Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on July 19, 2006, 03:24:06 pm
Pic tells the story!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on July 19, 2006, 03:28:35 pm
A friend dropped me an email regarding this great find. He is located here in N. California. It was actually listed on Craiglist as a Soda dispenser. He said this lady had it for quite a while and was looking to part with it since she never did anything with it. I like the machine but it did not come cheap. Anyways I just thought it was a cool find.
V
V
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: collecture on July 19, 2006, 03:50:56 pm
I think that was the machine that Dave saw and posted a link to. I can't compare as the Craigslist posting has expired. Did your friend get it for the $5000 OBO asking or did a bidding war ensue?
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on July 19, 2006, 03:53:27 pm
Gotta love Craigslist!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on July 19, 2006, 03:58:19 pm
It must have been the same machine since he said he paid 5000.00 for it. I have not been serching for machines so I missed the craigs posting. He said he did not bother to work out a deal since she had other people interested in it, just showed up with the CASH. Way more then I can afford at this time.
V
V
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: MoonDawg on July 19, 2006, 04:16:10 pm
The other people she was talking to were right here in this room 
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: davethebirdman on July 19, 2006, 04:19:31 pm
Pity it didn't go to one of the people here but at least it found a good home and
You'll have to get your mate to join the group now....
You'll have to get your mate to join the group now....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: coke_and_stuff on July 19, 2006, 04:43:28 pm
Glad someone got it, I called on it left two messages withno returned phone calls. I thought someone snatched it, or it was a hoax.
Joey
Joey
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on July 20, 2006, 12:01:47 am
I totally missed that one.Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on July 20, 2006, 08:05:16 am
Double 
He can't have a machine like that and NOT be on this board!
What's wrong with him? How can you find a machine like that
and not be on this site?
Tell him to get on here..... we wanna see the restoration process! Look at that embossing! Wow.
Tell him congrats!
Yet another West Coast Special! You guys have all the
cool stuff!
He can't have a machine like that and NOT be on this board!
What's wrong with him? How can you find a machine like that
and not be on this site?
Tell him to get on here..... we wanna see the restoration process! Look at that embossing! Wow.
Tell him congrats!
Yet another West Coast Special! You guys have all the
cool stuff!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on July 21, 2006, 03:22:52 pm
Check out this pic, machine on its way home, makes quick stop by the Golden Gate B.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on July 22, 2006, 08:43:12 am
Too cool! Keep us up to date on this one.
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTT SCORE!
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTT SCORE!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Gumbo on July 23, 2006, 08:54:28 pm
Got to love that!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: cormy on July 24, 2006, 03:36:23 pm
Well the "holy grail" is found and taken home. NICE. That one is probably the only machine I would still try to fit into my already loaded downstairs. Was out in San Fran last year, that section of road looks familiar.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on July 31, 2006, 10:37:40 am
WOW, this guy is on a role. Check out these great finds. He got what I think is a good deal.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on July 31, 2006, 11:08:06 am
C'mon your killing us.... how lucky can a guy be in a month! We need some of that luck here in the Great upper Midwest!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: bubba on July 31, 2006, 03:36:59 pm
Sure Josh is going to Asia... he moved out west I bet... 
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on July 31, 2006, 07:16:00 pm
Sweet Stoner AND a 81D... what kinda yard sales you guys hav'n out there?.....
Nice score... more pics please!
Nice score... more pics please!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on July 31, 2006, 07:58:37 pm
This stuff came out of craigslist. It listed on Friday and was gone that same day. I called on Sat and was all gone. Nice score. This guy has joined the site and I am sure will post soon. Looking forward to it.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Creighton on July 31, 2006, 08:11:06 pm
Saw those on Fri. the CL pictures were not very good. Great score!!!
Creighton
Creighton
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on July 31, 2006, 09:31:44 pm
Nice!!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 01, 2006, 11:33:04 pm
Hello and a BIG THANK YOU to Vic for telling me about this AWESOME site! This is my first posting and I'm looking forward to meeting new friends here and exchanging stories. I really appreciate the 'congrats' from those of you who I have never met yet. I still can't believe it myself as to what I've stumbled across in the last few weeks....so please don't think that it's raining 81's out here in California! I'll post some pictures as soon as I figure out how to load them.
Tony
Tony
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 02, 2006, 12:01:13 am
Hello Tony,
Welcome aboard, You'll find that this is one of the best sites on the internet. Glad to have you along with us. When treasure hunting just make sure you stay in your area of Ca. Ha-Ha..
Welcome aboard, You'll find that this is one of the best sites on the internet. Glad to have you along with us. When treasure hunting just make sure you stay in your area of Ca. Ha-Ha..
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 02, 2006, 12:24:29 am
Don't worry Terry,
My travels will be limited to California because my truck can pass anything except a gas station.
Tony
My travels will be limited to California because my truck can pass anything except a gas station.
Tony
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: collecture on August 02, 2006, 12:49:11 am
| Quote |
| My travels will be limited to California because my truck can pass anything except a gas station. |
Dont' tell me you have one of those bumper stickers that says "This truck stops at all garage sales and flea markets"? J/K Welcome aboard!
BTW-Terry is in CA
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: coke_and_stuff on August 02, 2006, 05:35:20 am
Welcome to the site, alot of great people here and Congrats on your great finds!
Joey
Joey
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on August 02, 2006, 08:12:14 am
Yeah Welcome! Great finds... you stumbled onto what most of us have been hunting for for
years! It's all down hill for you now!
Can't wait to see the restoration process on those 3 finds.... Way to go!
years! It's all down hill for you now!
Can't wait to see the restoration process on those 3 finds.... Way to go!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 02, 2006, 08:14:38 am
Tony,
I'm in Tehachapi, Ca. (Central) just east of Bakersfield. I am restoring Victor's V81.
I'm in Tehachapi, Ca. (Central) just east of Bakersfield. I am restoring Victor's V81.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 02, 2006, 10:12:51 am
Thanks Eric and Joey,
It's great to be part of this site. When the 'Crown Jewel' first appeared on Craigslist, I sat there in disbelief staring at my monitor in a puddle of drool, thinking that everybody else was already snapping at it like a hobo on a sandwich. I went ahead and sent an email anyway but got no response for the first day, so I sent another......and got a reply! The lady was in nooo hurry to give out her phone number or address and she said in her email that I would have to wait until 'next weekend' to see it because she was going to be busy. Am I boring you guys with this story or would you want to hear the more of it?
Tony
It's great to be part of this site. When the 'Crown Jewel' first appeared on Craigslist, I sat there in disbelief staring at my monitor in a puddle of drool, thinking that everybody else was already snapping at it like a hobo on a sandwich. I went ahead and sent an email anyway but got no response for the first day, so I sent another......and got a reply! The lady was in nooo hurry to give out her phone number or address and she said in her email that I would have to wait until 'next weekend' to see it because she was going to be busy. Am I boring you guys with this story or would you want to hear the more of it?
Tony
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on August 02, 2006, 11:09:18 am
Keep it coming, these guys live for this stuff!!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: MoonDawg on August 02, 2006, 11:10:15 am
Please finish! Ray and I here in So. Calif were also sending her e-mails. It was several days before she e-mailed back. She said she had someone coming over on Sunday afternoon, and if we wanted to see it......we would have to come at the same time. Think maybe she wanted us to start a bidding war?
Also we want to hear about that 81 missing the coin door.
Welcome to the group Tony!
Also we want to hear about that 81 missing the coin door.
Welcome to the group Tony!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: davethebirdman on August 02, 2006, 11:14:35 am
Glen
I think you might be right. When it was posted here and you and joey picked up on it she must have started rubbing her hands together. Guess you can't blame her.
Buy low sell high...
I think you might be right. When it was posted here and you and joey picked up on it she must have started rubbing her hands together. Guess you can't blame her.
Buy low sell high...
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: MoonDawg on August 02, 2006, 12:37:30 pm
Most of us Californians must have been sleeping. The find of the century...... and it was pointed out to us by our friend in England! Thanks Dave
Thanks DaveTitle: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on August 02, 2006, 01:39:39 pm
Boring us?!!!? Look up my Easter 56 story!
It took 3 months to get that 56.... but what a rush hauling it home!
We love stories of the find and the pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep 'em coming!
It took 3 months to get that 56.... but what a rush hauling it home!
We love stories of the find and the pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep 'em coming!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 02, 2006, 02:13:03 pm
...ok...so the second email I send her is asking her for a phone number that I could reach her at....because I was VERY interested. I also included ALL of my phone numbers (I was throwing the whole tackle box in the water.....lures and all... praying that she would bite on anything). So she sends me back a lukewarm message telling me that she won't be available this weekend and I would have to wait UNTIL NEXT WEEKEND (at this time, I'm now doing the pee pee dance in front of my computer).
I then sent her a reply and not trying to sound like a beggar with no meat left on my knees, I simply told her that I was afraid she would sell it before I could see it. She then sent me back a very pleasant message that said "Tony, you are first on the list for the machine!" but at this time I still don't have a phone number or address!
Wanna hear more or am I talking too much?
Tony
I then sent her a reply and not trying to sound like a beggar with no meat left on my knees, I simply told her that I was afraid she would sell it before I could see it. She then sent me back a very pleasant message that said "Tony, you are first on the list for the machine!" but at this time I still don't have a phone number or address!
Wanna hear more or am I talking too much?
Tony
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on August 02, 2006, 02:29:44 pm
Dude... you're killing us..... finish up and post more pics!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: halehouse on August 02, 2006, 03:02:39 pm
Why do people do that? Post something for sale and then you're not available? Not emailing back with details? 
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 02, 2006, 03:18:49 pm
Cmon.... where is the rest of the story... this is like a 3 part mini series... leaving us on a cliffhanger at the end of each show!!! more more more....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: bubba on August 02, 2006, 05:48:25 pm
Tony must be a woman No guy would not keep us hanging this long...
No guy would not keep us hanging this long... Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 02, 2006, 08:30:16 pm
ok...be nice. My girlfriend is at work reading this stuff (found her on Craigslist too).
So the lady says I have to wait a week. No Problemo....I'll just keep my mind on other things like baseball stats and the NFL draft in the meantime. The following Thursday evening she sends me an email that reads:
"If you're still interested in the RC Cola machine, I have another person coming out this Sunday, 7/16, to look at it. I plan to be home between 12 noon and 2 p.m. for folks to look at it. Let me know if you're still interested and I can send you directions (and my telephone number) to my home in Petaluma.
The first person with $5,000 cash gets to take it home! Need it out of the garage. Price is somewhat flexible..."
Am I still interested? Is a bullfrog waterproof? She didn't leave me with too many choices (other folks coming to look at it too? Nooo way!!!) and then she places my brain in a blender by telling me that the price is "somewhat flexible."
What would you have done? Probably the same thing that I did. I emailed her back and told her: "I WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON WITH THE $5000 CASH"
I had decided to not take any chances because it didn't take me long to convince myself that I'd probably never have the chance to grab a Royal Crown 81 ever again. Then 'BINGO', she emails me back with two phone numbers and her address. Now at least I have a place to land and two phone numbers. One number was her work phone, and the other was her home...but the beast still isn't hog-tied in the bed of my truck yet! The next morning at about 9 A.M. (Friday morning) I put on my best poker face and place a call to her work number and finally I got a live person! She was really nice and easy to talk to. I told her that It had been a long search to find this machine and I was trying to dot the i's and cross the T's over the phone as if I had already handed her the moola. I told her that I would surely be there Sunday morning at noon and she said she looked forward to seeing me. I didn't dare put the thought in her head to ask if someone else might be showing up too....because I didn't want a bidding war on my hands! My gameplan left me guessing if SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE COMING TOO. That was the chance I had to take!
Sunday morning finally arrives and my truck is all polished up for the kill. Just as I was jumping on the freeway, I attempted to place a call to her home number but I got that loser that tells you that "The number you are trying to reach is unavailable". Hmmm Musta dialed the wrong#. I'll try again in a few minutes. Maybe it's a poor cell site. Next attempt, same loser again! Can't be the wrong number because I had already talked to her. Now I'm getting close to San Fran. I try her number again......but wait, I only talked to her on her work phone! Ok....keep your head Tony.... it was no big deal.....until I took the wrong offramp in San Francisco. Now I'm losing time trying to find my way to the Golden Gate. NOW I'M RUNNING LATE. Now every Freakazoid in San Francisco is either taking 10 minutes to cross the street in front of me, or the car ahead has only three gears.....SLOW...SLOWER....AND REVERSE. So I place a call to my girlfriend and have her check the number on the email address. She tried to place a call from my house to her home to tell her I'm running late....and she's gettin' a fast busy signal! OH NO....SOMEBODY MIGHT GET THERE BEFORE ME AND SHE GAVE ME THE WRONG NUMBER TO HER HOUSE AND I"M GOING TO BE LATE!
Sorry Bubba.....you gave me a woman headache....I tell the rest later....
So the lady says I have to wait a week. No Problemo....I'll just keep my mind on other things like baseball stats and the NFL draft in the meantime. The following Thursday evening she sends me an email that reads:
"If you're still interested in the RC Cola machine, I have another person coming out this Sunday, 7/16, to look at it. I plan to be home between 12 noon and 2 p.m. for folks to look at it. Let me know if you're still interested and I can send you directions (and my telephone number) to my home in Petaluma.
The first person with $5,000 cash gets to take it home! Need it out of the garage. Price is somewhat flexible..."
Am I still interested? Is a bullfrog waterproof? She didn't leave me with too many choices (other folks coming to look at it too? Nooo way!!!) and then she places my brain in a blender by telling me that the price is "somewhat flexible."
What would you have done? Probably the same thing that I did. I emailed her back and told her: "I WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON WITH THE $5000 CASH"
I had decided to not take any chances because it didn't take me long to convince myself that I'd probably never have the chance to grab a Royal Crown 81 ever again. Then 'BINGO', she emails me back with two phone numbers and her address. Now at least I have a place to land and two phone numbers. One number was her work phone, and the other was her home...but the beast still isn't hog-tied in the bed of my truck yet! The next morning at about 9 A.M. (Friday morning) I put on my best poker face and place a call to her work number and finally I got a live person! She was really nice and easy to talk to. I told her that It had been a long search to find this machine and I was trying to dot the i's and cross the T's over the phone as if I had already handed her the moola. I told her that I would surely be there Sunday morning at noon and she said she looked forward to seeing me. I didn't dare put the thought in her head to ask if someone else might be showing up too....because I didn't want a bidding war on my hands! My gameplan left me guessing if SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE COMING TOO. That was the chance I had to take!
Sunday morning finally arrives and my truck is all polished up for the kill. Just as I was jumping on the freeway, I attempted to place a call to her home number but I got that loser that tells you that "The number you are trying to reach is unavailable". Hmmm Musta dialed the wrong#. I'll try again in a few minutes. Maybe it's a poor cell site. Next attempt, same loser again! Can't be the wrong number because I had already talked to her. Now I'm getting close to San Fran. I try her number again......but wait, I only talked to her on her work phone! Ok....keep your head Tony.... it was no big deal.....until I took the wrong offramp in San Francisco. Now I'm losing time trying to find my way to the Golden Gate. NOW I'M RUNNING LATE. Now every Freakazoid in San Francisco is either taking 10 minutes to cross the street in front of me, or the car ahead has only three gears.....SLOW...SLOWER....AND REVERSE. So I place a call to my girlfriend and have her check the number on the email address. She tried to place a call from my house to her home to tell her I'm running late....and she's gettin' a fast busy signal! OH NO....SOMEBODY MIGHT GET THERE BEFORE ME AND SHE GAVE ME THE WRONG NUMBER TO HER HOUSE AND I"M GOING TO BE LATE!
Sorry Bubba.....you gave me a woman headache....I tell the rest later....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: halehouse on August 02, 2006, 09:20:41 pm
Very good story, great details. Name should be tease-o-matic. It's like when you are into a t/v show and 3 minutes before the hour "To Be Continued".
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Gumbo on August 02, 2006, 09:48:38 pm
OK, I've got my popcorn and soda. I'm now ready for the grand finale!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 02, 2006, 10:20:12 pm
This guys shouldn't be restoring Pop machines, he should be writing Cliff hanger Mini Series for NBC!!!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Creighton on August 02, 2006, 11:05:52 pm
It's all good. His story, get's to tell it however. Course if it ends "offered $1000" and she took it. I'll need 911 :-)
Welcome to the board Tony!!
Creighton
Welcome to the board Tony!!
Creighton
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: bubba on August 03, 2006, 06:38:14 am
Very nice Tony... Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 03, 2006, 10:00:33 am
I'm like a nervous Father waiting the birth of a child... I think I know how it ends, but Not sure and don't know when I'll find out.....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on August 03, 2006, 10:10:03 pm
Great story!! Now lets hear the end of it, cause my soda getting hot and my popcorn is just about all gone.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: petey64 on August 03, 2006, 11:01:10 pm
it's not how the story ends it's the anticipation........
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 04, 2006, 12:12:29 am
Did I ever tell you guys about the time I.....wait that wasn't me never mind. ha-ha...
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 04, 2006, 08:26:50 am
Where did this guy go? He's Proabably out picking up a Vendo Decapper at a yard sale for 50 bucks...
He's Proabably out picking up a Vendo Decapper at a yard sale for 50 bucks...Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 04, 2006, 10:48:40 am
...it is now 12 O'Clock High Noon, the Crown Jewel is still another 20 minutes from San Francisco, and as I FINALLY reach the Golden Gate Bridge and look up......through the clearing fog I see this message....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on August 04, 2006, 11:10:57 am
How is the Stoner machine? Was it complete?... That is a great score also...
I'm on the hunt for one of those too....
I'm on the hunt for one of those too....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 04, 2006, 12:13:56 pm
LOL That's too funny.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on August 04, 2006, 03:17:31 pm
KEEP IT COMING
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 07, 2006, 08:26:51 am
SO.... What happened to Our Story Teller... Mr. Rogers. I've heard of writers Block but this is rediculous... Fresco.... what's up with your buddy!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 07, 2006, 01:11:03 pm
He's probably too busy picking up a decapper that he just bought for a six pack of long necks and a box of twinkies. LOL
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: bubba on August 07, 2006, 01:16:09 pm
just like a woman to leave things unfinished
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on August 07, 2006, 01:35:21 pm
Not sure guys. I was hoping to hear the rest of it this weekend. To much craigslist and not enough SMC.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on August 07, 2006, 10:40:36 pm
He emailed me with pics of the Stoner machine.. Nice candy machine!
Said he'd get back with more of the story with pitures! WooooHoooo!
Said he'd get back with more of the story with pitures! WooooHoooo!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 13, 2006, 08:17:21 am
What happend to the Story Teller... did the RC 81 fall on him and he's trapped underneath it unable to finish the story???
?? Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Gumbo on August 18, 2006, 08:34:42 pm
Are we going to have to wait a year for the next episode?
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: dr galaga on August 18, 2006, 09:20:02 pm
Maybe his 
machine fell on him! 
J/K!
machine fell on him! J/K!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Gumbo on August 18, 2006, 09:31:43 pm
If it is a risk to his health, I'll take it off of his hands for what he paid for it.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: johnieG on August 18, 2006, 09:33:13 pm
Wow! such a deal ...BAM!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 19, 2006, 12:53:48 am
Oh My Gawd...
Hey fellow sodafolks,
Sorry for ther Dee-lay but lately I have been busier than a one-legged man in a ass kickin' contest.
I think I left off somewhere over the Golden Gate Bridge after winding my lost butt through San Fran. I remember now.... even though I just got home from a day that felt longer than the NBA season. I'll try to keep it entertaining even though I'm a little crippled from my blender. Sorry for any typo's but......this message is being broadcasted live from Margaritaville.....salt and all.
Ok....so there I was treckin' across the Golden Gate and late as #### for a lifetime opportunity. I remember that I was even leaning forward in my seat as I accelerated down the highway thinking that maybe my head would get there a little sooner. My girlfriend and I had already given up hope on contacting the owner of this machine because we were already resigned to the fact that this lady gave me the WRONG HOME PHONE NUMBER.
There was no way for me to beg the seller of this machine into buying me some time if others were coming to see the 'Crown Jewel'. It was now down to me and how many ponies my truck's engine could produce in a short amount of time. After I made it across the bridge, I was passin' cars like they were standing still and it was a VERY HOT DAY. The fog rolling through the city made things nice until I started eating up more highway north of the bridge. I went from city freaks to dry desolate territory in the blink of the eye. I kept thinking to myself that this area that I was driving through was so dry that a squirrel would have to pack a lunch before leaving for this territory. I was still 20 minutes away from a shot a VMC Royal Crown 81 and I remembered hating myself for every tenth of a mile that I passed because late is late.
As I headed north, my self inflicted punishment for running late was having visions of rounding the corner of this lady's street only to see a truck backed into her driveway and the Crown Jewel being loaded by some goalting recepient of the ultimate soda find. I started counting down the miles to Petaluma California and frantically searching for any hint of my off-ramp target which was Washington Avenue. I had her location memorized in my head as my turnoff slowly approached. 'Ok...Washington Avenue, right at the stop, and then the first left onto McDowell Blvd, and then right onto Lauren Avenue with her house being on the right side of the street. Got it. BUT I'M STILL LATE!' Finally, Washington Avenue comes into view....3 1/2 more nail bitin' miles. Now 1 mile.....now 1/4 mile. I swear my tires were crying as my truck rounded the off ramp. Ok....this machine is just around the corner....I hoped.
I made my right turn and swung over to the left lane. Light turned 7up green and I was first in line to turn left,...... then a quick right onto Lauren. Now I'm like a one-eyed cat in a seafood store looking for a truck backed up to a house on the right side of the street with a yelloworange VMC 81 in the back.....my worst nightmare.....and to my surprise......NO TRUCKS IN ANY DRIVEWAYS. So I quickly spot her address. Hmmm.....let see, there is a wheelchair ramp heading up to the front door, but my first objective is to back my truck up against the garage door of this address because if there is a Royal Crown VMC 81 behind door #1, if it's leavin', it's only way out is gonna be through the BED OF THIS TRUCK. I shut off my engine and trying to act as casual as can be, I make my way to the front door (took me a while to pull the seat out of my....).
Wow, this place sure doesn't look like a Royal Crown 81 lives here. I pushed the doorbell.... but decided to knock too. Ya know....double coverage in case the doorbell is broke. Then......no sound. So I knock again, and this time my knuckles get real red. I then hear the sound of footsteps getting closer to the front door. THEN, I hear the doorknob turn......and THEN, ....I see the door open through the old rusty screen door, and there through the darkness behind this screen door emerges the soft smile of a lady named Melinda.
Hey fellow sodafolks,
Sorry for ther Dee-lay but lately I have been busier than a one-legged man in a ass kickin' contest.
I think I left off somewhere over the Golden Gate Bridge after winding my lost butt through San Fran. I remember now.... even though I just got home from a day that felt longer than the NBA season. I'll try to keep it entertaining even though I'm a little crippled from my blender. Sorry for any typo's but......this message is being broadcasted live from Margaritaville.....salt and all.
Ok....so there I was treckin' across the Golden Gate and late as #### for a lifetime opportunity. I remember that I was even leaning forward in my seat as I accelerated down the highway thinking that maybe my head would get there a little sooner. My girlfriend and I had already given up hope on contacting the owner of this machine because we were already resigned to the fact that this lady gave me the WRONG HOME PHONE NUMBER.
There was no way for me to beg the seller of this machine into buying me some time if others were coming to see the 'Crown Jewel'. It was now down to me and how many ponies my truck's engine could produce in a short amount of time. After I made it across the bridge, I was passin' cars like they were standing still and it was a VERY HOT DAY. The fog rolling through the city made things nice until I started eating up more highway north of the bridge. I went from city freaks to dry desolate territory in the blink of the eye. I kept thinking to myself that this area that I was driving through was so dry that a squirrel would have to pack a lunch before leaving for this territory. I was still 20 minutes away from a shot a VMC Royal Crown 81 and I remembered hating myself for every tenth of a mile that I passed because late is late.
As I headed north, my self inflicted punishment for running late was having visions of rounding the corner of this lady's street only to see a truck backed into her driveway and the Crown Jewel being loaded by some goalting recepient of the ultimate soda find. I started counting down the miles to Petaluma California and frantically searching for any hint of my off-ramp target which was Washington Avenue. I had her location memorized in my head as my turnoff slowly approached. 'Ok...Washington Avenue, right at the stop, and then the first left onto McDowell Blvd, and then right onto Lauren Avenue with her house being on the right side of the street. Got it. BUT I'M STILL LATE!' Finally, Washington Avenue comes into view....3 1/2 more nail bitin' miles. Now 1 mile.....now 1/4 mile. I swear my tires were crying as my truck rounded the off ramp. Ok....this machine is just around the corner....I hoped.
I made my right turn and swung over to the left lane. Light turned 7up green and I was first in line to turn left,...... then a quick right onto Lauren. Now I'm like a one-eyed cat in a seafood store looking for a truck backed up to a house on the right side of the street with a yelloworange VMC 81 in the back.....my worst nightmare.....and to my surprise......NO TRUCKS IN ANY DRIVEWAYS. So I quickly spot her address. Hmmm.....let see, there is a wheelchair ramp heading up to the front door, but my first objective is to back my truck up against the garage door of this address because if there is a Royal Crown VMC 81 behind door #1, if it's leavin', it's only way out is gonna be through the BED OF THIS TRUCK. I shut off my engine and trying to act as casual as can be, I make my way to the front door (took me a while to pull the seat out of my....).
Wow, this place sure doesn't look like a Royal Crown 81 lives here. I pushed the doorbell.... but decided to knock too. Ya know....double coverage in case the doorbell is broke. Then......no sound. So I knock again, and this time my knuckles get real red. I then hear the sound of footsteps getting closer to the front door. THEN, I hear the doorknob turn......and THEN, ....I see the door open through the old rusty screen door, and there through the darkness behind this screen door emerges the soft smile of a lady named Melinda.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Jim on August 19, 2006, 04:46:39 am
You have a captive audience...
I think they're eager to hear the ending of this story...
I think they're eager to hear the ending of this story...
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: coke_and_stuff on August 19, 2006, 06:57:37 am
I know I am!
Joey
Joey
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 19, 2006, 03:33:54 pm
Play the movie......
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 21, 2006, 09:43:15 pm
.....so as she speaks through her smile, she askes, "you must be Tony"..... which told me right then and there that NOBODY ELSE WAS COMING TO SEE THIS MACHINE 
My wheels started turning because she mentioned in her email that "the machine would go to the first person that showed up with the $5,000 cash..... price is flexible."
Well I looked around her front yard and it was obvious to me that there were no other bidders standing around! WoW.....the devil
on my right shoulder was sayin' "DUDE! OFFER HER $4,000" and on my left shoulder was a voice that said, "DUDE, remember Rule #1.....she's a woman and she can change her mind in the blink of an eye, and Rule #2 is.....SEE RULE #1 
! "
In the meantime, I knew the Crown Jewel existed behind the garage door because she had mentioned in two different emails that she 'NEEDED IT OUT OF THE GARAGE'. As we walked and talked towards her garage door I could hear the sounds of Angels singing and the sound of golden trumpets playing from behind this garage door.......and as she starts to open the garage door she looks at me with this really strange look and starts mumbling to me in a low voice that her daughter also lives in her garage along with the Royal Crown 81,..... and if I wanted to buy the machine.....I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HER DAUGHTER TOO!
I almost asked her if she was smokin' crack but before I could do so, she lifted the door all the way up, and there standing before my eyes was....
My wheels started turning because she mentioned in her email that "the machine would go to the first person that showed up with the $5,000 cash..... price is flexible."
Well I looked around her front yard and it was obvious to me that there were no other bidders standing around! WoW.....the devil
on my right shoulder was sayin' "DUDE! OFFER HER $4,000" and on my left shoulder was a voice that said, "DUDE, remember Rule #1.....she's a woman and she can change her mind in the blink of an eye, and Rule #2 is.....SEE RULE #1 ! "In the meantime, I knew the Crown Jewel existed behind the garage door because she had mentioned in two different emails that she 'NEEDED IT OUT OF THE GARAGE'. As we walked and talked towards her garage door I could hear the sounds of Angels singing and the sound of golden trumpets playing from behind this garage door.......and as she starts to open the garage door she looks at me with this really strange look
and starts mumbling to me in a low voice that her daughter also lives in her garage along with the Royal Crown 81,..... and if I wanted to buy the machine.....I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HER DAUGHTER TOO! I almost asked her if she was smokin' crack but before I could do so, she lifted the door all the way up, and there standing before my eyes was....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 21, 2006, 09:45:42 pm
.....her
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 21, 2006, 10:14:05 pm
OOps.....sorry about that. That was the dream I had the night before. Everything was true except the daughter part but you liked it anyway. So as she opens the garage door, I started thinking about rule #2.
I then started to circle the Crown Jewel.....closely inspecting it for the possibility of it being an imposter. It took me a while to tell her I would take it.......about three seconds. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a wad of cash big enough to choke a horse and said to myself that my word is my word, I'm giveing her the whole enchilada. I then started counting one hundred dollar bills into her right hand because there still was the possibility that someone else might pull up shouting, "I'LL GIVE YOU $6,000!" So I counted up to fifty big bones....and after the 49th,.....she was goin' home in the red truck (minus the daughter). Here is the first photo I took of her right after I cashed her out....
I then started to circle the Crown Jewel.....closely inspecting it for the possibility of it being an imposter. It took me a while to tell her I would take it.......about three seconds. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a wad of cash big enough to choke a horse and said to myself that my word is my word, I'm giveing her the whole enchilada. I then started counting one hundred dollar bills into her right hand because there still was the possibility that someone else might pull up shouting, "I'LL GIVE YOU $6,000!" So I counted up to fifty big bones....and after the 49th,.....she was goin' home in the red truck (minus the daughter). Here is the first photo I took of her right after I cashed her out....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on August 21, 2006, 11:04:57 pm
Finally.... The end! and what a story teller! Love the twist abot the daughter!!!!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 21, 2006, 11:17:21 pm
That's All!!!! Just kidding.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Creighton on August 22, 2006, 01:02:06 am
Cool, is it getting restored or left as is?
Creighton
Creighton
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 22, 2006, 01:14:31 am
She looked a little spent standing alone in the middle of this garage...and to the average person passing by, she would have easily blended in with the rest of the normal garage clutter.....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Gumbo on August 22, 2006, 06:36:44 am
How did this lady get the machcine? I enjoyed your story!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 22, 2006, 09:46:02 am
Hi Creighton,
I'll probably give the machine a good polishing for now and repaint the embossed lettering on the front machine. The paint is in really good condition so until I restore it she can shine her original makeup one last time. I'm leaning more towards restoring her two-toned with the white top scheme. Any votes here?
I'll probably give the machine a good polishing for now and repaint the embossed lettering on the front machine. The paint is in really good condition so until I restore it she can shine her original makeup one last time. I'm leaning more towards restoring her two-toned with the white top scheme. Any votes here?
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on August 22, 2006, 10:02:06 am
Hi Gumbo,
She told me that her husband was a painter and he picked up the machine on a job over 25 or 30+ years ago. Through the many years her kids grew up with this machine using it as a pop shoppe dispenser. Yes, this was the end of the story after she sold it, but it is the beginning of a new story for those of us who can appreciate finding her.... and I'm looking forward to sharing this with everybody here. Remember, it's not the destination......it's the journey. That is why I strung out this story the way I did. I had all of you coming along for the ride too.
She told me that her husband was a painter and he picked up the machine on a job over 25 or 30+ years ago. Through the many years her kids grew up with this machine using it as a pop shoppe dispenser. Yes, this was the end of the story after she sold it, but it is the beginning of a new story for those of us who can appreciate finding her.... and I'm looking forward to sharing this with everybody here. Remember, it's not the destination......it's the journey. That is why I strung out this story the way I did. I had all of you coming along for the ride too.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: halehouse on August 22, 2006, 10:12:47 am
Great story and storyteller. Like a griot of ancient Mali.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: TheGarbageHunter on August 22, 2006, 10:23:28 am
Great story!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on August 22, 2006, 12:28:26 pm
| Quote (VEND-O-MATIC @ Aug. 22 2006,8:02) |
| Remember, it's not the destination......it's the journey. |
VEND-O-MATIC,
I agree with you 100%. I really like the "hunt" and the new friends I meet along the way. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!! When I find a RC81 I plan on painting it in the original paint scheme.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Bob K on August 23, 2006, 07:11:52 am
Quite a ride you took us on!!
Between this one and Eric's "Easter 56" this place keeps me on the edge of my seat!!!
The hunt is EVERYTHING ...
Bob
Between this one and Eric's "Easter 56" this place keeps me on the edge of my seat!!!
The hunt is EVERYTHING ...
Bob
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: aspbear1 on August 23, 2006, 09:03:28 am
Good story and great machine. The way you told the story I suspect you were a used car salesman in a past life...:D
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on August 23, 2006, 09:16:56 am
If you're taking votes on paint.. I'm for all original RC yellow with the red lettering.
No 2-tone.
My Pepsi 81 will be all Blue.... That's the way she started and that's the way she should stay...
No offense to anyone that does 2-tone.... That's just me... It looks good... But not original.
No 2-tone.
My Pepsi 81 will be all Blue.... That's the way she started and that's the way she should stay...
No offense to anyone that does 2-tone.... That's just me... It looks good... But not original.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on June 12, 2007, 11:11:59 am
Wow... 
Just found a vendo 56 in EXCELLENT original condition!
Just found a vendo 56 in EXCELLENT original condition!Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: VEND-O-MATIC on June 12, 2007, 11:16:57 am
This baby looks like it just rolled off the assembly line......unbelievable 
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Eric on June 12, 2007, 11:28:50 am
Sweet score... you don't post much but when you do.... Wow! 
CONGRATS!!!
CONGRATS!!!Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Creighton on June 12, 2007, 12:31:43 pm
That is really nice!! What is the story on this one?
Creighton
Creighton
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: halehouse on June 12, 2007, 12:53:34 pm
Yes. What is the story??
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: centech on June 12, 2007, 01:16:34 pm
alRIGHT, Tony--that's quite enough luck for you!
Congrats!
Congrats!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: BrianB on June 12, 2007, 02:44:50 pm
Man, Tony!! You are on a roll. Sweet looking machine.
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Kilroy on June 12, 2007, 04:10:52 pm
Wow...oh..wow....
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: Gumbo on June 12, 2007, 04:16:10 pm
Congrats! Great find!
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: sodaworks on June 13, 2007, 09:30:36 am
Nice find Tony. Just curious what an original in that condition cost you?
Title: Just sharing a friends story
Post by: SIGNGUY on June 13, 2007, 11:29:07 am
I"m waiting on the long 5 page story on how this came about... That was fun, and aggrevating last time you engaged us with the story about the RC 81