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Going to look at these machines tomorrow.  Talked with seller and sounds like both machines work and he says they are complete but coin mechs need some work.  Any thought on what a reasonable price might be for them.

http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/clt/2126064843.html

Retail on the 81 $1,500, 56 I guess $1,200-1,400, Westinghouse $300-$500

Joey

The 81 and 56 look like they would clean up to be nice originals.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Creighton

Nice to find cool machines together like that.. hope you get a good deal on them, now that you know the average price... I think Joey is right on the money on those estimates..

don't worry about the coin mechs not working correctly. as long as they are there is the big deal.. easy to clean up and get working again.. also check make sure bottle stacks , shelves and cooling units are there.. other small stuff, easy to obtain.

Good luck! I hope we here a story that you got them both for $500!!! :biggrin:

Believe me, I would love to be able to tell that story.  I only had a brief conversation with him while setting up a time to go look at them.  Seemed to be an exceptionally nice guy, but sounds pretty proud of what he has also.  I am pretty sure he will be starting way on the high side, but the economy is pretty sketchy around here, so we will see what happens.  I will post some picks and feedback after getting a closer look.

Well I went to look at the machines.  Tried to take a few pics but the room had poor lighting and my phone didn't take very good photos.  The machines look to be pretty sound inside and appear to be all there.  Some rust in the pan but not much to speak of.  Some of the vent louvers are bent but not broken.  A few small dents but nothing major.  Shelves are all there.  Paint is not is good shape on either machine.  Would be tough to leave it original even if cleaned up.  Knew it was going to be interesting when he asked if I had ever seen Pawn Stars before we even got to look at the machines.  He loves the 56.  Won't even consider anything below $1,800 for it.  Said his sister saw one pulled out of a farm field that sold at auction for $3,500.  Wants $1,500 for the 81.  Says he has an out of state guy willing to buy all his machines for asking price.  He also showed me an Ideal 55 he said he bought in trade for $1200 worth of renovation work.  I don't see him getting his asking prices and he is not interested in moving on price yet.  I got the feeling he has close to that much in them himself.  Going to let them sit for now and check back after Xmas.

Maybe he'll come to his senses and deal with you. Who knows???
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

"Wants $1,500 for the 81"

I think he has good senses I wouldnt sell a complete one for under that, $1800 for a 56 he isnt to far off who knows he may have bought it 5 years ago when all the 56s brought that. He is selling for retail and not bad on his prices for the person who wants the machine and not worrying about getting a "bargain" or "deal" If I could buy the 81 for $1,200 I would do it as I would already have a buyer at $1,500.

Just because he isnt selling them for under market value doesnt mean he is off his rocker, unlike the guy with the Cav 72 he is just simply smoking crack.

Joey

The guy with the cav.72 must be stoned If he was smoking crack he'd sell it for 20 bucks lol!! just a joke.

I don't think he is way out of line on pricing, at least on the 81.  I think the 56 is high, he just found it a couple months ago, so I am surprised he wants more for it than the 81.  I do think he is looking for full value, and honestly, who wouldn't.  But in this part of the State, a week before Xmas, I just don't see him getting that.  He won't move on pricing - I probably wouldn't either after just offering them for sale.  But I am guessing they will still be available Jan 1.  If not, I guess I learned a lesson and will be all the wiser next time.  Can't say I didn't have my chance at them.  Part of the challege of being a rookie at this is knowing when to pull the trigger.  If they are still available once the Xmas bills are all in, I will get together with him again. 

If he has a buyer at $1500 why doesn't he sell it? I've heard that line before.

Well, I bought them this afternoon.  Two days into the new year and my first two machines.  Looks like its going to be a fun year.  Can't wait to get into them.  The 81 needs some TLC but its all there.  The 56 will clean up nice.  Will probably ask some silly questions along the way and may look at selling one and concentrating on the other depending on what kind of time I end up being able to free up to work on them.  I'm really looking forward to this and my kids may be more excited than I am.   Thanks to all who have made this place a wealth of information.  Looks like I'll be digging through the archives!!

I love the 56's with the 81's coming in a close 2nd!  Nice job on the prices, I think you did well for what you got.  Those two machines are very hard to find where I live.

Let us see them when you start fixin em up!!

I was pretty happy with the price.  I called him up on Sunday and he still had them.  Asked what he was wanting to get for them and he said $2,250 if I took them both and did the deal that day.  He even delivered them.  Today was a rare slow day at the office so I took the afternoon off and did a little exploration.  The 81 had a couple small rust holes so I was curious to see what the extent was.  Not too bad, but needs some attention.  Going to attack the rust and start getting the rest of the machine cleaned and redone!  Hope to get into the 56 later this week.  It has no visible exterior rust but if I have to do body work, would like to do both at the same time.  By the way, Signguy was referenced in another thread as someone who had made up an replacement pans for hte 81's.  Has anyone used these before?

DUDE! $2250!!!! Very very nice!  :happydrinkers:

Great Score on the two machines for a great price!! Two of the best machines out there in my opionion.. i use my 56 daily to keep my beer in downstairs.. was a hit over New years!! and I made $5.60 in beer sales over New Years..  :glare: :oh: Oh I guess I need to raise my prices? :veryangry:

         I think you got 2 machines for the price of 1. Great score!