New-to-me machine - Cavalier USS-8-64 - feedback please

[dylaninwv]

First post. Been fiddling with coin-op for years - arcade, MAME, jukeboxes, etc - this is my first Coke Machine. Not looking to flip or restore, just something for the family to use.

Bought it off a guy that had it in storage for $300. Looks real clean - compressor has been replaced, coin mech was very iffy. Set it up, compressor runs great, evap fan just as it should, set thermostat at 1.5 and keeps it cool at 38 degrees. Had to clean up some old syrup, and shop vac a few spiderwebs, etc.

Serial number is 321872, next to the SA stamp is a 3 above the number 82 on the plate. I assume it was made March of 82?

Door bulb is a little black on both ends, but does glow orange on both ends when it has power. I'm assuming bad ballast? I tried all the usual tricks for getting the bulb out - IT WILL NOT BUDGE.

Coin mech was very flaky - Coinco S75-9800A - when I could get it to fire the vend solenoid, all the chutes could vend ok. Takes bottles or cans with ease. Took the coin mech to a local vending guy - he found a number of stress fracture broken plastic pieces inside, so coin mech is pretty much shot.

So, I guess will set up for free vend until I get a new coin mech. I'd like a newer model coin mech that can take nockels, dimes and quarters - any suggestions on model and where to get?

Going to keep it as a garage machine for the fam - think I got a good deal?

[jholmgren]

$300 for a working USS-8-64 is a fine deal.  Of the square-top machines they are the most useful (IMO) since they will vend bottles or cans of 8 different varieties.  I had an older version in my garage for a while.  Found out the neighborhood kids were using it and getting .15 cans of soda.  Had to have a little chat with my boys about that one...

Any Coinco mech should work - if not on eBay, I'm sure there are members here who can hook you up. 

I can't offer any suggestions on the bulb other than I'm pretty sure it should be a standard 2-pin fluorescent fixture (rotate and pull to remove) so normal troubleshooting process applies.  The bulb might just be stuck in there from years of gunk, etc.

Good luck - and welcome to the site!

Jim

[Slapshot42]

Before trying a new ballast replace the floresent starter.  Usually they are a FS-2.  You can get a 2 pack at any box store for about 5 bucks.

The bulb is a T-12 measure from pin to pin for the length my guess would we anywhere from 18-24 inches.

You can also get a new ballast 14w-22w for around $5.

Jared

[dylaninwv]

For a new Coinco, can you suggest a model number, and perhaps a hyperlink to someone that sells one?

[Slapshot42]

Any coin mechanism with a 8 pin plug with work for the machine .

http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/index.php?crn=239&rn=1412&action=show_detail

[jholmgren]

For a new Coinco, can you suggest a model number, and perhaps a hyperlink to someone that sells one?

Number of sellers on eBay specializing in refurbished Coinco S75 9800's.  You can usually find them $100 range.

NFI... here's one a quick search turned up:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/COINCO-S75-9800-A-B-Replacement-COIN-CHANGER-110V-Reconditioned-DEAL-/391355621141?hash=item5b1e9cdf15:g:0MgAAOSwdvpWEow9

[dylaninwv]

I was wanting to do a somewhat more upgraded coin mech - would a CoinCo 3341-S work OK?

[jholmgren]

I was wanting to do a somewhat more upgraded coin mech - would a CoinCo 3341-S work OK?

Should work fine - any coin mech with that 8-pin "Jones" plug should work.

[dylaninwv]

Great, thanks! I'll try the 3341-s.

Also, any idea where the ballast and starter are located? I would hate to try to tear that door apart if they are not in there.

[ajf5577]

They should be right in there with the light fixture. Sometimes the starter is visible after the bulb is removed.
Did you get the tube unstuck yet?

[dylaninwv]

No. it wont budge. tried rubber gloves, bending the metal cap, screwdriver, snaking a hose clamp around it a twisting fulcrum - no dice. Its wedged in there. I was really not looking forward to having to try to break it out.

[ajf5577]

Is it just a regular fluorescent tube?
Can you see the ends of the bulb in the fixtures? Two little terminals at each end?

[tkaz]

They are a real PITA to get out, worse comes to worse, put a strip of duct tape around what you can and break it, that'll at least minimize the broken glass.  The screwdriver trick works for me most of the time, but you have to put a decent dent into the metal end cap to get the right torque to get it moving.

[sodamuseum.com]

I have a manual for your machine that may help you.  If you are interested, I will email it to you, just PM me and I'll send it right over.

[dylaninwv]

Need a couple more opinions....

Do you think that this is the orginal compressor to the machine, or a replacement?

[Creighton]

Original. Bulb is a pain. Spray electrical cleaner may help if it is corroded in place.
Creighton