Hi all! I'm new to soda machines, and this site, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I recently picked up a Cavalier CSS-8-64J (Built 7/73) from OfferUp. I’ve never had anything like this before, but I’m having fun getting into it and learning how it works. I know these aren’t the most in-demand machines, but I like it.
I got it pretty cheap because the guy didn’t have a key for it. Everything lit up that should as far as I could tell, there’s no rust, and it does get cold, so I went for it.
Of course the first thing I did was pick the tubular lock to get into it. I was hoping there’d be a number on the back end so I could try to track down a key, but there was nothing. So, I need a new lock. I downloaded the manuals and read through them. That’s how I learned there is actually a light in the door. Mine was burned out, which made that the only thing that didn’t work. I discovered what so many of you already know, that it’s very difficult to get that little bulb in or out. I managed to get the old one out, but I had my son, with his smaller, 10-year-old fingers put in the new one. He wants to be my helper in getting this machine up and running, so it should be a fun project for us. I put in a C7 LED bulb, but it isn’t very bright. I’m going to see if I can find a brighter LED for it.
The coin mechanism was jammed up with coins. Once I cleared the jam, it all works like it should. I collected 72 cents and a Chuck E. Cheese token. Ha!
The “Correct Change” and “Select A Drink” lamps work as they should too. Everything is very dirty/dusty (it’s been kept outdoors for at least a little while before I got it), but the paint is in pretty good shape. A few chips here and there. It does have the wood grain panel, which is sun bleached and peeling and trashed. No big deal there. I see the consensus here is to delete the wood grain, but I kinda like it. It’s right for the period, which is partly why I like this machine. I was three years old when this machine was built, so it reminds me of my childhood. It’s just for me (and my family of course), so at this point, I think I’m going to reapply wood grain. (My son said he likes it too
). Based on others I’ve seen, I’m assuming the lower panel below the coin door had wood grain originally, but it has been removed and is a fairly clean black space now. I’ll probably make that area red to bring some more red to the front of the machine.
So, that’s me, introducing myself here. I have a couple of questions, but I’ll include those in separate posts in this thread.
