SMC Discussion Areas

I went live on my webiste, www.vco-reproductions.com (http://www.vco-reproductions.com), a few weeks ago and have been tweaking and massaging it to get it where I want it. The main focus of my site and my business is the restoration, repair and parts source for the Popperette, Minit-Pop & U-Pop-It coin operated popcorn machines.

The last section that will go live is "The Parts" section. I'm still working on a few things before I make that happen.

Any opinions or suggestions from you guys is greatly appreciated. I know that in the past when other members fielded webistes that SMC was a great sounding board. Basically, I trust and value everybody's opinion!  :biggrin:

 Brian ,

                Looks Allsome !!!!  Even Know I don't Own one YET  :tounge: 

Looks great Brian!
If I ever get one, I know where to go. The kids would love it I'm sure.
What kind of daily/weekly/monthly maintenance is involved with each model?

Very cool.  Waiting for the parts list. :smile:

What model or production year is the better one to buy when looking for a popperette machine. What is a fair price for a complete working machine.

Very nice Site Brian,, let me know if you need any other photos or such , but looks like you have it covered..

Any model is fine.  The first Popperettes used a mercury cam switch to operate the motor.  The later versions used a relay or two.

The first version had a cam that just dumped the popcorn after the cycle was completed the later versions modified the existing cam to make the basket lower and kick a second time.  In theory this would empty any extra popcorn stuck in the basket after it originally dumped the popcorn, but it really doesn't work.

The first version had no heater indicator light.  The later versions had a light.  

Either one works the same.  The only thing that I can see as an issue is if you are afraid of mercury spilling in your house from a broken mercury switch.  I have the original version with the non molested cam and the mercury switch.  I haven't died yet, but I did loose my hair.

Prices vary.  The market is wide.  A unit with a stand is worth more than a unit without a stand.

Talk to Signguy on pricing.  He's more up tp date on that.  

Look great Brian,   I wish you success on your site  .

 I will send you a PM later on 

SO is that why my hair is thinning?? Mercury hugh... guess I better switch mine out.. Thanks Larry!

Fresco.. as far as models, Larry pointed out the differences and they are minor, just depends on what is available to you at the time.. These machines are still hard to find...

average price from what I've seen, sold and paid for machines and these prices are for used needing restoration, not the New Old Stock machines we've seen pop up on Ebay over the last year..

Complete machine with original Stand and working motor $2200-2500
Top only , no stand  1500 - 1800
Restored machines are selling from 4000-4500 depending on the amount of restoration, parts, and detail that goes into the machine.

Hope this helps.

I have lead on an available machine, but havne't confirmed details , price or condition on the machine yet,, just heard about it on a voice message and have not gotten a call back on it yet..

Looks really good. You put alot of work into it.

Really great sight, someday I hope to get a popcorn machine.

Great Site!!!

Thanks for all the information!!!

Nice looking site!

Hi Brian
  The site looks great. One thing you might consider is having a page for links, to other restorers(hint-hint) of coin-op stuff, sources for machines and so on....just my 2cents.
  TFJ

I like, with the exception of the enter page. An enter option is swell  if you have age restricted  material, and  require the viewer to say they are of the minimum age.   
If I find your site, it's because I am looking for help on my popcorn machine

Thanks for the inputs everybody, I appreciate it!!