SMC Discussion Areas

  It's that time of year again. Who's going to the show? Let's not forget the customary gathering at Portfillo's thursday evening. I'm looking forward to seeing all the die-hard regulars and hopefully a few new faces this year.
  Is anyone looking for anything in particular? Anybody bringing stuff to sell? Let's get a good thread going here.
  TFJ

When is it again? It depends on if it is the week when my Dad is in town from singapore. Did someone have an outside booth? If you do is there still any room available? I would be happy to help pay for iy. I only need it if my ideal 55 pepsi double dot has not sold yet. Do most machines sell high or low at the show? 

I'm there for thursday  and looking forward to meeting the crew :biggrin:.

New face:) cant make portillos. see you friday morn

I might go to Portillo's on Thursday.  It depends on how hungry I am.  Seeing that I drive by four different Portillo's until I get to that fifth one, thirty miles away from my house, I might strike up an appetite by then.

I am going to go to the show this year.  Like always, broke and drooling, but I'll be there.  My son, Kyle might come with, my other son Todd, has no interest.

I took Friday off of work to check out the parking lot at around 11:00 A.M.  No sense on getting there at 4:00 A.M with empty pockets.

Who else is going?????

One of these days!  :down:  :upside:  :down:

I will be there !!! Me and Harrison will be out at 4 am looking around. I think we should go somewhere else for dinner?? Thoughts?

Portillos has great beefs, dogs, and burgers.  It's the only place I would recommend, near by, that can handle the crowd. 

I just got the go ahead from the boss lady. I will be going on friday, I doubt I will be at Portillos but I will be there friday morning. Does anyone know of any cheap mom and pop motels in the area? I want something safe but I don't care how fancy it is

Josh all the hotels are safe in that area for at minimum 5 mile radius

My wife and I will be there for dinner Thursday night and I'll be out early Friday morning... Quikolds are
what I'll be looking for then off to some antique places to look for WWII items for my sons for Christmas.
Looking forward to seeing the gang... Always fun to sit around face to face and talk about the summer finds...  Cannot wait!

What is the price range for the area hotels? Anyone have a suggestion for the cheaper places? I am on an unemployed budget :)

Josh I 'm staying at the  
Days Inn St. Charles  St. Charles, IL 60174 That is where John (Signguy) told me was a good place to stay.
I'm really looking forward to this . :smile: what time do things start Friday morning is it 4AM  ??  

Josh I'm paying $120.00 For two nights.


 

Josh.. Super8 - $51.99 a night plus continental breakfast...

Myself, my wife and my daughter will be rolling into St. Charles on Wednesday night. I'll hit the Kane County Fairgrounds on Thursday morning and then more than likely off to the city in the afternoon. Dinner at Portillos that night and up bright and early on Friday morning for a little parking lot sniping.

We're staying at the Pheasant Run Resort. The wife lined up a good rate so how could I say "no"?  :biggrin:

One of these times I'll get there.  Maybe I can knock off a machine or two over winter to sell

I'll be there again for sure.. it's always good to see everyone, including Larry who has to drive 30 minutes to see his old buddies... C'mon man.. I'm driving 6 hours just to see YOU!!! :biggrin:
I think the reason we like portillos is the style of restaurant,it's a counter service place, so there is not trying to do a sit down place where everyone has to split up the bill, tip, etc... I think that is why it works so nice.. just too many people the other way?  and as long as someone gets there early enough again, we commandere a bunch of tables it works..
I'll have an outside booth this year, so if you feel like wheeling your machine to my booth josh, go for it.. but keep in mind it's a long journey as they won't let you anywhere near the selling lot to unload your stuff.. bring a good two wheeler and plan on a hike depending on where you park.
Items I'll be bringing:
Vendo 81's (about 5 of them I think), VMC Barqs 81
3 SLiders, Pepsi, Generic and GLasco 50, 1 Stoner Jr., Some signs, quikold 7up ice chest, and more.. whatever I can get in the trailer...
Look forward to seeing everyone this year..

should we shoot for 6:30 again at portillos.. or if anyone has other suggestions for a place that be condusive to a group of our size, let us know

John,

It's a long drive.  I'll try to make it.  Especially since your traveling all that way just to hook up with me. :tounge:

We could all meet at my house for some steaks.  :biggrin:

NOW where talking.. Last time we had about 20 guys? got a big enough grill?  :biggrin:

Actually another thought was if somebody staying at the HIlton Gardens or Pheasant run would want to cordinate, maybe we could get a small party room, enought to accomodate all of us? (20-30 people) we could then just bring in Pizzas, pop and beer and have more of an intimate more condusive to conversation setting?  I don't think my little 58.00 a night hotel has such a room, otherwise I would organize?
as those who have been there in the past, Portillos is nice and food is good, but when we get put at one of those long tables,, you can only talk with the people around you and it's hard to get a chance to talk with others or even to hear at times?  Just a thought?? anyone want to head this up? :happydrinkers:

Good idea John. It is really hard to talk at those long tables. Maybe we can start something new and call it our annual SodaMachine convention. I am staying at the Hilton. I use to stay at Pheasant Run, but I get so pissed off staying there. They charge you a resort fee, and then if you leave in the evening to go and get something to eat and come back you can not find a parking spot because of the theater they have there. I'm sure the Hilton has a room we could use, but I'm sure they would charge a little something for it.  I could check into it if everone wants to do something like this.

 Hey ,Larry

 I thought Those were My Steaks ?? Hum !! All yes Since I'm I coming 2 weeks Early I get Prime  Rib  :smile: :smile:

Me & Harrison are staying there. Hilton garden inn that is.  I am would be interested in getting a room there.    Nice place.  Rod please look into it.

Rod,
If you could look into it, that would be great.. I think just a room that has a few tables to put some pizza's on, everyone could bring some Soda and beer if they chose and we all just pitch in enough to cover the minimal expenses of food and if there is a room charge.. it would be alot better than trying to talk over the other people, music and long table we get at portillos...
Hope this works out!

At this point, it looks like I will have to shhot for the Spring or next Fall!  :down:

Work always gets in the way!

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

Sounds like a lot of you are going. Next year someone should look into a Group Rate at one of the hotels. I bet you could get a decent rate somewhere!

I'll be there Saturday with a couple of buddys. After the show we are going to head over to Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb. We are going to make a full day of coin-ops!

Hey Brent I'm leaving Saturday but would like to catch up with you and say Hey
 do you still have my Cell number ?

Rod
  If you could pull a room together at the Hilton that would be great. I'm staying down at the Carlson Country Inn Suites this go round. It winds up being $74 a night with taxes, way better than Pheasant Run. If anyone needs to try and sell 1 or 2 pieces on friday in the lot I always welcome additions to my spot. I also have the booth inside again this year. Looking forward to seeing the crew. I'll be heading from NJ to Md then across Oh, IN, into Il if anyone needs something picked up.
  TFJ

Tom,

Do u need any dad's?

Several members had interest in the Cookie Shack vending machines that I was selling last spring and mentioned having them brought to Chicago.  I am not going but if anyone is still interested let me know and I can try to have them brought there.

Ok guys I checked with the Hilton on renting a meeting room. They will not rent a room and let you bring your own food in. They will rent a meeting room and they have a pizza buffet. It would be $21.00 a person. This would include the room ,pizza, salad, soda, and bread sticks. So I think that rules out the Hilton. John if you or someone that has Portello's phone number maybe could call about reserving the room that they have there?
Also I was wondering if anyone would be going thru Penn. coming to Chicago? I have two large signs at Morphy auctions in Adamstown Penn. If someone could stop and pick them up and bring to the show I would greatly appreciate it.

I called Portillos and they have the room available that night..
they have two options:
11.95 Per person buffet with a minimum of 25 people and the room is included.

Or we could just rent the room for $100 plus tax and each person orders on their own.
if we had the usual 20-25 people, it's only around 5.00 a person?  not too bad as long as we get our 20+ people..

Thoughts?

John why don't we just rent the room. We can all chip in to pay for the room, and if we fall short of the $100.00 I will pick up the difference. This way everyone can order what they like and we can still have the big room to eat drink and visit . I should have a free surprise for everyone attending the dinner that night. Lets get a roll call on how many people will be there Thursday evening for sure.

Since I am looking for a job I cannot say 100% sure that I will be there but I can say I will do all I can to be there. The only thing that will stop me is if I have an interview. I will be happy to pay my part of the room no matter what as long as it isn't too much

Wife and I will for sure be there so that's 10 bucks off the room! :smile: Great idea
Thanks for looking into it!

 I'll be there  :smile: and if there is a shortage of cash for the room I will kick in some extra  cash .
   Hey is there a menu that can be seen at there site ? :biggrin:

  I'm really looking forward to this

found the menu  looks good  can wait.

Count me and Harrison in. I will pay for Harrison's

  I'll be there also, count on Jay too.
Matt, I could use a six of Dad's, I'm cutting down on the sugar.
  Tom

I'm in.. i think my brother and mom are comin... so we'll all chip in

Awesome,, this will for sure make it better for getting together, talking and mingling a bit more ..
I'll call the lady I talked to today and book it in the morning..
I'm obviously in and I think a buddy if mine is coming too again..

 :happydrinkers:

John are you going to need to put a card down to hold that room, If so do you need any cash sent to you ?
please let us know.
 
And I may have a friend who  want to come along , we will see as it get closer  :upside:

Have a coke for me, I'll get there one day.

We'll just settle up the night of.. no worries..
Looking forward to it! :happydrinkers:

Hey Gang! I will also be at the show! I also need to book a room ASAP. Been dealing with some personal health issues, so back to almost 100%. Bringing many machines to sell off at the show.

Brian

Yea Pat, sounds good. I still have your cell n umber. I'll PM you closer to the date once I finalize plans/times.

Room is booked! we have it from 6pm - 10pm
Cost was 108.00 so settle up with me night of is just fine..
For those of you who haven't been there, the room is off to the right when you come in the front door and around the corner. Maybe I'll make a sign... :biggrin:

John,

Thanks for lining it all up, see you there!

so about $10 per person for the room?

IN years past we had about 20 people so I'm guessing it will be closer to 5,
Won't really know till that night and get a true head count. Drop in the bucket for the amount of fun, knowledge and overal good times! :happydrinkers:

Ideas for a sign:
Sanford & Sons-----> in here
Mills400c wannabe's-----> in here
Jerks this way----->

Ha ha  :biggrin: I like the Jerks this way sign. That is a great idea!

    Hey ,Everyone  :smile:

                    First I gota tell you that I'm in Chicago !! And I'm  hear 2 weeks to Early  :censored: Working In McCormick Place Setting Up a Show !!! And I'll Depart This Weekend On Oct 30th Then Return to tear the Show Down on Nov3 And Head Home on the 5th So I won't be back for the Get toghter With everyone !! But I will Say I Finely after 2 years of a few phone calls. I got to Meet Larry aka Mills 400C  I'll Let Him Explain & Maybe He'll Even supply a Picture .

I can Say Larry Invited Me & My Wife & a Co-Work To Eat Popcorn From His Popette & Play his Wonderfull & SWEET !! Games there Allsome !!!  I have A bunch of machines but Larry Has Quailty Machines And A real BLAST to play .I spent most of my Time Visting &Swaping Storeys with Larry While My Wife Was Playing Games With my Co-worker and Saying Why Don't I have Anything Like These . Well I guess I'll Have To Sell A few Items & Make Room for A few Arcades  :tounge:.  I 'd Just Like To Say Thanks Again Larry !!!  It Was A Ball Or Should I say Bowl .And Glad I could Help And As Allways Any Time You Need Anything From Cincinnati  I'll Get It for you .

                                                                               Leonard
           

I thought you were having steak?  :tounge:
Always fun to meet other members (unless their stuff is better than yours I guess)  :Oo:
There is a pair of ball bowlers for sale in CA right now, but I have no fun money currently.
Glad you're having a good time!

Thanks Leonard for the compliments.  I had great time meeting you, your wife, and friend.  As I told you before it was nice to have someone over who actually wants to play the games.  The only time they get played are at partys.  

Thanks again for everything, Leonard went way out of his way for me.  He's a GREAT GUY.

He brought over a 1958 Bally Skill Roll.  It's a nickle flicking game that is highly addictive.  I'll post a picture of it when I finish it.  There are some minor problems.  The worst being no backglass, but I picked one up at the Pinball Expo.  I didn't go into the Expo.  I just picked up the glass.

Here's a link about the game.  Actually, I got the glass from Clay, the guy who runs this site.

http://marvin3m.com/arcade/bskillr.htm

Thanks again Leonard!!!!!

P.S. I'll keep an eye out for a dual nut machine for your wife.

I'm going to try to make it Thursday night, just need to get out of work early enough. It would be great to meet everyone.

Lady Luck is smiling on me. Looks like I will be in Chicago on business the week of the show and should be able to wrap things up by Thursday aftrenoon in time for the show on Friday and Saturday. This will be my first show and I am looking forward to it.  :happydrinkers:

Craig

Well I hate to say it but I am going to have to pass on another year. It looks like I will be in florida. I will be happy to help pay for the room since I promised to be there. Luckily I sold the ideal 55 I wanted to sell in Chicago.

SO whats in FL. did you get a job there ? :smile: , And don't worry about your part it will get covered .

I may have. I need to go down and meet with them and while I am down there my brother, grand parents and my 99 year old Great Grandma live a few hours away so I am going to go spend some time with them.

Ok. I am confirmed for Chicago. I'll be getting in late Thursday afternoon. (Coming from business in Downtown area).

Question....is all the buying and selling only in the parking lot on Friday? Or is everything already set up inside? This is my first show so if this is a stupid question forgive me. Sounds like most of the good deals are Friday, correct?

Craig - RetroMe

Join us for dinner on Thursday night and we'll fill you in..
but to answer your question. The outside selling is just Friday, and where most of the "Deals" are found. you can go inside on Friday if you chose but you'll pay $50.00 to do so..

Hey Josh,

Where in FLA will you be visiting...?

Sounds like a plan.  Friday = deals and Saturday = retail

I am actually looking forward to seeing a lot of this finished items that will be on display inside too. I'm a huge history buff and really enjoy seeing all the restored items.

Unless I run into problems on Thursday, I plan on joining you guys for dinner. See everyone there!

Jim,

I will be going to Tampa first to see my grandparents and then going to Orlando for an interview then am going to Daytona to visit my University and see a few former professors about possible work just in case the Orlando interview does not work out. I am really hoping I get the job in Orlando. I loved the 5 years I lived in Daytona Beach. last winter was hell on my hip and back. I have so much metal in me the cold weather just is brutal. I would love to be in the warmer climate. I know Orlando still gets cold but nothing like Ohio.

so what time will people start selling in the parking lot friday.. how early show i get out to get the hot deal... or more likely cold deals based on this weather.

5:00am... bring a flashlight!

Hey I thought I saw a 4AM at the being of this post ?  Not that I'm knocking 5AM  just a little more  sleep time
that would be a plus .

 

4:00am!? Might as well go from dinner to the lot! :biggrin:
5:00am is what I do..

I do 4:30 with the termal underwear on too. It will be cold the temps are starting in the 40's

Great so I have to bring a sleeping bag ,  So  Dinner then right to the parking lot to wait for  4AM  , then back to the hotel
room to pass out :laugh:

 I do have question for you guys , are there vendors there that also sell part ?

Parts? Yes but i usually look for those when the sun is coming up.

advice well taken :biggrin:

it just seems to get earlier and earlier as years go on.. but you know the saying something about a bird and a worm?
it's fun regardless... dress warm...

Hello everyone... My first post here! Im very excited to say that I'm going to my first chicagoland show this year and plan on soaking up everything I can. I have been following this thread closely and picking up some good Info. I live in Indiana and have been into antique soda machine for over 5 years and getting deeper every year. I currently have approx 8 machines and plan on buying a few more by the end of the year. What do you guys recommend is a must see or do when visiting the show
? My wife and I plan on driving up Thurs eve. and staying until Sunday. I hear the parking lot on Fri. morning might be a good place to pick up a machine or two for a good price. Im looking for any VMC machine especially a RC-81. looking forward on meeting a few of you and having a great time.

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/bondovian/photo-10.jpg) (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/bondovian/photo-13.jpg)

Make sure to plan on joining us for dinner on THursday night.. the restaurant is a counter service type, you order what you want and bring it to your table,,, in our case we have the party room reserved , look for the sign! (yes i have a sign being made).

we'll have name tags so we all know who who is and it's a good chance to meet,mingle and have fun!

Friday is a good time, not sure how many RC 81's you'll see but lots of cool machines available for sale.. and if you stay throw the weekend, the inside show on saturday -sunday is cool too!

See you next week, (can't believe it's coming up that soon!)

One of my favorite things to do at the show(next to seeing everyone, and buying and selling) is to eat, eat, eat. There's Chicago Pan Pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. Mmmm, Mmmm. Then there's the Pork Roll / taylor Ham I always grill out in the parking lot.
  TFJ

vintage air are you looking for a restored rc 81 ?

I would prefer a RC-81 that needs restored but will look at buying one that's original or restored depending on price. I know these are hard to find but they are out there in all types of conditions. I don't know if I want to bid on the rich penn auction and donate another 20% for absentee bidder fee. But I'd love to buy one. Is anyone going to the auction? I would pay someone to bid for me which would save me money for a machine. Looks like they have a lot of machines.

Jeff

i've heard from numerous, but unsubstantiated sources  a very small number ( I've heard 200) of RC machines came from the factory.
I don't think I've ever seen an unresored RC81, but I'd snap it up up in a heartbeat if I ever did

Does Kane County Fairgrounds still have a 2/3 day show before Chicago land or is that wahsed up? Haven't been in years.
 Can't make it again as I'm booked for jobs til Feb. as it stands now. Lots of play money for April :biggrin:
My father I believe is going so he can pick up some machines for me I have to check with him to confirm first.

 Anyone sees/finds a leather carrying case for the glascock salesman sample phone me. I can PM my cell# to anyone before they go if interested.

Ditto...I think all three of the Rich Penn RC81's are un-restored. I am going to have to find someone that doesn't know what they have as I really have a hard time paying $10k for a machine. Many other things in life are much more important to me.

I guess I am pretty luck have seen several just didnt feel right dropping 10 and 11k on a pop machine, they where not nice enough to leave unrestored.  So it would have cost that plus the restoration.

yeah,
I believe the ones in the auction are all unrestored originals, all look pretty nice too..
I signed up for the auction , just for fun... I have a client looking for a 7up too and there are couple of those.. so might be bidding for him? who knows..

I wonder how many of these machines will show up in Chicago this year? hmmm

I know where two very nice original RC 81's are here in Cincinnati. Two of my friends have them in their collections. One of them was found in the back of his neighbors garage. It was buried behind all of their stuff and you could just barely see it. The owner had no idea what it was and sold it to him for next to nothing.

here is what I'm bring to Chicago My client's Vendo 80  he want's  :Oo: $650.00  O.B.   Bottom $475.00 :Oo: :Oo:
 and this Canada Dry Picnic cooler yes embossed looking at listing it $80 it's all there sandwish tray and solid.

Crazy Cannuck,

Yes, the Kane County Show is still happening. I haven't been to either of the two shows in two years. Going to Kane County is more of a ritual for me than anything, it's not the best and you typically aren't going to find anything earth shattering there but.......I can't help myself!! :biggrin:

I've only seen 1 RC 81 in person and it's un-restored and in "excellent" condition.

I too have only seen one in person, nice original if I recall...

Pat, did you still want to get that machine to my booth space to sell?  Not a problem, just gotta figure out how you can get it there.. call me later.

John

Can someone provide the address the the Resturant for Thursday evenings dinner. I know there are several in the area. Thanks

Craig

Portillo's - St. Charles, Illinois
3895 E. Main Street
St. Charles IL 60174
630-762-8484
Theme: 30's Prohibition

we'll be there by 6pm, the room is off to the right once you enter.

See you then...

John
Signguy

John do you still have your 7up 81?

Happy Hunting Chaps ... Only wish I could be there with you all...

Do machines usually sell for more money at the show? I just picked up a Pepsi VMC 88 that is in really good original condition. IT needs restored but it is rust free. Do you all think it would sell better in Chicago? I don't have much in it but I would like to sell it for as much as possible.

Hard to say Josh, last show I was looking at 2 pepsi 88's complete but in need of resto with Rod from funtronics. I believe he bought both for 500.00  could sell the coin mechs and make the money back. The only reason you might get more at the show is because there are people there specifically looking for machines.

Just got a room at the Hampton Inn and excited for the show.  I'm picking up 3 machines on my way to the show so will prob. arrive late on Thurs. night. Up at 5am on Fri. morning for breakfast and on to the lot for some good deals. Hope to meet some of you there Friday morn. Should I bring my snow boots?

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/bondovian/beermug-1.jpg)

I think good walking shoes.  I will have something to give to the members from Steve & Sharon Jebb Sodajerkworks
Just got it today I was a little surprised that I got it today  sense she sent it out last Thursday.

Here's the latest weather report as of this morning from NOAA for the show (St. Charles, IL):

Veterans Day (Thursday the 11th): Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Friday (the 12th): A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 43.

Saturday (the 13th): A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 46.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Looks like the overnight temperature on Thursday going into Friday morning is higher than usual!! Hope it doesn't rain though......

Wow !!! Maybe we'll have a show where we won't have to crack out the long johns. I have been talking to a lot of people, and it sounds like there is going to be a lot of good things at this show. Now I remember what it was like at Christmas when I was a kid and counting the days.  :hopefull:

Just wondering what the plans are for Friday night for those of us staying on for Saturday ?? :smile:

I will be in Thursday night around 9 pm. I am also going to be there Friday night! Hope to see all of you!

Brian

Looks  more like you should bring your rain coat:

Veterans Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.

Friday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Have fun Thursday evening. I'll be out there Saturday around 11:00.

I like to look at things from a Glass half Full Philosphy.. if it says 30 % chance of rain on Friday when where all outside.. doesn't that mean it's also 70% chance of Sunshine?
The power of positive thinking can work wonders..

If it says 10% chance of rain and you are planning on being outside for a period of time, it will rain, sleet and snow. When you don't plan on being outside with these chances, it is usually a perfect day... :smile:

Well... It seems when I pack my poncho/rain coat it doesn't rain... When I forget it... it rains and I have to buy another one after we all meet for dinner... SO I AM PACKING THE PONCHO so we should be good! Leaving in the morning... see you all there! Drive safe and HAPPY HUNTING! :happydrinkers:

So really what is on for Friday night ??   :biggrin:

Welp, me and the family just checked into the Pheasant Run and are looking forward to hitting Kane County in the a.m. I'll try to take as many pic's as possible!

Brian, If you see any Zeno Gum Machines (Yellow and emobssed) could you get a price for me.
I'm after one but ebay is my only outlet. If they are significantly cheaper could use it as an excuse to get there next year..

Dave

do people only take cash at this show?

Take the poncho and it will be sunny for sure!  Happy Hunting!

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

Yes, I wondered about the cash or check thing too. I'm bringing both and a big trailer. I'll be in town around 4 pm today. Where's everyone gonna be tonight? Hop to see you all there.
Jeff

Most prefer cash, some indoor vendors are set up for credit card transactions. I dobt really know of any vendors willing to take checks unless you have had prior dealings with.

I can safely say one thing, this was the best weather that I have seen here since I started going to them about 5 years ago!

I started out at Kane County Fairgrounds this morning at about 8:30 a.m. and was surprised right off of the bat that there were even fewer vendors selling than I have ever seen before. I only counted (5) soda pop machines: (2) Pepsi Ideal 55's that were both missing the internals for $250, a bottom-rotted Cavalier 51 for $250, a 70's vintage Vendo Squaretop and a Vendo 27.

The 51 was 100% complete but the bottom was COMPLETELY rotted away as you can see in the picture. If you bought it and parted it out you'd be able to make your money back but it probably wouldn't be worth it. The only way I would buy it is if I already had a Cav 51 that I was restoring for somebody or myself and needed the parts.

There were probably 10-12 Jukeboxes. Mainly Wurlitzer's, Rock-Ola's and a couple of Seeburg's. I saw a few wallboxes only one of them being a 3W! and the others were older Seeburg's. There was a Large Seeburg Teardrop Speaker that had some serious body cracks that was selling for $1100.

I ended up walking away with nothing you could shove a coin in  :down:

I did however pick-up an old GE Fan for $20 bucks, an original aluminum wall mount for Victor Gumball machines in restored condition w/ lock & key for $15.00 and an old 1930's lard pail for $20. The lard pail was a spur of the moment kind of thing. We have some good friends that that are sort of into antiques and 50's vintage stuff and the name on the pail matched their last name so I grabbed it for them as a decorator item for their home.

As I was leaving Kane County Fairgrounds, I struck up a conversation with another collector and he asked me if I was going to the Antique Cash Register Show over at the Holiday Inn Express on Main Street in St. Charles. I decided to go check it out and was very surprised to find that there were more people there with a better selection of stuff than at Kane County!!!.

I spent about an hour there looking around at the cool old registers but the neatest thing there hands down was a 1948 Greyhound Bus that a guy is in the process of fixing-up/restoring. I ended up walking away with a ruby-red glass "EXIT" globe in awesome condition for $25. I've wanted one of those for awhile but they always seem to go sky high at the last minute on Ebay. I also didn't have to worry about paying any shipping or worry about it getting broken on the way.

I also got a chance to meet up with Tom from Jersey out in the lot, Great seeing him again. See you tonight at Portillo's!

A few more pictures. The Dr. Pepper cooler is top-notch. I think it had a price tag of $950 on it. Comes with original cardboard box even! :biggrin:

I'm Here  :tongue,  Had some issues come up at the office and had to go in  plus a 20 min.  dead stop on 94
by Benton Harbor  and then missing my turn off    Thank goodness I'm here .

whats the address of portillos again?

3895 East Main Street
Saint Charles, IL 60174-2400
(630) 444-0963

Hey Pat- I should be getting there around 10:30 or 11:00 on Saturday. I'll give you a jingle on your cell when I get inside.

Posting some pictures for Pat P. Part 1.
Creighton

Posting some pictures for Pat P. Part 2. He will need to provide the who is who details.
Creighton

Looks like they had a good turnout.

It seems to be growing every year. :biggrin:

Being that I could not make the show, I am waiting patiently to see pics of all the great deals that people secured!  :needphotos:

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

Part of me feels thesame way TimPart of my doesn't want to see what I missed out on

Jim & Tim,  I sent off some pictures to Creighton so he will be posting soon  :hopefull: for me .  you guy will have to come next year  it was a blast we can carpool next year if that would work  . Friday night was great meeting everybody and today was out of this world all the vendors and all the cool stuff  I'm sure some of the guys will pipe in  . :smile:

* thursday night ^

Chicago Pictures

More

More

Last one's

Oh a few more

Looks like a wide selection of machines...how were the prices?

      Yes, and tell us about that Lyon 500  :hopefull:

What i tell you guys is that there was alot of machines there. The Lyon 500 machine sold for $3500. The machines were priced fair but there was some really expensive one's too. The Pepsi VMC81 was $3200. Harrison bought a Cavalier 51 that was a real bargin. The other guys will chime in soon i am sure.

Had a terrific time always. What a great time it was meeting up with everyone on thursday evening. Congrats to Niel on the Lyons 500 purchase. Awesome machine.

Just got Home.. Wow, what a show.. TONS of vendors, including me this year. first time in a long time I've sold and did well  I think.. Lots of selections, but only got to walk around a little bit and for the first time in a long time didn't spend much.. ONLy thing I bought was a $8.00 Lock for a top of a gumball machine!!!! but I sold a lot of my stuff..
more later, I'm dead tired.

Yes, I agree. Good to meet everyone and see first hand what everybody has been talking about. I ended up leaving early and not staying for the show today. I had been on the road since Wed. morning and just wanted to sleep in my own bed. I did pick up a decent Jacobs 26 and two 81-D's, as well as parts so my trip was productive. Next time I'm bringing a bigger trailer and some stuff to sell as well. Thursday night at Portillo's was a blast and Rod and Janet from Funtronics were especially good to talk with. I'm sorry I didn't get to talk with everyone but it was a Long table! Now comes the fun part of starting the restoration process. I'll be posting Pics so stay tuned!
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/bondovian/beermug-1.jpg)

Friday was a very exhausting day. I finally got everything moved inside and set up. It is now Sat morning and Janet and I are getting ready to head back to the show. Thursday night was really great. It was a lot of fun to finally get to meet the people that you chat with every day. Wow was there a lot of cool items here this time. I could have bought a trailer load this time, but had to restain myself as I already have a shed full. I only bought a couple of machines, and lots of signs. Time to go I will try and post pictures later.

Can't wait to see what you all got. Sounds like the concensus is that it was the best show in years.
Do you all think that people have finally had enough of eBay with their high fees and payment BS? Or is it the economy that has made people dig out the shed. Or is it the "American Pickers" & "Pawn Stars" shows that have sort of rejuvinated the hobby?
Just curious as some of you have said that the last few years have not been that good compared to what it "used" to be like in the "good 'ol days".

Yes,
I agree that this has been one of the best shows since the past few years and I have been collecting and going to the show twice a year for the past 18 years. There were definitely a lot more vendors selling in the lot yesterday than in the past few years as there were people selling almost as far as where the paved area ended in the lot.
My wife said the same thing about possibly that people are getting tired of Ebay and also that the new tv shows are getting people excited about this hobby again.
Hey, maybe will even see the magnificant 7 reunite. ya think!

I left empty handed but had a great time.. I was a first timer and now know to bring some more cashola.. My favorite piece of the show was rod's multi color little button spinner that sits on top of a machine... Those are soooooo cool!

Birleys,

Do you remember when the lot across the street was full??  I believe there was another small bldg across the street too.

I didn't buy anything either.  The only thing that I liked was a candy machine Seven181 had.  I was looking for a nice complete Dug......., whatever the name is.  I've been wanting one for about four years.  I remember Tom Fron Jersey once had one.  I actually don't need it or have the room, but it would have made a nice impulse buy.

The Lyons was cool, but I personally think they are ugly.  It's just a rectangle with a nice hat.  :laugh:  I was surprised to see that the top was metal because the last two or three that I saw were fiberglass tops, which look shiny but to much like plastic.  I like the metal top better.  BUT nothing is as sleek as the Mills 400 :biggrin:  Maybe Brians Soda Shoppe is as nice as the Mills too.

Yes I do, that was probably when the show was at its peak.(the good ol days)
That building is still there but the front got a face lift and it is now the Dupage expo center or something like that.
they used to have a school bus that would shuttle you back and forth from one side of the street to the other building.

It was nice to meet everyone at Thursday's dinner. I enjoyed talking shop and comparing stories. This was my first year at the show and let me just say WOW. Lots of great items and ideas for me to venture into. Next year, I hope to drive up and make some purchases.

Craig - RetroME

More pics from Pat. Part 1
Creighton

 

More pics from Pat. Part 2

"First pic. Is Rod from funtronics With some PEPSI stuff OMG(  he said black mail photo HA HA HA )  Second Pic. Rod and Janets
area , Matt carter & Harrison loading the truck up Brian (seven181 ) wait for more customers to buy some stuff,  John (Signguy)  area
before the sun came up making sales"
Creighton   


 

OK got home now I'm at the office doing this thank you Creighton for uploading my pictures :smile:.The Stuff I bought not to exciting put I'm
happy two pair of drive in speakers and a bottle rack from John (Signguy)   then on my home stopped by a antique store and found this Chicago Rd street sign

And a few more. Now I can go home  8)

Parking lot was packed this morning. I had to park in the gravel lot next to the driving range. I remember the other building across the road. That's where the cheap/reasonably priced stuff was.
I picked up a few items today. A small Snoopy bank for my daughter, a 1 cent Toy 'n Joy gunball machine for my cousin's kid, and a vintage Pac-Man garbage can for me!  :tounge:

Attended the show today, bought some needles for my Seeburg B and a couple records but not much else.  It was great meeting everyone Thursday night, many thanks to everyone for coordinating the event.

Awesome drive-in speakers. If you need any parts you can actually still order almost any of the parts from the manufacturer. If you want I can send you their website and a link to the drive-in parts/price list

I thought the show was one of the better shows in years. I just sold this year and did not even have the time to walk around! I sat up at 4:45 am on Friday across from Signguy and was so busy that did not even walk around until Pat watched my space for like 10 mins at around noon! Overall, I sold off a good portion of my candy machines that I took and some soda one's. Did not sell as many 7up signs or items I wanted to, but there is always Craigslist and Greedbay for that stuff! Sorry I could not make it Thursday night! I always miss the dinner! Great seeing everyone and I will post pics of the one thing I did buy! Larry's Mills 400!! Thanks again Larry!

By the way I went there with 12 machines and only came back with 4, so overall a good show to sell stuff. Look forward to April!


Brian

Let's see some pics from the show on Sat. and Sun. I didn't have a chance to go to the inside show on Sat. and just wondered how it was.

Just got back into town myself, but I'm glad to see everyone had a great time and the show, weather and prices were good ! ! !
Nice photo(s) of everyone at dinner ! ! !
I need to get up there next year and finalize an SMC Convention...

Whew... back... what a drive... but it was worth it.. nice meeting some of the new guys.... went by fast..
Show was great.. good weather for Friday morning.... good stuff.... Need to start saving now for next November.
I bought the 7up junior with the help of a friend and his smooth buying skills. The Pepsi standard was killer
and lots of good round tops and candy machines on Friday thanks to the members of this site.
Wife and I had a great time... can't wait till next November. Thanks folks for talking and visiting with me it was fun.  :happydrinkers:

Wow!  allot of great pictures, it looks like everyone had fun, maybe I'll be able to make it next year  :biggrin:   Ray

 Eric So you bought that 7UP JR.  I went back to look at it and see what the lowest that they would take for it and it was gone,
good for you it going to a good home  :smile:,  So is this going to add to the collection of stuff to get done  :biggrin:..

 And totally agree can not wait to get back there in Nov of next yr.

Looks like everyone had a great time!

Jim, have blocked this date off for next year. Would be great to get all of us "far away" folks there as well.

Thanks to everyone who posted pictures.
Creighton

Defintely going to try next year... Almost got there this year..
Almost is not good enough though and have followed this thread eagerly waiting
for photos.

It definitely was the largest show in many years. The parking lot was full of vendors almost to the end of the parking lot. It seemed to me like the prices where kind of high on the unrestored machines that would need to be restored. There were a lot of new vendors there this year and a lot of regulars did not show. All in all it was a great show and a huge turn out from the memebers Soda-machines. It was great to meet everyone!

I didn't take much in photos this year, was too busy selling, Like Brian said , it was a good show.. I probably will do the spring show too and definately Nov. again..
For those of you who wanted inside photos.. go to the Photo gallery and look under last years and years previous photos.. as it doesn't change much from year to year.. similiar stuff every time..
Here is one more group shot from the SMC annual Convention Dinner  :biggrin:
Also a big thank you to Rod and Janet from Funtronics, they ended up picking up the Room rental Fee for all of us!!! Thank you Funtronics you guys Rock!
Attached is the photo.. I'll do my best to name everyone, there where only a few I didn't meet for some reason?
From Left to Right, starting in Front:
__________,Janet (Funtronics),Rod (Funtronics), Me (Signguy),Jnapp,Brian Beeson,Diego (Coke Machines and more), Matt Carter
Back Row: Pat Pixley, David D, Jeff (Vintage Air), Larry (Formerly Mills400c), Eric , __________, ____________, Tom from Jersey.

I met the other guys, but sorry, can't recall names.

Thanks Rod and Janet for the room and calendars!!!

Janet and I was really busy at both our booths so we didn't get around to take many pictures. I did get a couple. I hope everyone that was there Thursday night enjoys there calendars. Jack got the award for being the youngest one there. It was really great meeting someone as young as you are Jack and to have been bitten by the collectable bug. It's great that your parents are behing you and are willing to help. Keep us posted on your next big purchases. Here are a couple of photos that I did get inside at the show.

Man...............I'm soooooooooo depressed now. Missed another show but work here his HECTIC!!! to say the least. Oh well. More money for the spring. Purchasing a new(larger trailer)  for the Spring show. Might bring stuff down to sell as I really miss the inter-action with all the other collectors.

 Rod, nice looking booth as well.