To restore or not to restore...that is the ?

[racerx45]

So if you have been to the Dispenser forum you know that I am restoring a Coca-Cola fountain dispenser. It is ready for paint and I am trying to decide if I should take the time to restore my Westinghouse Standard Electric and paint it at the same time (along with a picnic cooler). The Westinghouse is 100% complete and is the later version with the enclosed bottom and embossed lids. It was used at a summer camp and was slightly modified; they disconnected the water circulator (for “safety” reasons) and added two eyebolts to the side so they could use a chain to lock the lids down. It should not take much to weld up the two holes the bigger problem is going to be fixing the rust along the hinge on the lid. Other than that it should be an easy restoration. My question would be how much restored Standard Electrics are going for? I will most likely be selling it after it’s done if the cost to restore it is reasonable, unless my wife falls in love with it after it is done then it is a keeper.  Oh yeah it does work I have used it to cool down cokes and other beverages at back yard B-B-Qs. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks,
Steve

[cvb141]

Steve

I'm working on restoring a Westinghouse Master. If you do restore your Standard, I would like like to see some pic's as you are working on it. The lids on mine have rust along the hinges also, but I'm sure I can repair that myself. One of the lids has rusted some through the embossing of Coca Cola. That, I don't know what to do with, except replace the embossed area by grafting in a flat piece of sheet-metal. I don't want to have to buy replacement lids. Don't know what yours or mine are worth, but I would have to say you should restore it if you have the means. Good luck and hope to hear more about it soon.

Jerry

[John in NC]

A wet box standard fully restored should bring you minimally $1200, probably $1500, depending on luck, up to $2000. Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.