VMC-81 Manufacture Listings & Paint Schemes Sought

[mojorob]

Howdy Gentleman,
This is my first post here on SMC and I'm also a total Newbie to the hobby.
I really like the looks of the mid to late 50's Round Top Machines: Vendo 81D, VMC 81's and was hoping to
start my collection working on these.
Since late last year, I've been able to find a decent restorable Vendo-81D Coke machine which I'm working on
presently and a VMC-81 Pepsi.
I was just wondering if there was a listing of Machines and exact paint schemes that VMC used back in the day?
I've seen the Warehouse picture where all the VMC's are lined up as far as the eye can see: 7UP, Pepsi, Royal Crown, Dr. Pepper etc.
Is there a web site or book/publication that covers the VMC-81 models in depth at all?

Thanks for any information anyone here might be able to lend in that regard.
I really do appreciate it.

Kirk





 

[mygoose101]

Hello Kirk, Welcome to the site. As far as I know the only publication on these machines is Jeff Walters price guide that came out I believe in three editions but the latest addition is probably at least 15 years old. however still be used as a great reference guide. I've been dealing with machines for over 20 years and I still use that book.

it doesn't have any color schemes but it has much useful information. I haven't looked for a while but I'm sure that book can be found on ebay and there was also a member here selling some copies a while ago.

[mojorob]

Thanks for the advice on the Walters Book.
Well it doesn't look as if my original question is going to garner much play as maybe this kind of information is just not out there.
It certainly wouldn't surprise me if that were the case.

Can any one here add to this list of VMC-81 Original Painted Machines?
Were there any others besides these?

Pepsi
7UP,
Dr. Pepper
Royal Crown

[Jim]

Hello Kirk,

Welcome to the Site!

Vendo 81's came in all red for early versions and then switched to the "white top" paint scheme in the mid/late 50's
VMC 81's for the most part were painted solid colors: Pepsi solid blue; RC - solid yellow; 7-Up - solid white; DP - solid light green and other brands use other colors. Generally speaking, it was cheaper to paint a machine one color. I have seen several variations of paint schemes that are old but not factory original.

[mojorob]

Thanks Jim!

In this VMC Factory Picture you can see a Royal Crown Red Vertical Stripe Version.
Has anyone else ever seen this particular paint scheme in person, as it looks pretty nice.

[mygoose101]

VMC also made a generic version, non embossed. I'm sure the RC machine you are referring to was one of those.  I agree with you, it does look very cool. I have never seen one.

[cokecolaman]

I had one...it was a rusty bucket and I sold it....I think it would look good and if I had a few generic 81's laying around, I would use that scheme. I also purchased a generic that looked like it was originally Orange (Mission was the brand).

[BONOVOX]

There was also a generic Canada Dry 81.  Colour was similar to that of the Dr Pep.

[mojorob]

OK Guys, thanks for the additions.

We've got:  
Pepsi *  Blue
7UP *  White
R C Cola * Red & White Version
RC Cola * Yellow Version
Dr. Pepper *  Dull Light Green
Canada Dry *  Bright Light Green
Mission *  Orange

Cokecolaman,
On your Rust bucket RC Cola Red & White version, I take it there was no embossing .... and did the sides have any graphics that you can remember
or were they just the plain white?
Thanks a lot!!

[cokecolaman]

Too rusty to tell...I think it was just a solid color.