U-Select-It Machine

[ZMonet]

This U-Select-It machine popped up about 130 miles from me and I couldn't resist especially since I need to pick up a Slider about 70 miles further from there.  It was at $20 with 15 seconds to go, but someone else bid $79 and I bid $80 and got it.  Anyway, Rogerz or Bubba or anyone else who has a U-Select-It, how do you separate the base from the candy machine?  When I pick it up I'm not sure if I'll have the 6 feet of clearance in my SUV and knowing how to separate them might prove invaluable.  Also, have you seen one like this?  It is 5 cents (as opposed to 10) and seems to be in a different style.  I'm definitely going to change the color of the metal, but not sure beyond that.  Any ideas or info on this machine would be VERY appreciated.

[bubba]

I saw that one... glad someone got it.. Mine didn't come with a base, but I imagine that it is only a few bolts that could be gotten from the bottom. I would think that if you folded the seat down, it should fit as one piece... I hear the base is heavy, but the rest of the machine is fairly light. I haven't had time yet to dig into mine unfortunately, so I don't know a whole lot about it yet...

[ZMonet]

Thanks Bubba.  I'm not sure I love the color, but I wanted one of these machines and at $80 and about $30 of gas I figured it was worth it.

[bubba]

I think just the base alone is repoped for about $300 if I remember right....

[Eric]

Sweet score! That would look awesome as mint green or some early 60s color! Congrats!

[ZMonet]

Have you ever seen a U-Select-It that looks like this on EBAY or elsewhere?  It vends on a nickel supposedly.  Thanks for the color advice Eric.  You're right, mint green would look great -- I think I'll go mint green or electric blue.  I need a color that goes well with the gold since I can't change that.

[bubba]

Never saw that style before... Mine is a nickel machine, but the small skinny common one...

[TomFromJersey]

That style is an early 60's square top. The machine and base are much different than the early style rounded tops. The vending mechanism actually extends all the way down inside to the bottom of the base.
   It's been awhile since I've taken mine apart, that said, I'll do my best to remember what steps I took. Open the front door and you see were the mech bolts to the back panel, I believe there is a large curved guide at the top that needs to be unbolted also. Once that is done you should be able to get the back panel off. The next step is to puch the roll pins out of the handles so you can remove them. I believe there is something else you need to disconnect in the vending area(take a look there) on the inside. The mechanism is attached to the base with studs. There is an additional curved guide at the bottom to keep the candy from falling out as the mechanism is rotated, take that out and you wil then have access to the studs. The studs are probably in really bad shape so be sure to move them just a hair tighter, before trying to loosen so you don't snap the studs. You should then be able to slide the entire mech out.
   I have an extra mech and some other parts if you have a problem with yours. I can also take some pics to guide you along if needed. Send me a pm with your e-mail if you need more help.
   P.S. don't be surprised if there's a dead critter or 2 in the bottom

[ZMonet]

Thanks Tom.  That info could be invaluable.  I think I'll try and keep it in one piece unless absolutely necessary so as to avoid problems.  Once I get it home I'll try and take it apart if I can't get it to work.  Do you know if the vending mechanisms are complicated on this machine?  (i.e., if it is complete will I have much trouble getting it to work).  

I thought this one may have predated the others, but for $80 I can't complain.

[ZMonet]

Thanks Halehouse.  That is what I get for posting first thing in the morning.  I was wondering why shipping was so cheap and the dimensions were so off!

LINK

[halehouse]

They are selling the postcard, not the machine.

[ZMonet]

Some "after" pictures.  The machine vends on 15 cents not 5 cents like I was told -- which stumped me until I found dimes in nickels in the bottom of the machine.

[ZMonet]

more -- I went with metallic blue paint.  I still need to wax/buff it.

[Eric]

Wow! Very nice... blue looks good with the front facing of the machine .. good choice.

[Bob K]

Super!!

[johnieG]

Very nice in Blue metallic!