SMC Discussion Areas

Is it worth getting this cooler restored. It has no rust but a lot of paint chips and the lettering if fading badly. I see you can by reproductions for $650 so I don't want to throw $2000-$3000 in it. Any opinions or where I can get this done in the Las Vegas market other than Rick's Restoations

Welcome to the site! Can you post any pics of it?

 :happydrinkers: :needphotos:

A restorer (and fellow member) is in Ventura, CA - not too far away from LV
http://soda-machines.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=4&sobi2Id=3&Itemid=74

Here are some pics. Any idea as to restoration cost and is it worth it

Great little box.  I would definitely restore it over buying a reproduction. It looks overall to be in good shape.  Should be an easy restoration. Originals of that machine are getting hard to find.  My guess and it is only a guess on a restoration would be around $1500.  What do you guys think?

Welcome to the site.

Restore or not restore?  I would say that all depends on if you plan on using it or not.  If you plan on using it, I would just clean it up a bit and put a good coat of wax on it.  A new shiny coat of paint will look good until you use it the first time for a party.  That is a nice solid original that looks like it will clean up nicely.  Obviously, somebody did some repainting somewhere along the line but that just adds to its character.  If you are going to make it a showpiece then restoration is the way to go but you will spend a lot and likely will not get the money back out of it if you decide to sell.

My 2 cents anyway!

I
I agree that it would be around $1,500 to restore it properly.

I have no intention of using it, just a show piece in the garage (man cave as the wife calls it). Called Rick's Restoration but the TV show has really gone to his head.

Ricks price would be at least $3500 any way.

Restore it.  It is one of the simplest restorations you will ever do.

BC

Thanks to all that replied. I am going ahead with a restoration even though I know I will never see the light of day with the cost. This cooler belonged to my Dad who was going to restore it himself but never got around to it before he passed. It's been sitting in the garage for over 20 years so now is the time. Thanks to collecture for recommending the people in Ventura

For my Westy Jr. I was just quoted by a body shop guy that does different types of appliance such as refer with different themes at $1000. That s sandblast, a couple of small dents and the lettering. I already have it taken apart so he doesn't have any time in to that.

The fact that it has been in the family and the original intention was to restore--I now say restore.  It is great that you have the opportunity to do that with something of your Dad's!  Be sure to post pictures.

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

If it is for yourself, definitely restore it. I am doing the same thing now. And yeah, It gets expensive.

$100.00 to sand blast
$100.00 for an original cap catcher
$100.00 for a reproduction lid
$75.00 to chrome the bottle opener and handle
$150.00 for paint supplies (sand paper, thiner, paint, hardener, reducer, etc)
$250.00 to have the final coat sprayed by a professional inside a paint booth
$500.00 to get all of the lettering done by hand ($99.00 if you buy the decals from Fun-Tronics)

Good luck