Need advice

[firemun]

I have been looking at old coke machines for years thinking I would like to buy one...however restored machines are out of my price range. Saw a cav 51 for sale on a discussion board and it was within a couple miles of my home. I opened my mouth and bought 3 machines;  2 cav 51s and a VMC 139. One of the Cavs runs and cools and looks good cosmetically. The other 51 is rough, really rough, lots of rust, bottom is almost completely gone. The VMC 139 looks good but I have not tried it out. I know the Cavs are pretty common, I guess my question is: are the Cavs worth enough restored to spend the effort and money, even on the rough one? What about the VMC 139. I think it is fairly rare isn't it?  Thanks for any advice.
Firemun

[Jim]

First off, with a name like that, are you in the Fire Rescue Service?

If the second C-51 is too bad, you might consider parting it out...
Sometimes you can't always look at what something is worth... And what I mean is: if you like the machine and it's within your budget to restore it, then do so!  The more restorations you do the more you learn, so there's nothing wrong with restoring a C-51, especially if you like the model! Before you know it, you'll have restored several machines/coolers and will have gathered valuable knowledge that you can apply to the machine that you have been seeking for some time...
 '>

[Pat Pixley]

Firemun, If you decide to part the one Cavalier C 51 out
please let me know I'm looking for a coin bezel for mine.

Thanks

Pat P.