SMC Discussion Areas

Does anyone know this guy out of Las Vegas, Ricks' Restorations.
Kinda sad but cool photos...

He lists stuff on eBay from time to time.  He has a TON of stuff. :jawdrop:

I saw him at Myrtle Beach Bike Years ago, he had a real nice set up. He looks like he did nice work. I still have his card, I think. I beleave he converted a Victor into a Hot Dog Griller, He wasn't trying to pull anything, but what he did looked good. Now I think it was him. He has been around a long time. I understand he's a good guy. Anyone know him, Lets get him on the site. Someone with that many machines, has to have some great photos of his work.

Wouldn't it be nice to rumage around in.  Looks like there could be some nice finds.

I've seen him on ebay a few times. Alsorts of coin op. Offers the item unrestored and then quotes prices for restoration should the buyer require it. Makes good sense.

You would think being in Vegas he could make some serious money on the machines but siting them in some of the hotels with large price tags.

John - He might even have as many machines as you do... No what am I saying..

He has been selling parts for years - don't think I've ever seen him sell a whole machine. His email is (or was) Racinrickdale@aol.com

Or better yet, the availability of parts may come in handy ! ! !
The other nice thing is that nothing really get rusted out there...

      I know Rick. It was his work that inspired me into restorations too. He came
to my shop to buy a 39 and was the first person to warn me about the Coca Cola
police, they sued him for $10K.
      The pictures above are really just a lot of shells, the good parts have already
been sold off. Westinghouse chests cost twice as much to restore as they will sell
for. But it's just hard to send all this history to the scrap metal crusher!
      Another restorer from the past and a good friend of Rick was Dan Cooney, of
Cooney Island antiques. They used to both have great displays at the coin-op shows.
     

I have bought some things from Dan. He has/had one of the two (that I have seen) VMC27 changer mechs (see pic). His was restored and I think He wanted $450 for it in 2001 or 2002  - too much for me then. I would be more tempted now, but it is still pretty high.

From what I hear Rick has sold off pretty much everything that had some value to it.

Guys,

I bought a few machines off of Rick. He is a good guy. Very good to deal with and described the machines he was selling to a tee. He has a ton of knowledge and was a great person to buy from.

Brian

Glen how did he get sued?? What was the cause??

        At a trade show they sold non-Coke products with Coca Cola decals to
some undercover buyers from CC.

Yep, that would do it.