SMC Discussion Areas

Haven't bought a machine in years.  This one is rust free, spotless inside.  Good original paint.  Is missing rear compressor cover.  Will be replacing damaged plug tonight to see if it works.  What value do you guys put on it?

The compressor works but needs Freon.

I've never known of the chest type machines being very collectible so I wouldn't put value very high. I would say under $500. It's a nice looking cooler though.

One additional plus to add is that it's a dry chest and not a water bath type.  The WH model is the (2-tone) paint scheme they also made a solid red one which they called the WD-12.  

They are not too valuable so watch your cost .  You may be ale to take it local refrefrigeration bussiness and just see if they can get you up and running.  I would just clean it up, I wound not restore this machine as in investment.  You will never get your money back if you try to sell it!

I passed on fully working one with 2 cap catchers for $475.  They are bigger than they look once placed where you want them!  

$350-$500 tops!

I had one of those before.  It was my first machine.  I paid $65.00 for it back in 1981 and sold it many years later for $600.00, but it was in awesome shape.  I still wish I hadn't sold it.  Although in a collectors market it was not valuable, I always thought it represented an era perfectly with probably the best original paint scheme ever put out by a manufactuer and it is embosed on every section including the top lid and back.  It has to be my favorite cooler of all times.

Here's mine right before I sold it.  It started out in the far side of the basement and it kept on getting closer and closer to the back door until one day it was gone.  :down:

It can also be used as a Jack in the Box.  Just wind it up and kids pop out.  :tounge:

Thanks for the info.  Got it for $275 delivered.  I figured it was worth that for the lids and cap catcher.  I may keep it or repair and sell it. 

WOW Larry,,, you actually do have walls in your basement? never could see the walls before.. figured it was just vending machines and games holding up your house?

 :biggrin:

I agree that there is not a high re-sell value on these but these are great country store pieces for anyone recreating that type of theme. Cant go wrong for what you have in it.  They do look awesome restored. 

You can't go wrong at that price.

Yes John, that was the pre game era in my life.

What would retail be for it if I painted and got the compressor recharged, rewired?

If you are going to flip it, I can't see you making anything after you figure in your time and painting cost.

        That particular machine will bring more $$$$ as is (in cleaned up condition), than the same cooler restored.

Agreed..

dont' paint it... you'll never got your money out if you put it in paint and cooling unit..

there is not such thing as "retail" price on soda machines... too many factors involved.