Greetings!
New member with a new project! I have several projects I have done in the past on various coin op machines (pinballs, jukebox, skee ball, slot machine, pachinko, etc.) and when I came across this V-39 I couldn't pass it up. It was at an estate sale and it had been sitting the garage for years. Obviously a University of Texas fan (poor souls) as it was painted burnt orange some years ago.
I've included a few before photos so you can see the condition I found her in. The wiring had been replaced years ago but that wire had deteriorated. All the cosmetic and functional parts appears to be intact.
I have since rewired it and after doing so plugged her in and she fired right up. Cooled as it should and the thermostat turned the system on and off as needed. Woo hoo! I then 'rebuilt' the coin mechs. The photos don't show the coin validator but it is now in working condition and accepts dimes and nickels. The machine can be set to 5, 10 or 15 cents or free vend and it all now works. I did have to straighten out a few pieces and clean up the swivel post but all it is good.
Now that I have the fridgeration system working and I know the vending process works I am working on the appearance. I am in the process of media blasting the outside and will be painting it all red. I have ordered and received the decals to put her back as original.... as can be. I also have all new gaskets for her as well.
I do have a couple of questions for the experts here:
1. How much is this machine in her current condition; cooling and vending but ugly?
2. Once painted and all the replacement gaskets and decals installed, how much worth then?
3. Inside is a water cooling coil that I have not see in other photos. Is this a home made job? There is one coupling still intact in the back but the copper was broken off on the other end. I can fix it. Question is.. is it worth it to fix?
4. Any suggestions and advice you can offer would be much appreciated.
Thanks and I look forward to visiting this site more!
Oh.. if you want to see my other projects, just go to
www.rustykey.com and click on the Projects link. No ads or anything, just my personal website.
Later,
Rusty