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So I have little experience in the coke machine restoration side, but I have restored a 69 mustang and feel that I am a quick learner. Purchased a 57 vendo 80 about a year ago and have slowly working on this machine with other projects and a house move. I feel this project is close to the end and have started a hunt for another machine. (I like staying busy) I would like a more popular machine with a multiple selection. Currently looking at a cavalier 72 and just wanted any general advice out there. I feel that the price is pretty good and the machine comes with all parts. Just the outside of the machine looks to have some surface rust. What would be a good price point to start on this machine? Is the effort on a cavalier 72 worth it? So far I have gotten the guy down to 700. Going to try for a little less in person.

Welcome to the site! Yes! A Cavalier 72 for $700 is worth restoring, no question. It is a very collectible machine. Typically a solid complete and working 72 can bring $1,200-$2,000 depending on it's original condition. At even $700 you'd be way ahead of the game and they look great once restored. Keep us posted when you get it and we all enjoy pictures.

       The 72's came out first with smaller embossed letters then was produced with larger ones. The latter is more desireable.
       I don't believe anyone on this board would walk away from either model priced at $700.00.  Go get it (TODAY)!  :hopefull:

Thank you for the input! It is the small embossed machine. All white upfront with red on the side.  I wish I could make it today but I will have to wait until next week, it is a 4.5 hour drive from me. I'll plan to make a weekend out of it so I do not just make a 9 hr drive for the machine. Have any of you heard about powder coating the entire machine instead of painting the machine? This is what I am currently doing with the v80.

Ewww, Powder coating is never recommended for the exterior. Your finish will never be as nice as good ole' fashion paint.

If you haven't already powder coated the exterior don't... it's more for the liner and shelving... the exterior you won't be able to do anybody work
if needed as the fillers won't handle the heat needed for powder coating. I'm sure others with way more knowledge in this will post... but no on the exterior.

 Get the 72 bought, pass on powder coating the exterior of your machine. I know people that are powder coating gas pumps and they never look that great.

Well, I've already started on the vendo 80. Overall the body was in good shape so filler was barely needed. So far I feel that the machine looks very good. I guess I'll just have to post some pictures of the finished product and see the comments. But really just experiementing on the 80 since it seems to be a less desirable machine.

I'm doing all the work myself so price wise I've only spent about $60 on the powder.

I've done bodywork on many many soda machines, gas pumps, air meters, I can keep going..... I have never touched one that didn't require bodywork. They were FAR from perfect when built. With powder coat you cannot hide spot welds, waves from stampings, rust, and imperfections in the metal. Not to mention pinholes from belt line rust!

Well it hasn't been much bodywork. I used jb weld as a filler since powder coat will stick to it. I'm also not going for perfect. I'm far from being professional. But I I think it looks good.  I just need to post photos.