SMC Discussion Areas

As many of you already know I have started compiling serial numbers for VMC 81 Machines. I am looking for Serial numbers for Generic, Pepsi, 7up and RC. once I get a big enough list of numbers I will make it public record for all to see.

I do not want owners names and only the number and hopefully the state the machine was found in will be. I have already started seeing patterns in some of the numbers and this will hopefully shed some light in production numbers. I am not including Coke 81s as they are very common and I have a idea on how many were produced and the years from some old Vendo literature. This will all be included in the data base.

I know some could care less in what I'm doing and have already expressed your opinions, At this time and for the boards sake please keep your opinions to yourself. We have had enough Drama the last few days.

example of what I am looking for. I want the complete number with the number codes as well.

RC 81 102224 C41 found in TX unrestored

Pepsi 81 104907 B41 found in KS nice original

7up 81 105326 F41 found in IL unrestored

you can post here, PM me, or email me at coke_and_stuff@yahoo.com

If this goes well I may start compiling some numbers for other rare machines like Jacobs 56 Light ups, Mills, etc.

Thank You!

great post joey thank you for your efforts.wish i had 4 numbers to give you.

Being an information freak, I like the idea of the database.  I know your looking for patterns in the serial numbers, but it would also be nice to know the date it was found/bought. A picture upload would be great too, but I know that's not the purpose of this endeavor. Wish I had a number to contribute. :smile:

There will be some pics of the machines, but posting the pics of a 150 Pepsi 81s seems kind of silly ha ha!

I have some pics put back for the database.

       I am also interested in the results.
       I used to think RC placed a minimum order of 200 embossed units, and 7up and Pepsi ordered more etc.
       But maybe they each paid for their stampings to be made in advance, then ordered machines as demand increased?
       This would also make sense from a production standpoint. they could build various machines at the same time and then probably numbered them accordingly. At least it would explain the random serial numbers being reported.

Every time I see that picture I begin to drool.

Joey, I can start recording the serial numbers of VMC 81's as I restore them.ive done lots but never recorded the numbers... Will start now and ask the customers where the machines came from...

Thanks.   Shane

Looking at that image Glenn posted (awesome)... the RC machines there have the newer RC logo... Guess they discontinued the
embossing/older look and went with this new look?... to where the Pepsi and 7up logo stayed the same didn't need to worry about
changing embossing till they all went to the square light up style of the 60s.. be cool to see a generic painted in that RC theme.
And still weird how at the very start of the square tops someone said Hey lets emboss some Barq's.. then embossing was done
away with and light up machines where the rage. Better advertisement I'm sure.

Thanks Shane I appreciate it.

From the research I have done the embossed RC 81s and 110s were built in 1956. The Better Taste Calls for RC logo was used in 1956 and the newer Diamond logo was introduced in 1957. Hence the reason the embossed RCs are hard to find.

Great picture Glen. Lots of 7 up and rc 81 s shown

My Pepsi 81 is 100344B41
Came out of Ottawa Ontario Canada.

       I wish I knew more about that picture, but these may not be embossed machines, maybe it's a second assembly line?
       With the exception of the Pepsi, all these brands......7up, RC, Coke and Dr.Pepper were offered as generic machines.
       Hope I'm not throwing a wrench into Joey's research, but just realized this myself.

       Edit:      Has anyone ever seen an original generic Pepsi 81?

Not at all Glen, the only round top 81 Pepsi that Ive seen other than a VMC embossed Pepsi was a re branded Coke Vendo 81 that was worked over and turned into a Pepsi. I believe John restored it and it was found around the St Louis Area.

Another strange question about this photo whenever I look at it as well, is if this is an Assembly Line? why would they all be random machines.
In my limited experience of assembly lines , the general idea is to do one of the same over and over until that run is done?
This almost looks like a final staging or inspection line? but again, why the random order of brands?

and Joey, I'll get you my Serial off my 7up VMC 81 .. it's buried now , but will get to it soon... I also have a generic coming in for restoration next weekend and will get you the numbers off of that.

I blew up the picture on my I Pad and it appears that the benches have Paint &Brushes in cups & None of the machine appear to have coin mechs installed .

Maybe a Graphic application touch up area ?????   

Here are mine:

Generic:  106 604 D41

RC Cola:  104 672 B41

Pepsi    :  100 412 B41

I've always wondered about the letter that is placed within the ID tag No.   I can understand what the numbers indicate, but what is the rhyme and/or reason for the letter?  Are D's for the generics, B's for the Pepsi etc.... or are the letters as scattered with various machines?
I'm wondering because of the fact that my RC has a B as does my Pepsi

I have quite a few Pepsi numbers all are B code, all the RC numbers are C code that I have with the exception of yours. Chances are you have a Pepsi tag on your RC but it's to early to tell.

This is what I have so far

All Pepsi is B code
Generics are D and F codes
7up B and F codes
All RC is C codes with the exception of the one B code.

Hello Joey;
Took me a while to get to my RC 81 but I did get it out last night to start on it. The serial number is 102228 C 41.

In reply to John (sign Guy) the harley plant does random production. if you take a tour of the plant one might be a roadking and the next bike is a fatboy

Thanks Rod! as well John! still looking for More Numbers, I know several board members have 7ups and RCs would love to hear from you.

My 7up is 106560 F41
Pepsi     101526  B41

Pepsi 81 that I sold   102050 B41

      From my saved ID plates...........A Pepsi I restored          102012 B 41

      Another VMC plate I found was .........                          103939 41     ?

Joey, here is number from my pepsi found in Syracuse ny

101875 b41

Joey,
here is the number off my 7up VMC 81.. this was located in North Dakato / Montana border
#105435 F41

Pepsi VMC 81 # 105829 F41. Found it in Holman Wisconsin. I will get the other Pepsi 81 I own at my office tomorrow and report back.

Well, a Pepsi with a non B.....

First one so far!

Pepsi VMC 81 #2 100784 B41. Mandan, North Dakota