try stacking the cans furter back, and a full rack puts most weight on the can thats ready to dispense. ( I think that if the chute were designed deeper under the right and left columns, the problem be solved.)
        In other words- do what we all do- get in there and tinker with it.   :laugh:


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 21, 2005, 02:25:30 pm
Hi guys,
When my V-216MD was vending cans, it worked great. But now that I have replaced the cans with 10 ounce retunable glass bottles, it keeps getting stuck. I think it is because the bottles are thinner than the cans and so the placement of the bottles in the chutes aren't staying diagonal and are getting almost side by side, so that they get jammed and can't come out.

I was thinking that I should attach a semi-thin piece of wood on one of the interior (left or right) sides of each chute from the top until the bottom, just before the spot where the roller is, to make it more narrow so the bottles will stay diagonal.

Does this sound like the right solution?
Any tips or personal experience?

I see that my chutes have clips at the top and botton of each side of the chutes, and it finally dawned on me that those were probably installed to hold a similar (but metal) sort of thing to adjust for different bottle width. Am I right? And if so what were the metal adaptors like that went in the clips?






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: MoonDawg on January 21, 2005, 03:37:15 pm
You are right. Shims were hung to narrow the stacks. The plywood would work temporarily but probably warp in that temperature. But that's OK, they're easy to replace.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on January 21, 2005, 04:01:43 pm
Thanks MD. :)
Does anyone still have these? Can I get them anywhere?
In the meantime, I'll use the wood strips.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 01, 2005, 08:34:50 pm
Now that I have everything working, here is my Vendo 216MD all loaded up with glass bottles (of Coke & Diet Coke) and cans (of Diet Coke with lime... my addiction). You can kind of see the wooden strips in the sides to make the bottle chutes a little more narrow. I'm a very happy guy! :)


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Kilroy on February 01, 2005, 08:42:03 pm
Nice work Marko!


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 01, 2005, 10:07:39 pm
Thanks Kilroy!

So here is the final placement of the machine.
You may remember that initially I was going to lower the deathtrap down my steep stairs to the gameroom in my basement, but that seemed too crazy and it looked so cool on the main floor, we decided to make a place for it right next to the kitchen!

We even had the cupboard hanging from the ceiling trimmed smaller and the wall patched so that we could custom fit the huge machine!

Everyone that comes to our house loves it, the glass bottles and cans are chilled to perfection and I feel cool that one of my coin operated babies is right in the main living area!

I couldn't have done any of it without you guys, so I REALLY appreciate al the advice I got here.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 01, 2005, 10:09:10 pm
I can't remember if I posted this yet, so here goes.
To give perspective on how big this thing is, here is a pic of my 5 year old son in front of it (you can see we were still patching and painting the wall behind it):






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 01, 2005, 10:15:23 pm
Oh, here is a closeup of the labels I made. They came from images I found on the internet, then I shrunk them all to the same small scale and then just printed them on plain xerox style paper (though soon I'll print them on glossy to look even better). I hope someday to find a parted out V-216MD so that I can get replacement clear plastic windows for these cracked and scuffed ones.

I have "Diet Coke with Lime" in cans, "Diet Coke" in returnable glass bottles and "Coke" in returnable glass bottles.

My only wish is that I had one more selection so that I could also feature beer.

The labels actually look better in person, without any flash reflection.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 01, 2005, 10:18:33 pm
My last and only issue for this machine is that though the new solenoid has my third selection running, it is FAR louder than the other selections. It is very loud when vending that selection. Any idea why old machines like this would be very loud? The solenoid is brand spankin' new. Why so loud? What can I do?


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: johnieG on February 01, 2005, 10:21:12 pm
Quote (Markito @ Feb. 01 2005,10:07)
Thanks Kilroy!

So here is the final placement of the machine.
You may remember that initially I was going to lower the deathtrap down my steep stairs to the gameroom in my basement, but that seemed too crazy and it looked so cool on the main floor, we decided to make a place for it right next to the kitchen!

We even had the cupboard hanging from the ceiling trimmed smaller and the wall patched so that we could custom fit the huge machine!

Everyone that comes to our house loves it, the glass bottles and cans are chilled to perfection and I feel cool that one of my coin operated babies is right in the main living area!

I couldn't have done any of it without you guys, so I REALLY appreciate al the advice I got here.

Very nice indeed!, Now you need to convince your wife that you need a Coke Chest-cooler in the game room for all of the party fix-un's & Beer! Enjoy!  :laugh:


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 01, 2005, 10:23:38 pm
Now that this machine is pretty done, I still don't have a fun Coke machine vending beer bottles in my gameroom.
I have the addictive bug so badly just like you guys. I don't even sell em', I just want more than one in my home for my use.

Last night I swear to God, I dreamt about meeting a guy that had three glass door Coke machines in his attic! He was about to sell me one really cheap that I was going to put in my gameroom, but then I woke up! At least I awoke before I had to haul it down from an attic! :D

Anyway, I guess I just have to wait and be patient until a glass door machine (either 50's or 60's) comes my way in Minnesota. You guys are lucky to already have them.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Jim on February 01, 2005, 11:41:37 pm
Mark,

Two virtues I live by for collecting: Patience & Persistance


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Kevin C on February 02, 2005, 08:10:45 pm
Hey Marko

I have the same issue with my new vend solenoid in my V63. The two machines with the orginal solenoid just click when they activate. The one new solenoid buzz's loudly for a longer time than the old ones. I just accept the sound as the sound of victory! Victory in the fact that my machine works & I get to pull a beer (Ice House) for a cool drink. I think the sound just lets everyone know the deal. Beer Man in the house!

Kevin


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 03, 2005, 01:20:38 am
Great attitude Kevin!  I think I will look at it that way too.

I just wanted to make sure there was nothing horrible happening during the sound. But besides the loud volume, I guess it is fine.

I wish my 3 selections were 4, so that I too could add beer to mine. Oh well, someday I'll get another one, just for beer.






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 03, 2005, 10:53:09 am
Hi guys, I have another couple questions.
Though my machine is running beautifully now, I feel like it cycles on quite often. This is my first machine, so it may just be normal, but since it is a little bit louder when the fan kicks in, I just notice it a lot. This is just a rough guess, but I would say it kicks in about every 4 minutes. Now granted, I have a huge machine that holds a lot of bottles and cans (216), but is this too often? It is a well insulated machine (I think) and I keep the temp in there at 41 degrees (about 1.5 on the thermostat dial).
What do you think?

Also, when it cycles off, the unit inside kinda rattles or shudders at the last second. That vibration probably isn't good for it. At first I thought it was because the machine wasn't perfectly level, so then I leveled it, but it still does the rattling shudder about 85 percent of the time.
all of your insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys,


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Kevin C on February 04, 2005, 04:42:52 pm
Hey

here is a possible solution.  It sounds like you are getting a situation called short cycling. This is when the system runs for a short time & then off over & over. If the main door is sealed well & you are not getting  hot air into the main bottle compartment I would think that you have a problem with the T-Stat reading the temperature correctly. Make sure the very end of the sensor is down in behind the evaporator coil & fan & is not touching anything. The tip of the sensor is suspose to hang out in the air to get its reading. Sometimes that tip will touch the metal holding the evaporator causing a quick cold temperature satisfied reading. If this happens the machine will shut off.  If this is not the case I would just go buy a new T-stat at the local AC supply store & install. Of course take the old one with you to get a close match.

Kevin


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Kevin C on February 04, 2005, 04:52:03 pm
Hey Markito

Did you remove the refrigeration system & clean the coils? A clogged lower coil could be contributing to the shorty cycling situation?

Kevin


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 04, 2005, 05:15:38 pm
All good points. I will have to look into those. Thanks Kevin.
How often (every how many minutes) does yours cycle?
Also, can someone please adress the vibration shudder that happens when it cycles off?
Thanks guys!


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: Kevin C on February 04, 2005, 05:23:41 pm
Mark

Does your compressor have rubber vibration pads under the three or four bolt down area's?  You could just have a noisy compressor.

Kevin


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: loman4ec on February 05, 2005, 12:44:48 am
I have had some machines that are noisy when they shut off and some that aren't. I think it is in the rubber feet. If you watch it shut off it really rocks when it is making the noise. I think it is either just the movement or something inside the compressor as it moves.


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 27, 2005, 01:54:56 am
You guys are right.
The loud and painful shudder and rattle noise (when the compressor cycles off) was driving me crazy. I felt like my baby was in pain. So I finally just sat down on the floor next to it with the door open and realized that the noise didn't happen if I used my hand to ever so slightly raise the black compressor deck from the red metal frame underneath, even at just the front left bolt.

I then knew that I needed to get something rubber or plastic in there as a spacer and vibration absorber. Well, I dug around in my tool bench looking for rubber washers, etc. Then I remembered that I had a few of these clear plastic shims. They are small, but handy. (Keep one with you when you go to restaurants in case one table leg rocks the table).
Here it is:


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 27, 2005, 01:57:30 am
I simply shoved it into the spot that needed it and now voila'! it is silent and smooth when it cycles off, each and every time.
Man, now I love my machine even more!

Here is the shim in action:






Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 27, 2005, 01:59:25 am
One more pic (close up):


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: on February 27, 2005, 02:01:31 am
So do you think my compressor just doesn't have rubber vibration pads/feet at the bolts?
If not, where would I buy some: Global Compressors? Fun-Tronics?


Title: Markito's v-216md fixup project (help a newbie)
Post by: loman4ec on February 27, 2005, 10:31:32 am
The feet are where the compressor itself meets the mounting plate. At the point where your shim is it is metal to metal. depending on model there are one or two bolts that hold the compressor plate in. Those could possibly be loose, but I think your shim idea is great.