Title: Need info on restoration project
Post by: Chris on April 27, 2007, 05:51:58 pm
Hello, I just purchased a Vendorlator Soda machine. The model # is VF81D-SAP, I was wondering if anyone could help me find out what it originally looked like, as someone painted it Coke colors and it was originally a Pepsi machine. I was also wondering if there is a common name for these units that will make it easier to find parts.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
Title: Need info on restoration project
Post by: johnieG on April 27, 2007, 07:54:43 pm
Nice machine! and welcome to the site!
Yes, you are correct, it was a Pepsi machine, Vendortator made these for Pepsi, never in Coke (originally) as far as I've ever seen, plenty show up repainted, (I think I can see the Pepsi blue peeking out from behind the lower left ventalation grill, unless it's glare or overspray on the ribbed steel bottom panel.)
It's considered a post 60's machines, "square-cornered" machine, but these were actually made from about 1958-up until about 1962, when the newer VF-63 & VF-90 replaced the VF56 & VF-81, here's a picture of a VF-56 I've got. (below) (I call them the Eisenhower era machines) painted in a light Blue, they almost always had the "be sociable" slogan on the sides
Some basic models were just pained like yours, (under the vinyl I think you'll find blue paint) & plastic 3-D Pepsi medalions on a ribbed aluminum sign panel insert, The more deluxe models had full light-up signs & full ribbed aluminum trim like on this little VF-56, some VF-81s had a full length bottle portal light, others just had a little night-light at the top of the bottle door portal.
Nice machines, and I think the look a little more flashy then a Red & white VF-63/90 with the extra Chromed coin bezel, other than looks, many parts are the same as the later models, shelves, bottle rack, compressor assemblys, & bottle doors.
Yes, you are correct, it was a Pepsi machine, Vendortator made these for Pepsi, never in Coke (originally) as far as I've ever seen, plenty show up repainted, (I think I can see the Pepsi blue peeking out from behind the lower left ventalation grill, unless it's glare or overspray on the ribbed steel bottom panel.)
It's considered a post 60's machines, "square-cornered" machine, but these were actually made from about 1958-up until about 1962, when the newer VF-63 & VF-90 replaced the VF56 & VF-81, here's a picture of a VF-56 I've got. (below) (I call them the Eisenhower era machines) painted in a light Blue, they almost always had the "be sociable" slogan on the sides
Some basic models were just pained like yours, (under the vinyl I think you'll find blue paint) & plastic 3-D Pepsi medalions on a ribbed aluminum sign panel insert, The more deluxe models had full light-up signs & full ribbed aluminum trim like on this little VF-56, some VF-81s had a full length bottle portal light, others just had a little night-light at the top of the bottle door portal.
Nice machines, and I think the look a little more flashy then a Red & white VF-63/90 with the extra Chromed coin bezel, other than looks, many parts are the same as the later models, shelves, bottle rack, compressor assemblys, & bottle doors.
Title: Need info on restoration project
Post by: johnieG on April 27, 2007, 07:58:40 pm
Inside the VF-56
Title: Need info on restoration project
Post by: Bob K on April 27, 2007, 09:23:16 pm
I like the fishtail sign on it! 
Title: Need info on restoration project
Post by: sodaworks on April 27, 2007, 10:33:02 pm
Welcome aboard Chris. 
Title: Need info on restoration project
Post by: Chris on April 28, 2007, 08:19:48 am
Hello, thanks for the welcome everyone. As I said I want to restore this machine, I just am not sure how to go about taking this machine apart. I'm having trouble getting the sign out of the front of the machine, the one that Bob K said he liked.(And I would offer it to him but the finish on it, is good from a far, but far from good) I was also wondering if you use rivets to reassemble the machine or if there is something else that works better
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris