SMC Discussion Areas

how do I know which soda machine is worth restoring?

 Probably none of the above...    :laugh:

What kind of slider?

Any of the others would be good practice, but not worth whatever you put into them, if you are looking at an end value.
If you like the machine and just want to have it in your house to enjoy, do the one that you like the best first.

ideal 55 coke, glasco royal crown 55

coke 55 slider, royal crown 55 slider

Ok.

This is a very loaded question.  It really depends on your budget, so factor that first!!.  

For machines that you have mentioned above they aren't too desirable unless you can get one of the top 5 Ideal Sliders.

Dads
Tru Ade ( Nobody really has heard of it or drinks it)
Coke
Orange Crush
Barqs
Squirt
Mission
Double Cola

*This order may not be correct to some ...

Other good quality machines to restore are the following;

Vendo 81's
Vendo 56
Vendo 44
VMC 81
VMC Pepsi 81


As you get more aquainted with the hobby you will learn!

It depends what you want to do once they are restored. If its to keep then crack on. If its to sell on then be weary.

thanks

Slider Bob is saying Sliders aren't worth restoring????.....wow :biggrin:

Just worth buying and flipping :laugh:

Besides, ask anyone who ever restored a slider if they want to restore another one? Not likely!

If they aren't embossed, they aren't with the cost.

Is the coke an embossed 55, or a fishtail generic non-embossed glasco gbv-50?

        The Ideal 55 is an excellent starter machine.     Easy to work on and easy to sell........if it's labeled "Coca Cola".

I'd stay away from all those on your list.  IMO, they simply aren't worth the money you'd put into restoring them.  I agree that you can't go wrong with a Vendo 44, 56, or 81.

 If you want to start with an easier and cheaper restoration, I would consider a Vendo 39 or a Vendorlator 27/33 or maybe a Vendorlator 72 (one of my favorites).  All are good, collectible machines. They don't command the prices of 56s and 81s, but they're cheaper to buy and cheaper/easier to restore.

Correct, a 39 is a great starter machine to restore. Insides are simple, classic design. You would only break even when selling but at least you shouldn't lose money. Same for the 27/33. Cute small machines.

Just remember all drum machines are single flavor and only vend certain size bottles...

My vote was also for the slider.

My first machine was an Ideal 55, however I didn't restore it.  I like patina.  :upside: