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Was wondering what a reasonable quote would be, sorry not too many details, this is in an abstract.

Trying to convince wife if I could get one for say (just throwing these #'s out there) $3K and the reasonable resell (if kept nice) was roughly $5K, that it would be a good deal as an investment, at the least. If you follow...

I see some of them on the bay for close to $9k, some more, some less. The highs might just be out there to see if anyone would be willing, etc. Looking for real world values, at least at the present. I assume they will continue to rise....

      The 81 is an excellent investment! When I started restoring machines 20 years ago, I sold 81's for $2500.00.
      Now it's rare to find an un-restored 81 for that price, but when we do they sell for $6500 to $7000.

      Set your sights on a C-72........................... your marriage depends on it. :biggrin:

Oh, she can be brought around, with goodm, legit data to back up the decision.

So unrestored go for $6500 to $7000, how about one with a real nice restoration?

(And I haven't ruled out a C-72 by any means, sweet machines)

restored they are 6500 to 7000

I follow but some issues you need to be aware of.
Got to find one in complete at least "could be saved" condition for <3K. Tough these days.
Make sure you are looking at sold/completed auction prices. Asking is just that.
If you do not have experience with correctly restoring a soda machine and do not have a network of painters/platers coin mech restoration experts lined up, sorry to be blunt but you will not be able to restore a machine at a profit. A DIY
restoration on a machine that was a clean original to start with should be a death sentence crime.

Walk before you run. C-72, USS-64, V-63, and many others are fine starter machines.
Creighton

     

I think the C72 is a very underated machine. True I've only ever seen a couple in the flesh but to me they have a certian air of beauty to them. Is there as hugh difference in price between them and the 81's?

I wasn't looking at working on/restoring one in this hypothetical, but rather getting one already refurbed at a hopefully lower price than a typical refurbed might realistically sell for, and I was wondering what that value was, what a nice refurbed might sell for.

Using the examples others mentioned so far in this thread, it looks like $6500-$7000 might possibly be the window. If that is pretty fair, then if I could score one for $4000-$5000 that would probably be a pretty good deal, I would think.

      

with enough patience you can find a complete unrestored unit for 2000-2500.

Full restoration on a 81 will run 4500-5200 pending on who you have do the work, and overall condition of the machine you buy.

Retail for "properly" restored 81 is around the 7,000-7500k mark.. some are higher , some lower sure all depends on who is selling.

If your just looking to buy one. I have 3 unrestored 81b's in stock, I only sell them restored and I get $7200 for my restored machines.

I have a waiting list that will take you into 2016 however to get your machine done but that is an option for you . PM me for more details if interested.

Good luck on your quest!

John

       Thanks for opening that door John.  :smile:
       I have the 81 D's available here on the west coast, and we need 4 to 6 weeks for completion.

You guys are using the right word, investment. People tend to forget that buying an 81 is not a purchase, it's a investment. Far easier to justify that way.

keep in mind, for whatever reason,  it is not easy to sell a Cav 72.   Even at a "great" price.

I've done ok on reselling the 72 but it has to be a large letter machine . If not it's like selling a VMC 44 as to a Vendo 44.

I think the posts quoting top restorations for vendo 81's between 6k and 8k is about right. You can find a complete unrestored 81 for 2k if you are patient. As for what it seems like you want, watch ebay and some of the major reputable auction houses, or even craigslist.  Some nicely restored machines a few years ago can be bought for under 5k. Just don't get one restored from 25 years ago, unless the older practice of restoration doesn't bother you. If you just want to display it there are nice older restored ones popping up reasonable. 

But as indicated on here its an investment,  and some will tell you don't cut corners, you pay for what you get. Best advice just buy what you can comfortably justify and are happy with.  You could go with those other models, but get an 81 if that's what you like! Super classic example of coca cola machine!