Vendo 39 - Question about 12 oz. converted bottle drum

[TexasGreek]

I've seen a few of the 12 oz. converted bottle drums for sale online, but am hesitant to buy one after reading that the 12 oz. bottles would need to be loaded (& dispensed) backward, or in reverse, in order to be used. Is this the case with no matter whose you buy?

Just received a completely restored Vendo 39 I purchased online and had shipped from Ohio to Texas , and intend to use it for its intended purposes.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[MaineT]

From what I understand, you need to drill a small hole for the neck of each longneck on the back of the drum. This is why it has to be loaded backwards. I would think someone would have tried a large hole by now and figured out why it won't work, but I could be wrong.

[MoonDawg]

       Nice machine Evan, looks like you're on a roll.........2 Cav 64's last week and a nice looking 39 today! 

       You have the early style machine so the drum only holds short bottles.
       When the red and white model came out they also modified the drum to hold their taller bottles but they had to be loaded backwards like this:
        http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-VENDO-39-BOTTLE-DRUM-/371208382153?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item566dbe66c9
       I believe the repoductions use the same pattern although it seems that if the last holes were wider, bottles could be loaded properly?

[TexasGreek]

Yes, MoonDawg, I pretty much went overboard on the three machines I purchased, but the "Dr. Pepper" machine is a Christmas gift to my brother who has always been there for me. I felt it was now or never, even though it has put a serious dent in my personal finances. lol No more toys for me for a loooong time. Though I may have to trade up on the Vendo 39 for a Vendo 56 or Cavalier 72 ...

[davethebirdman]

Do what most of us who own a 39 do. Buy some original 6oz bottles and fill them up and cap them yourself from the 2ltr bottles. By far the cheapest way to drink coke through a bottle. Something about drinking from a bottle that is 60 years old..

[MaineT]

Though I may have to trade up on the Vendo 39 for a Vendo 56 or Cavalier 72 ...

You should get a heck of a trade in on that 39, its pretty nice.

[RustyGold]

Ya the 39 is certainly not know for being versatile, but I don't mind.  I actually like that its a specific vending machine.  You can have any flavor you want as long as it's Coke! 
There is a charm to it in that way.  We give kids too many choices anyway...   Besides, That's what the many slant shelf vendors are for.  Flavor choice and bottle size versatility.
Great looking 39 by the way
 

[TexasGreek]

Thanks for the compliments! More pics ...

[georgescustompaint]

The reproduction drums work well. I have used them many times when restoring 39's.

[Sarman47]

Hi Evan

Great looking 39.

I just picked up a Vendo 39 myself a few weeks back. Trying to decide whether to keep the old drum or replace it with one of these :

http://www.oldneons.com/VENDO-39-DRUM-Vendo-39-Drum.htm

Jeff