SMC Discussion Areas

Well i was looking around and about 5 years ago Terry Moody Restored a nice Vendo 39 for me. As some of us know the old story i got a divorce and the 39 was gone to the EX. So, after alot of time and determination i finally scored what i hope was a good buy tonight. On Craigs list in palm Springs was a Coke machine. It said 1950's Coke machine $1,500. I email the guy, asked for pics and drove to his place tonight with cash in hand.
Its not perfect but it works well and I am in need of some parts( entire coin mechanism is missing, cap catcher, coin catcher, etc) but the unit works and works well. Someone restored it years ago and did a half ass job. Its good for now but Terry will have this one at his place soon.Anyway, the price was $1,000
VMC-81

Mike
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3774492990_5218c23805_b.jpg)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3774493688_3ee41565ea_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3773687829_fabf97d3cd_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3774494342_723b4df388_b.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3774494634_a96bfc288d_b.jpg)

Id the coke not embossed? There was never a VMC coke 81. So either it is a generic 81 or it could have embossing under some bondo. Take off the door liner and look at the back. You may have found a Pepsi, 7up or even an RC 81. If you did then you did GREAT!!!

Coca Cola looks embossed, but the VMC logo doesn't. Maybe its a Vendo with VMC sticker on it?

Well it has a VMC bottle door and it is  large door model which would have stainless that seperated the red and white which this doesn't have. It has a Vendo coin bezel. I bet it it a VMC.

I think you did good, congrats. Now hold on to this one when it's done  :biggrin:

The coke is not embossed and I am leaving for the river this am. I will check sunday when i return.Just to add to the confusion a bit more. Not one tag anywhere on it and the VMC at the bottom of the machine front face is not embossed, its a sticker. Also the machine will not vend IBC bottles or Crush bottles. I can adjust the shelves for those sodas but they are just a hair too big to pull through, which sucks. The entire point of wanting this machine was to use different sodas and not have to use COKE only. I can vend water bottles no problem and the small coke bottles. They pull through no problem.

Great buy! Your machine will vend Crush and IBC Sodas. In my Coke 81D I currently have Orange, Strawberry, and Grape Crush, as with IBC rootbeer and Cream soda.

Joey

You may need to just adjust the shelf hight on the bottle stack.  I have IBC in my 81 right now.  Along with orange crush.

         Good observation group. Another point not mentioned is that the crank handle
hole has been welded closed. This is an indication that the machine had been
converted to electric so the bottle stack is probably electric as well.
        This is a nice generic machine and could be restored to Coke or any other
brand desired.

Mike,
I emailed you earlier. Whenever you are ready I'll hook you up and make your ex jealous of your new replacement machine.

If it were a generic machine, wouldn't the VMC dimple be there? Though why would someone grind down or bash in embossments just to make it a Coke again?
 :Oo:  :oh: :upside:

I bet the dimple is there. I think he just meant that the letters VMC were not embossed. You never know it may not be generic!!

        I believe the the third picture shows the dimple as raised.

Terry,

You are correct, the machine was set up to vend electric and no manual coins, this blows for me. The entire point of a vending machine is the coins. If I wanted a cooler I would just use an old refridge, know what i mean? Ok, so here is the deal, the VMC square is embossed and it goes through the other side, you can see the square( not the letters). It works perfect, I had it going all weekend while we were away at the river for 3 days, everything is nice and cold. Ok, lets see, I dont know what to tell you guys, there is no way in hell Crush or IBC is going to pull through those holes, they are a bigger diameter and there is no way. I tried and tried it wont pull through, Another blow for me, we wanted a machine that can vend different things other than coke and water bottles. So we might be forced to sell or trade for something similar? No rust in the bottom of the machine, very clean and just dusty and dirty. I checked the little condensation bottle and about 3/8 of water in it, very little.
I tried and tried to clear the passage of the tube and its a bit clogged. I even used a small little portable yellow air pump and blow the line free of particles but its a bit clogged and I need a stronger hose( like an air compressor). Anyway, more pics.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3783635586_01cef3ccc5_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3783636422_4ff65442c4.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3782826961_ac949629c4.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3783637658_c4a7eda5a7.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3782824957_5f5a46741d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/3783634350_7836de03e4.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3782817641_653caa63dc.jpg)

Hello MoonDawg,

Ok, so the dimple is raised and what do i have? A VMC Coke machine or a Pepsi? Do i have something worth decent?

You'll have to unscrew the screws and peel the top part of the main door liner off. See if there is any embossment underneath - it could be generic, Pepsi, 7UP or RC Cola. I might have a buyer in SoCal if it is a generic machine and you are intent on selling it.
Have you adjusted the bottle stack for the largest size bottle? If the bottle diameter is smaller in size than the hole, then it will vend. You have to pull the rod out and stick it back into the bottom hole (there are three)

That looks like a nice VMC Generic--similar to my VMC 110 Canada Dry machine that I picked up last month.

http://soda-machines.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=29&topic=9439.20

I would not give up on that machine as there are other bottles like Boylan's and Faygo(if you are in the Midwest) that will vend from it.  You can also vend some of the bottled (plastic) tea's and Talking Rain carbonated flavored waters from that machine.  Another brand that might work is Jones Soda and they have a ton of flavors!

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

Ok, i will do this right now, hang tight guys!'

Mike

Ok, I pulled the liner off just so I can see the back side and its flat as can be, no embossed logos underneathe the treasure chest guys.Its white primer or white in color but no logo on the back side of the front panel.

Probably generic, but try a magnet over the embossed area.

I looked and looked at this rod? I cant figure out what you are talking about as the way its set up, you can adjust the shelves for the bottle length BUT I cant see where we can allow it too pull larger bottles like IBC or Crush. Am i wrong here?

Sticks no problem to the front.

   Have you considered a Cavalier 72? They allow a larger diameter bottle to pass thru.

   I have a few here in So. calif,          would be willing to work a deal with you.

      Looking at the picture of your bottle stack, it looks as if you have most of the rods in the
lower of the 3 holes.....allowing maximum diameter clearance.

I agree, but it looks like the shelves are sticking up a bit.

Is it possible to stick the rod in and not have the shelf seated in the appropriate slot?

I would consider anything that works, vends coins and can hold all the different bottles. NO Square tops though:)

Mike

MoonDawg,

We have it set up right now with the shelves to the front hole so it can vend the smaller length bottles. I am a bit confused that if the diameter of the hole is one size, how in the heck are you gonna change it by a rod? I must be missing something here guys? I must be looking at the wrong area?

I looked at the ID tag on the compressor and it has a bunch of numbers on it. One number in the middle says V1D? Does this sound right?

You can't...the hole is the maximum size.

By adjusting the shelf for different size bottles, you eliminate the possibility of two bottles rolling onto the shelf at one time. It is more of a protective measure than anything else...a piece of angle iron shifts down in between the bottle being vended and the next bottle. If you have it set to the largest diameter and are vending a small diamter bottle (like Coronitas) in there, the angle iron might not go down far enough to block the second bottle; therefore, someone could hold the gate open and clean out the shelf.

So, thought on this one, and it's more of a question...

Has anyone ever drilled/machined out the holes on the front plate of the stack to allow for larger bottles?  I know that entire piece comes off, and I don't think it would be too hard to throw on a drill press.  You could throw a coat of paint on it after that.

Would that work? 

I don't think it would as the distance between the bottle gate and shelf is not much different than the diameter of the hole.

Guys,

Ok, back to my machine and my questions? So I removed the pannel inside the machine and its not embossed. It is flat as can be. So what i have here is a VMC 81 D than correct? Its a Generic VMC 81 correct? Is this a sought after machine? I really want something thats in as good shape as this is just complete and working as well since mine works fine.

Mike

Yes- you have a generic VMC-81 (D model).

It is desirable in that you can make it any flavor you like (ie. Barq's, Dr. Pepper, Squirt...whatever). It is not complete though because it has been converted to electric and you are missing the coin mech, coin box, cap catcher and possibly the linkage. You will also need to convert the stack back to mechanical if you want it back to original.
Could cost you $300-$400 (or more) to do so plus the cost of original porcelain signs if you want.

I found a Generic VMC 81 as well about a month ago. Its currently being restored to Dr Pepper. I was offered $3k for it when I bought it.

Joey

And let me guess I have one of the machines that you dont see or find alot of parts for?

Mike

Parts, original and repopped are readily available.

Chiming in here,... Parts will not be hard to find for your conversion, they are all standard in all the 81's so that will not be the issue.. Like said earlier, you're probably into another 400 in those parts however , but once you get them , your restorer will know what to do with them to make them work.
On another note, if your are looking to have a Coke Branded machine, I would not spend money restoring this one to Coke...Id sell this one or trade to someone who wants and "Off" Brand machine and then buy an embossed Coke Machine like a 81a,b or d model..

Good luck!

What I want is something working and just as nice and not destroyed. Mine is not perfect, we can see that. But it works, its in good straight shape and no bondo in it from what I can tell. I am in Southern CA and willing to trade someone.

Mike

I've just looked at your website... Didn't realise there was such a big market for Gerrman Bikes... Anyway ,
Restoring a vending machine is going to be a complete wizz compared to what you do for a living...

If you do indeed have a generic machine why don't you keep it, invest in the missing parts, people here will probably be able to help or even Ebay..Won't take long to get them and then convert to your favourite off brand.. Everyone has Coke... Great for re-sale but from what I have read you want one to keep..

Do you do the machine guns and uniform too???

Dave

Dave,

German bikes are a good market too be in. As for my machine, I would keep it if it was meant to be a Coke machine but its not. Its also missing a few things and well that is a bit of a downfall. I want something to replace it with like a Vendo 81a or a Cavalier 72 ? Like i said, I would have to invest about $400 into this and well that is not what I wanted too do :(
I am in Southern CA if anyone is interested? I was hoping to hear back from Terry Moody as well, he hooked me up last time.

Mike

Here's a thought,
you're not limited to restoring the machine in a soda theme,  finish it in a BMW or Zundapp theme, and get an godly amount  of money for it from an avid enthusiast

Sgrug, have a cav96 ( square-top, relax!)  I will do one day in a Red Wings theme. The pusrists may hate me,  but damn it will  look cool

     A large door coin mech will cost over $300.00 alone  :darn:

     I'd advise listing it as generic on e-bay to recover your investment....then start your search all over again Mike.

Excuse my ignorance here, but  why not leave it as an electric select if it works?  It can bel cleaned up, repainted, and  a cheaper alternative.

i believe that Mike want's it as original and like me, I like mechanicals over electrical..

      Jones plug inside the coin door is missing and no electric solonoid under thr bottle stack

Terry Moody might help me with getting it back to Original and mechanical or I might take Glen up on an offer. It all depends. Its a nice machine and works well.

MIke

It could always just stay on free vend and be a good user machine. However I agree with Glen. It will sell for much more than you paid on ebay. I would sell it and buy a nice original V81 embossed Coke. Someone will really want that generic VMC 81 either as a fantasy machine or they will want to make a DP machine. I would love to find one and make a fantasy machine from it like orange crush or Dad's Rootbeer.

I will know today if I am going to sell the machine. I have spoke with Glenn and I am waiting for Terry to call me or email me back and once I know i will offer it forsale.

Mike

Guys,

The machine is for sell. I just dont have the money to put it back to Original condition and I want something else. The machine is available local here in Southern CA. I need $1,100 ( cover my gas)for it and thats more than fair as it works perfect and we all know the story.

I will leave the add on the site today and tomorrow I will list it on Ebay at a Buy it now for $1,500. So if you want it, $1,100 to the nice people on here.

Mike

Hi Guys,

Well we kept the machine and its still blowing cold and vends all of the bottles. I had to adjust the shelves like everyone said. I am now going to start fixing everything but converting it back to coin. Does anyone have the parts I am missing? We need the entire coin mech for a large door and anything else to make it vend with a dime? Can anyone help me out? Terry i sent you a PM as well.

Mike

I have close to 20 LD mechs - many already restored. LMK

I wrote you a PM, I need everything to make it vend once again.

Mike

Ok guys, new pictures and better shots. What am i missing to make it vend with a coin?
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5058920622_7d782350dc.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5058308429_9d70eed96e_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5058923180_945550a63e.jpg)

I probably have everything that you need with the exception of the Vend Cam that can be bought brand new. I can start sorting it all out of needed. Let me know

Joey

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5058310701_61035057fd_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5058310077_3973cef2fd.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5058920228_a967a9c8aa.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5058920032_c80c0bcb71_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5058919782_f0f4f78484_z.jpg/img][img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5058919542_cefc8dbe9e.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5058306715_d8ee3449f2.jpg/img][img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5058919138_64337ef9c3.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5058919138_64337ef9c3_z.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5058306347_b1845158ea_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5058309901_bafc008720.jpg)
Yes i got the light working, Thanks Mike!

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5058310077_3973cef2fd_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5058922982_7aeb5e956e_z.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5058309709_73d78f5fa9.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5058922118_18987ed976_b.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5058307673_89a1378853_z.jpg)

From what I can see you need, and sounds like Joey might have some parts, but Almost everything is reproduced except for a few small parts in the bottle stack..
Main Door, missing actuator linkage that will connect to the coin mech and run inside the door to the vend cam.
Missing Coin mech, Tom can hook you up there

One big problem that I can see.. is that your coin door is all sealed up with some bondo and a plate the blocks where the Vend handle from the coin mech will pass through.. so your nice little coke bottle decal on the front door is going to get messed up. and also the coin door as you'l have to cut out that opening again and remove all the bondo, and I can bet you they smashed in the little "Lip" around that opening when they bondo'd it all up.. so that main coin door is going to have to be redone.

The other issue, unless you can find used parts, is on the bottom of your bottle stack, you are missing all the mechanics that work with the vend cylindar and what only allows one bottle to be vended at one time,,, It's very difficult to describe.. i'll shoot a photo.. but these small little parts are not reproduced, except for the vend cylinder.. so that will be tough.

outside of that, most parts should be able to be found..

Good luck!

Would it be better if I just replace the door coin door? Does anyone have a door? The other thing you mentioned about the vend cylinder, do you have any of those parts at all? I can see the writing on the wall already, i am in for a $500 and up wallet trip :(

I bought the cap catcher already so thats one thing off the list. If anyone has the parts feel free to chime in and email me please.

Mike

          I think your coin door should come out ok after re-painting it.

          Your biggest challenge may be finding the missing parts from your bottle stack. You might also want to remove it and see what else is missing inside.  It may be easier find another complete bottle stack than finding parts to it. Also the bottom corner of the faceplate is bent and has only been painted on the front, not powdercoated so you will develop rust after pulling several dozen bottles out of it.
           
         In addition to items already listed, you are missing one reciever latch for the coin door, the crank handle and it's backing plate. I would make a list and cost out these replacement parts before buying anything more as your $500.00 estimate may double before you realize it.

I would be interested in your coin door if you are buying a new one. I don't need the coin bezel so you can keep it for your new one. PM me if you want to sell it. I am doing a transition 81 in electric vend.

Terry,

I am begining to think I wish I would have thought this out more before I bought it for $1,000. Its missing everything just about to make it vend. Whats a shame is all of this stuff went in the trash somewhere? I have added up about $308 in parts and thats not counting the actual coin mech at $350. I would have around $700 invested and I dont know if i have got everything covered. Parts I need as well, just because it would be much better. I might have you paint and fix the door if I send it to you? What do you think? Email me please.
Door liner,main door seal,stainless steel screw set.

parts I need:

84b
79A
82
6B
24F
32
54B

 

I have an extra Large Coin door as well that I can sell, either way you will need to repaint yours or the one you buy from me, and probably the rest of the machine in order to get it to match. I'll pm you with details.

the only reason I mentioned yours could have trouble once the plate is removed, is I restored a machine a year ago that had the same situation, but in order to get the bondo to fill nicely, they dented in the front so that it looked nice a smooth when looking at it from the front.. you won't know till the bondo is removed.

I have looked at the machine's door on the outside and its a crappy job of paint and bondo. I am a motorcycle builder and I could have done a better job and I have no painting skills. I feel like I am at a cross roads once again with trying to make it vend with a coin and I just cringe at the cost so far. If i can get Terry to fix the door for a resonable cost and than go from there If i fix the machine or just try and get another Vendo 81 thats complete? The only problem is I paid $1,000 for the machine, I am not going to be able too sell it or trade it for something similar  working in return?
What too do? I can go one way on another. The only positive thing is this works well and its been blowing cold for over a year now.

Mike

Glen,

What about this rack? Can it work with coin? Or do i need all new racks now too?

Mike

You have to remove the shelves and the 5-6 screws on the left side. Take a picture of the other side of the rack so we can see what all is missing. Most all of the mechanics of the rack on the liner side of the stack.

Tom,

I will do this tonight than, I take it its easy? I just dont see anyone buything this machine with enough money for me to get a working unrestored machine? I would really like something more complete and working. I dont care f its restored as long as it works and I can place sodas in it for the time being?

Mike

PS: Arrgggg...I am already frustrated once again and I put this aside a year ago because i was like well it working now and later i will tackle it.

This is what I have. First picture is what everything should look like on your bottle stack. Second picture is everything needed with the exception of the vend cam. $40.00 shipped for everything I have.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/coke_and_stuff/drpeppercooler039.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/coke_and_stuff/drpeppercooler038.jpg)

Let me know

Joey

Joey,

I dont have that entire device in my machine, I am almost positive.

MIke

Ok guys, I just got these parts from Joey, he is paid now.This was the hard to get parts for the Vend cylinder as was stated at the begining of the thread. Now I need the other items. So, anyone else ready to sell me a few items I need? I am willing to help members out here on the forum with money in their pockets.

I pulled the rack out today and here is a shot of it from the other side, now where do I stand? What do i need here?
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5065824461_3d22300258_b.jpg)


MIke

Send them back to Joey unless he has everything for the stack.



Everything!! Best to either get another stack or, sorry to say, IMO - sell this machine and buy a complete one

I should have everything else he is missing I will start sorting through it all tommorow.

Joey

I am going to find the parts and fix it

Here is a photo of a restored Rack with all the parts shown,

Joey,

Thank you very much, i am waiting for your email.

Mike

Thank you for the reference photo, I am going to go forward with the recovery effort. Joey is helping me out and I need more items. If anyone has some parts I need, chime in please. I am getting some items from two vendors as well if need be.

Mike

Everyone give me your info. I have an electric V81 stack that is complete. Can it be easily converted with the parts he got from Joey? If it can I will give you a great deal on it.

Hi Guys,

Joey has sold me all of the parts for the stack, its now paid for and finished. Now I am still trying too decide on buying a coin mech from Tom.

Coin mech
Handle
Vend Cylinder
Vend Cylinder pin
Actuator
Coin box
actulator
 

Now I also need this just because mine wont last another removal.

Main door gasket
Main door liner
Stainless steel screw set (got from Joey)

As of tonight this is what I have so far. I managed to get a working 10 cent Coin mech, linkage, crank handle, light cover, Sold out flags, cover for coin bezel and thats it I think. I am almost finished. I still need a vend cylinder and clip
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/5138666208_e6186b183f_z.jpg)

So after 6 years of this machine sitting I need to take it to Terry, I sent him a email and lets see if he is still in the business or not?

Mike

I am sure he can help you out, but if not I'll throw my hat in the ring as well if you need it restored..

there are others on the site too that could help out.

Good luck!

          I have Terry's phone # if you need it Mike.

I sent him a email, I am sure he will reply. Thank you guys. Great board with people willing to help. :biggrin:

I just moved to socal, so if you need any help, let me know, I have done a bunch of these, no way as many as the experts on the board, but can help if you need it.  Keep us posted. 

       Where in Calif?  Our restoration shop is in Ventura, hope we can meet up!

Mike is dropping the machine off at my shop on Monday.

:happydrinkers:  It will be well taken care of then!!!  it''ll turn out great! :happydrinkers: