Just picked up my first Soda machine 7up

[msanborn]

you might be better off buying a tubular lock pick, fairly cheap, and easy to use.  I am sure you will run into this problem again, once you pick the lock, the "pick" is set to match the key, and a locksmith can cut a key to match it.  Southford makes a nice pick, that would probably open this in seconds. 

[d.swanson]

This may be a stupid question, but with external hinges can you remove the hinge pins?

I had a late '60s/early '70s Pepsi machine with one long continuous hinge and I was able to pull the 5 ft long hinge pin out then remove the door - and best of luck there was a spare key in the coin box.

[Ltransam]

 Nice Machine !  I had A line on a Similar 7up In Supper NICE shape But They Decided to Keep IT  But Will Call ME if they do decide again to Sell .

[MoonDawg]

        This is pretty cool but I haven't tried it yet!

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVstL-ENyRE&feature=related

[DT400rider]

      Nice 56, that surface rust should buff off with a little rubbing compound. Nobody modified that machine, the previous owner just put Pepsi stickers on it, and you can change those different selections to whatever you want.
      The lock is a little time consuming to drill out but sponsors on this site have similar replacements for under $15.

I tried some rubbing compound on the side by hand.  Looks like it will work great.  Thanks for the tip!

I did some research on drilling out the lock.  I will give a try this weekend.  I had to drill out the lock on my pinball machine but that one was easy.   

[DT400rider]

Any advice before I start to drill it out this weekend?

Thanks for all the comments.  I was going to drill out the lock.  I read instructions that said to drill to a certain depth. 

Then I found some info on the lock.  It said it has "Center plug contains anti-drill pin for added security"

I didn't know if I should take the chance?

[DT400rider]

Well tried to drill it.  No luck.  I guess they were not lying about  "Center plug contains anti-drill pin for added security"

Maybe I can grind it down so the door will open around it?

[DT400rider]

Final got it open.  Found $1.00 worth of nickels in the bottom tray.  The coin return box is full of nickels.

Put money in, it works!  Change return worked too. 

[DT400rider]

more pics

[tkaz]

So what was the secret to the lock, did you have to grind it off, or did more drilling do the trick?  Machine looks good inside, must be satisfying to finally get to see what's in there.