Question about sandblasting

[Chris]

I have a square top VF81D I'm working on.  I want to sandblast the internal parts of the machine, so I can paint them.  looking at the bottle release mechanism, there is some white corrosion on it, I want to get taken off, but there is also alot of small parts on the side for the lock.  I was wondering if someone had some advice on the best way to disassemble this part and is there anything that is spring loaded that may come flying out if I'm not careful

Thanks
Chris

[BrianB]

Good question! I just got done (a few months ago) completely breaking down a Vendo 56RT Bottle Stack.

There is nothing that will really come flying out on you. If you are unsure of what you are doing and afraid that you won't be able to put it back together again I would recommend taking a ton of pictures. Document every step and take pictures from every angle possible. Also, most Vendo manuals have some information and pictorials of the bottle stack and it's related parts.

The individual springs on each bottle gate arm come off really easy. They have minimal tension. Don't bother trying to punch/press out the rollers on the bottle gate's.

I beadblast every part I can get my hands on unless it's a bearing surface or chrome that I want to leave untouched.

Probably the most challenging part is the slide mechanism on the back. But if you take your time and take pic's, it's a cinch! If you run into any problems and need some help feel free to ask away. There are a ton of experienced folks here that are always willing to help out.

[BrianB]

Chris, here a few pictures to give you and idea of what your stack will look like when it's done!

[Bob K]

Nice detail work on that stack!  

We're keeping the silver Hammertone paint manufacturerers in business!!   '>

Bob

[Chris]

Wow Brain that looks AWESOME, if I could get mine close to that finish I would be happy.  I think the finish a lot of you guys put on your machine is better than original.  Another question I have, is I was wondering if you folks are purists, just wondering because I don't think my machine is going be going back to original.  I think I'm going to go with newer Pepsi colors and an old design. ( I don't like light blue) At the moment its in Coke colors and it was originally a Pepsi machine.  Sorry if I upset any hard core Soda Junkies.


Chris

[Kilroy]

We on the way  over to your garage to remove the 81 - next time you'll use the correct paint codes

<Kidding!>

Can't wait to see how it turns out - I personally don't care for the light blue Pepsi used in the early 60's.
besides you can do the next machine in coke, then Dr Pepper, &up, Rc Cola....

[sodaworks]

Chris,
I personally am not to fond of the light blue either. Build it the way you want. '>

[sodaworks]

The Sodajerk Works has some really nice pepsi bottle cap decals for the sides.

[BrianB]

As far as being a purist, I try to stick to being as original as possible. If I see an area that needs some small improving and doesn't detract from the overall machine I'm fine with that.

If I were a 100% purist, I would send all of my galvanized stuff off to a plater to get it re-galvanized. Seeing as how I don't have anything really local that does small batch galvanizing for a reasonable price, I'm ok with Hammertone.

I've also payed attention to what reputable professional restorers do and what's accepted by people in general. It seems that painting formerly galvanized parts is ok. But beyond that, like Terry said, build it the way you want it! '>