Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 07, 2007, 03:12:17 pm
OK, I'm a longtime video/pinball hobbyist who's never before had a soda vending machine and I've decided it's time to make that dream come true. I've read the discussion boards with interest and came up with a wish list for my potential new purchase.
1: Preferably not Coke
2: Bottle vendor
3: Square Top, slant shelf machine
4: As versatile as possible for bottle sizes/possibly cans.
5: Looking to spend 200-400 for a starter machine. Something I can tinker with, but cools and vends as is.
6: Really, preferably any brand but Coke. I'm a diet coke drinker, but would greatly prefer any other brand--maybe because it seems like 80% of the machines out there are Coke.
That said, I've been watching eBay for a couple of months(and here--haven't seen anything close, though), and a couple of Coke machines have come up that are close. As it happens, I'll be real close to both of them with an empty trailer in a couple of weeks just itching to bring something back home. One looks to be a Vendo V-63 or something close and one is a CS-64E looking at the tab.
Cavalier CS64
Vendo VF63
I've talked to the guy with the Vendo and he claims that there's no rust on the inside, and he says what looks like rust near the hinges is just dirt, so it should clean up fine. Haven't talked to the Cavalier guy, that machine looks to be in a bit rougher shape--but it doesn't have that (according to my wife) awful fake woodgrain. And of course, they're both Coke, which is a bit of a bummer. Again, I've got a fair bit of experience with pinball/video, so I'm used to having to fix a machine up a bit, but nothing with refrigeration.
Any thoughts for the newbie here? Preferences between machines? Or should I just cool it and keep looking? Or does someone in the Austin/Dallas/Houston area have a nice, working, non coke square top for a reasonable price?
William
1: Preferably not Coke
2: Bottle vendor
3: Square Top, slant shelf machine
4: As versatile as possible for bottle sizes/possibly cans.
5: Looking to spend 200-400 for a starter machine. Something I can tinker with, but cools and vends as is.
6: Really, preferably any brand but Coke. I'm a diet coke drinker, but would greatly prefer any other brand--maybe because it seems like 80% of the machines out there are Coke.
That said, I've been watching eBay for a couple of months(and here--haven't seen anything close, though), and a couple of Coke machines have come up that are close. As it happens, I'll be real close to both of them with an empty trailer in a couple of weeks just itching to bring something back home. One looks to be a Vendo V-63 or something close and one is a CS-64E looking at the tab.
Cavalier CS64
Vendo VF63
I've talked to the guy with the Vendo and he claims that there's no rust on the inside, and he says what looks like rust near the hinges is just dirt, so it should clean up fine. Haven't talked to the Cavalier guy, that machine looks to be in a bit rougher shape--but it doesn't have that (according to my wife) awful fake woodgrain. And of course, they're both Coke, which is a bit of a bummer. Again, I've got a fair bit of experience with pinball/video, so I'm used to having to fix a machine up a bit, but nothing with refrigeration.
Any thoughts for the newbie here? Preferences between machines? Or should I just cool it and keep looking? Or does someone in the Austin/Dallas/Houston area have a nice, working, non coke square top for a reasonable price?William
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: MoonDawg on May 07, 2007, 04:36:28 pm
Your last sentence said it all! You are from Texas................
Hold out for a Dr. Pepper machine, you'll be glad you did!
Hold out for a Dr. Pepper machine, you'll be glad you did!
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: halehouse on May 07, 2007, 04:44:54 pm
Couldn't get your links to work.
If you are set on a squaretop Cavalier or Vendo, I would try to find something like a "USS Cavalier" machine that can vend both bottles and cans since you mentioned that. The overall style of the outside is basically the same, but the stack is different with either pulls or dials and larger openings to allow it to vend cans.
If you are set on a squaretop Cavalier or Vendo, I would try to find something like a "USS Cavalier" machine that can vend both bottles and cans since you mentioned that. The overall style of the outside is basically the same, but the stack is different with either pulls or dials and larger openings to allow it to vend cans.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: halehouse on May 07, 2007, 04:48:50 pm
A Vendo Can/Bottle
Here is a Vendo example with the pulls instead of the dials like on my cav.
The $ on this one is a bit high though. Oh, woodgrain can always come off!
(Before & After pics)
Here is a Vendo example with the pulls instead of the dials like on my cav.
The $ on this one is a bit high though. Oh, woodgrain can always come off!
(Before & After pics)
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: halehouse on May 07, 2007, 04:53:13 pm
After
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 07, 2007, 04:54:26 pm
Hmm, sorry bout that--the item #'s are:
130110580453
220108939981
But I think Glen's got it right--The wife's a Dr. Pepper fan and I'm not too keen on making the "Coke branded machine" compromise. But any non coke would be cool. Vending cans would be nice, but is certainly no deal breaker. So I'm probably still looking--but definitely looking for ideas.
130110580453
220108939981
But I think Glen's got it right--The wife's a Dr. Pepper fan and I'm not too keen on making the "Coke branded machine" compromise. But any non coke would be cool. Vending cans would be nice, but is certainly no deal breaker. So I'm probably still looking--but definitely looking for ideas.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: collecture on May 07, 2007, 05:02:51 pm
I found a couple machines in the DFW area on Craigslist.
DP Cav USS 64
DP bottle machine - Vendo 56 I think
DP Cav USS 64
DP bottle machine - Vendo 56 I think
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: bubba on May 07, 2007, 08:03:39 pm
Those are 2 nice machines Tom... That USS is a bit steep IMHO, but in nice shape. The other is a VF56 in very nice shape...
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: johnieG on May 07, 2007, 08:05:28 pm
(centech @ May 07 2007,5:54)
QUOTE
Hmm, sorry bout that--the item #'s are:
130110580453
220108939981
But I think Glen's got it right--The wife's a Dr. Pepper fan and I'm not too keen on making the "Coke branded machine" compromise. But any non coke would be cool. Vending cans would be nice, but is certainly no deal breaker. So I'm probably still looking--but definitely looking for ideas.
130110580453
220108939981
But I think Glen's got it right--The wife's a Dr. Pepper fan and I'm not too keen on making the "Coke branded machine" compromise. But any non coke would be cool. Vending cans would be nice, but is certainly no deal breaker. So I'm probably still looking--but definitely looking for ideas.
I tookthe liberty to fix your links to the machines, going on looks , I'd go for the Cavalier, I'll be posting several machines soon on ebay among them an Ideal upright model 80-10 / 7up. kinda different.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 07, 2007, 08:12:14 pm
Well there you go....Both of those Dr Pepper machines seem a 'lil nicer than the two on eBay--and they're more our speed, brand-wise. Not wedded to Dr Pepper, necessarily, but....So that makes that decision--we'll stick it out and see if we can't find something more suited to our wants. The 64 I'd seen before, but the (possibly) Vendo 56 I hadn't. Of those two, it's the one I'd go for(I like the older logos)--except that the Vendo 56 only vends up to 10 oz bottles. Cans, we can do without--but the bottles would have to go to 12 oz. The eventual plan is for two working machines--one slant shelf vendor (the one I'm looking for now) that handles our day to day soda/juice/water needs and one older, single flavor 6.5 oz vendor with an unusual or elegant vending mechanism. You know, one to look at and one to use. Thing is--when I started collecting pinballs I ended up with WAY too many for the room I had, so I know I'm the type to go overboard....So I'd like to get it close to right. Which means I'm still looking, I guess.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 07, 2007, 08:15:13 pm
WOW! I love that Ideal machine! That's exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about! Which means I should probably hold out for something like that. 
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 07, 2007, 08:15:44 pm
Can you tell I've gotten the bug? 
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: johnieG on May 07, 2007, 08:31:52 pm
You like it ....It likes you!
PM me if you're interested, I have two to choose from, this one has the nicer chassis, it's "twin" has a plain 7up sign, but the coin-bezel's nicer, I can ship em down to you too!
Ah! I found the picture of it's brother...
PM me if you're interested, I have two to choose from, this one has the nicer chassis, it's "twin" has a plain 7up sign, but the coin-bezel's nicer, I can ship em down to you too!
Ah! I found the picture of it's brother...
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: bubba on May 07, 2007, 08:56:36 pm
Here is a USS-64 in Alverado, TX, but its a Coke... With a bit of paint it could be anything... http://cgi.ebay.com/CAVALIER-COKE-MACHINE_W0QQitemZ130110170180QQihZ003QQcategoryZ13734QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1
QQcmdZViewItem
Here is a picture of one of the members masterpieces...
The V56 bottle stack will vend most 12oz bottles.
QQcmdZViewItem
Here is a picture of one of the members masterpieces...
The V56 bottle stack will vend most 12oz bottles.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 07, 2007, 09:08:09 pm
Ah, that Frostie is gorgeous! Love the oddballs. And thanks for the V56 info--that's just the sort of info I'm still lacking on specific models. It's kinda tough as I troll the web checking out what's available. Especially since you only get a model # every now and then, sometimes not even a brand.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: loman4ec on May 08, 2007, 01:49:46 am
Thanks that frosty was my creation. It was a fun project. Just so you know you can do just about anything you want to a square top sice they aren't embossed. Buy a model of machine that you like and make it what ever brand you want. For example this was the frosty machine before it was done.
Just so you know you can do just about anything you want to a square top sice they aren't embossed. Buy a model of machine that you like and make it what ever brand you want. For example this was the frosty machine before it was done.Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: Bob K on May 08, 2007, 06:41:49 am
That Frostie that Josh did is really a gem... Really nice job on that one.
Bob
Bob
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 08, 2007, 08:53:18 am
Hey Josh! No doubt, any machine can be anything--but I'm pretty sure my wife would kill me if I started there. 
My first non functioning pinball I brought into the house stayed that way for over a year before I got it playable. She's really gun shy of there being a similar learning curve if I buy a "builder" machine, cooling or not. So I'd like to have something she likes and gets along with before I start project-ing. That said--from the perspective of the outside only--there really isn't all THAT much there, is there? So if I got a nicely running common machine(V63 or similar) I think I could do it. But as a practical question on that subject, cause I have been considering it--how tough is it to get the lighted signs for unusual brands? On ebay, somebody had a restored Mountain Dew Vendo 63 that he said was unique in that Vendo had never made a MD V63. But there was a great lighted MD sign that went in that machine--are many of the signs interchangeable? And is there a specialty supplier? I've been round the parts suppliers here and haven't stumbled across all these great lighted sign fronts yet.
William
My first non functioning pinball I brought into the house stayed that way for over a year before I got it playable. She's really gun shy of there being a similar learning curve if I buy a "builder" machine, cooling or not. So I'd like to have something she likes and gets along with before I start project-ing. That said--from the perspective of the outside only--there really isn't all THAT much there, is there? So if I got a nicely running common machine(V63 or similar) I think I could do it. But as a practical question on that subject, cause I have been considering it--how tough is it to get the lighted signs for unusual brands? On ebay, somebody had a restored Mountain Dew Vendo 63 that he said was unique in that Vendo had never made a MD V63. But there was a great lighted MD sign that went in that machine--are many of the signs interchangeable? And is there a specialty supplier? I've been round the parts suppliers here and haven't stumbled across all these great lighted sign fronts yet.William
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: loman4ec on May 08, 2007, 09:35:15 am
Its easy go to a local sign store and have them make it for you. Just measure the sign and have them cut white plexiglass in the same size and take them the graffics that you want and they will make it for you. If you buy a good working machine it is as easy as a repaint and new decals and a sign. Or like that cavalier uss-64 that you don't like the logo. It is easy to change the sign to make it look older. I have had several cavalier USS-64's. They are great machines and the vend just about anything. A custom paint scheme and new logos and they look great.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: MoonDawg on May 08, 2007, 09:41:01 am
(centech @ May 07 2007,6:15)
QUOTE
WOW! I love that Ideal machine!
Johnie's first machine is what you need. It's what
we refer to "off-brand"......that's anything but Coke!
Also it is different than 90% of the square cornered
machines, and it will clean up real nice avoiding painting and decals. You will be amazed what scrubbing
and buffing and new glass will do.
Once it is working and the wife is happy with it, she
may not mind your second machine as restoration project
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: loman4ec on May 08, 2007, 09:42:30 am
I know you don't like coke but here is a pic of a sign that I did. This machine was origionally the pepsi machine below and it had a metal non light up sign in it. I made the sign frame and made the sign. It is easy.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 08, 2007, 11:02:46 am
Josh,
Oh, it's not that I don't like Coke--as a matter of fact, love the drink and love the machines. It's just got a bit TOO much of the collectible market, so I see too many of 'em. Looking at what you did with that Pepsi machine is what I'm here for! Gives me a lot of hope that I can do one myself. For the chrome--you replaced the lock, I'm sure--but did you replace the glass door handle or replate it? Sorry if I'm getting off on tangents, but you guys are awesome--I keep coming up with new questions after reading your posts.
And Glen--I think you're right, his price is about right, and that's the way we'd like to head. I think now it depends on how bad shipping will hurt.
Wm
Oh, it's not that I don't like Coke--as a matter of fact, love the drink and love the machines. It's just got a bit TOO much of the collectible market, so I see too many of 'em. Looking at what you did with that Pepsi machine is what I'm here for! Gives me a lot of hope that I can do one myself. For the chrome--you replaced the lock, I'm sure--but did you replace the glass door handle or replate it? Sorry if I'm getting off on tangents, but you guys are awesome--I keep coming up with new questions after reading your posts.
And Glen--I think you're right, his price is about right, and that's the way we'd like to head. I think now it depends on how bad shipping will hurt.
Wm
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: loman4ec on May 08, 2007, 06:29:55 pm
The door handle is reproduced and is cheep. I like John's 7up machine. i agree you should go for that. If you want something that is different that is it. I have had more than 70 machines and I have never seen one like it. Neet machine. John gets good deals through Fedex Freight or you can send it door to door with North American van lines for about $350
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: MoonDawg on May 08, 2007, 07:14:28 pm
Door to door service is usually $300.00 +
Shipping terminal to terminal as does Forward Air. Closer to $100. +
If your seller is co-operative.........shipping costs can be minimized
Shipping terminal to terminal as does Forward Air. Closer to $100. +
If your seller is co-operative.........shipping costs can be minimized
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 08, 2007, 09:05:07 pm
OK, terminal to terminal with the shipping discount Fedex freight is 530, ForwardAir is 506, haven't looked for NAVL's rates. We're shipping the machine about 1200 miles or so, Michigan to Austin, but still..... I haven't shipped a pinball in a few years, but I remember them being around 200. It's too bad if it's gotten that high, cause I really do like the machine. But it's just too much to do.....unless I'm missing something.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: MoonDawg on May 08, 2007, 09:21:28 pm
(centech @ May 08 2007,7:05)
QUOTE
OK, terminal to terminal with the shipping discount Fedex freight is 530, ForwardAir is 506, .....unless I'm missing something.
Something is extremely wrong with your quotes.........we would not survive this hobby at those rates!!
Anyway....Call Johnie in person......he will get the real scoop on cost!
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: collecture on May 08, 2007, 10:56:21 pm
I haven't shipped anything in a little while,
but I am sure gas prices have impacted the cost some.
but I am sure gas prices have impacted the cost some.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 09, 2007, 10:53:55 am
Well, I haven't quite given up--It's the machine I'd want given my druthers, but my inquiries have been reasonably consistent--so I'm losing hope. Plus, going on ebay and checking out "exact shipping" on shipping quote calculators gets about the same kind of amounts to ship machines similar distances. Can't decide if I should start letting my eyes wander yet. Besides, Josh has about talked me into the thought of buying a cheaper coke and painting it. Then the world really is my oyster, as far as the brand I get for my gameroom.
Besides, Josh has about talked me into the thought of buying a cheaper coke and painting it. Then the world really is my oyster, as far as the brand I get for my gameroom.Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 09, 2007, 12:50:51 pm
And if I did go with a local machine, it would probably be that Coke CS-64E followed by a repaint and new sign. But for a relatively turnkey, if HUGE machine, this sure is a nice Dr Pepper. Or at least the kinda era I'll be aping on any repaint, early 60's-ish or so.
Ebay #150120372065
Course, you never know how realistic a guy's reserve is.....
Ebay #150120372065
Course, you never know how realistic a guy's reserve is.....
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: SIGNGUY on May 09, 2007, 01:59:20 pm
(centech @ May 08 2007,10:05)
QUOTE
OK, terminal to terminal with the shipping discount Fedex freight is 530, ForwardAir is 506, haven't looked for NAVL's rates. .
I would recheck your quotes... Forward air only does Terminal to Terminal and I've never paid more than 150 bucks for something shipped and that was from Washington State to Minnesota. I'd recheck that and yes I'm sure gas prices have affected it a bit but not that much.
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: johnieG on May 09, 2007, 06:19:47 pm
(centech @ May 09 2007,11:53)
QUOTE
Well, I haven't quite given up--It's the machine I'd want given my druthers, but my inquiries have been reasonably consistent--so I'm losing hope. Plus, going on ebay and checking out "exact shipping" on shipping quote calculators gets about the same kind of amounts to ship machines similar distances. Can't decide if I should start letting my eyes wander yet. Besides, Josh has about talked me into the thought of buying a cheaper coke and painting it. Then the world really is my oyster, as far as the brand I get for my gameroom.
Besides, Josh has about talked me into the thought of buying a cheaper coke and painting it. Then the world really is my oyster, as far as the brand I get for my gameroom.Yea, somethings screwy over at Fedexrfreight, even with a 40% discount, it quoted over $500, that's nuts!
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 09, 2007, 09:10:57 pm
Right, Right-found my error on the FA website--quote included a "forward air provided container" which, when corrected shows a price of $273.70. So I called FA directly and was told "around 260 or 270"--which I figure translates to $273.70.
That takes me to about a hundred dollars over my budgeted limit and just a wee bit over my "I swear, not a penny over" promise to my wife. But I'm a-gonna get it! Gives me a turnkey ready machine that still needs enough work that I can still decide to do a repaint, but is already quite presentable and non-Coke, so we can enjoy it as is instead of having another project that needs to get done sooner rather than later. Still discussing the thing with John, but I'll be posting pics when it shows up in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck, and be ready to help when I need it--cause it looks like a manual's gonna be out of the question. I can't find ANY other machines, docs, references about this Ideal upright anywhere. But I can't wait! Neither can the kids--and the wife's even kinda looking forward to it!
It IS pretty, ain't it?
That takes me to about a hundred dollars over my budgeted limit and just a wee bit over my "I swear, not a penny over" promise to my wife. But I'm a-gonna get it!
Gives me a turnkey ready machine that still needs enough work that I can still decide to do a repaint, but is already quite presentable and non-Coke, so we can enjoy it as is instead of having another project that needs to get done sooner rather than later. Still discussing the thing with John, but I'll be posting pics when it shows up in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck, and be ready to help when I need it--cause it looks like a manual's gonna be out of the question. I can't find ANY other machines, docs, references about this Ideal upright anywhere. But I can't wait! Neither can the kids--and the wife's even kinda looking forward to it!It IS pretty, ain't it?
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: MoonDawg on May 10, 2007, 09:36:46 am
Also, you are buying a machine from a guy who knows his stuff.
If there were something seriously wrong with it, he would let you know. How many other sellers would do that for you?
If there were something seriously wrong with it, he would let you know. How many other sellers would do that for you?
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: johnieG on May 10, 2007, 01:09:36 pm
Yep! Me fixxy up nice! I'll swap out the coinbezels & signs, and whatever else needs it,
hey I even found the inside coindoor key hiding inside the cap catcher, ( I hate when they do that, you drill a lock only to find the original key arg! )
but this one was lucky, the coindoor was already open. you'll only need the plug-lock (identicle to any Ideal slider) to put in the main door.
the more I go over it, the more it looks like a well built machine, everything straight forward, even the bottle door light takes a standard old lightbulb. the shelves even lock into place so they can fall loose, nothing like a pile of glass-bottles tumbling out when you open the door,
hey I even found the inside coindoor key hiding inside the cap catcher, ( I hate when they do that, you drill a lock only to find the original key arg!
) but this one was lucky, the coindoor was already open. you'll only need the plug-lock (identicle to any Ideal slider) to put in the main door.
the more I go over it, the more it looks like a well built machine, everything straight forward, even the bottle door light takes a standard old lightbulb. the shelves even lock into place so they can fall loose, nothing like a pile of glass-bottles tumbling out when you open the door,
Title: CSS-64E or Vendo V-63??
Post by: centech on May 10, 2007, 09:20:27 pm
OHBOYOHBOY!!! Can't wait!! And that's JUST the sort of thing I want to hear from John--and that I'd never think of. But then again, I've never had a shelf fall out. See, that's just proof the Dawg is right....I feel loads better buying this machine from a guy who I've been learning from lurking round the boards here. It's well worth the shipping--no, wait--Let me see the machine first.
The machine's a little bigger and heavier than I thought I'd end up with, but so long as it's not taller than me. Won't be long til I'm....
The machine's a little bigger and heavier than I thought I'd end up with, but so long as it's not taller than me. Won't be long til I'm....