VMC 81 7up finally Done!

[JerryG]

I am a stickler for originality. That’s why I kept it white.  All of my machines have the original compressors. I actually have two user machines running with the original compressors. I double insulate the machines. . The compressors come on once or twice an hour. At any given moment the beer in my 81D is 32 degrees.

Jerry

[Eric]

I agree on the original look.. the All white looks awesome! Great collection you have there.

[johnieG]

I am a stickler for originality. That’s why I kept it white.  All of my machines have the original compressors. I actually have two user machines running with the original compressors. I double insulate the machines. . The compressors come on once or twice an hour. At any given moment the beer in my 81D is 32 degrees.

Jerry

Sorry I just cannot agreed with that line of thought in regards to keeping a 60 to 70+ year old lump of a compressor in a restored machine, sure it’s running in many cases, but for how much longer? No matter how much paint, glitter & sprinkles you glue onto it. That compressor’s neither rebuilt nor restored.  The old units do look really cool though I do admit.

While keeping as close to the original  appearance is an important aspect of a machines restoration, cosmetics are only skin deep as they say. ( paraphrased) and replacement of the compressor is an additional consideration of the cost factor in the  bottom line of any machines restoration.

If I was sold or purchased a restored automobile only to discover that the engine hadn’t been rebuilt with equal care as the rest of the vehicle & only cleaned & spray painted  and was told it was to keep it “original”  I’d be a very sad panda when the old lump takes a dive.  ( politeness filter turn on here)

In my (jaded) opinion, it’s not fully restored until it’s fit in form and function.  Unless it’s a rebuildable compressor such as a York or a Copland unit it’s a consumable item no different than brake pads or tires. I wish they did have a repop Tecumseh pancake compressor, that’d be the hot ticket. 

If I start feeling nostalgic about the old compressor, I can always keep it in box in the garage and stare at it I guess. 

[mygoose101]

Beautiful machine indeed Jerry. Stunning actually. While some, not all, restorers are busy padding themselves on the back calling themselves the greatest restorers ever don't know of people like Jerry and others I'm sure who can restore such great pieces just as good as the professionals and in some cases even better so very nice work.

As for the compressor I totally prefer the original over new. They just seem to work better. I understand age, 60-70 years old but most I'm sure have only been plugged in a fraction of those years. When I see a restored machine for sale with an aftermarket or non-original compressor I see it as a negative.

[coke_and_stuff]

Nice to see a correct restoration! Great job it looks awesome! As far as that original compressor I would rather have that 70 year old compressor any day of the week than a cheap Chinese replacement. I’ve got 12 81s at the moment and all have original equipment with the exception of one!

[mygoose101]

Yes Joey, after I read your post I was looking for the "Like" button but I guess we don't have one here but couldn't agree more.

[SIGNGUY]

I agree, that if the original compressor is cleaned up and restored and of course in working condition, why not restore it and use it.. it looks great in that machine, and if you can get more years out of it.. great.

I have original compressors in my daily machines that I Restored and after new insulation, gaskets and such, kicks on 2 times an hour for about 3 minutes each to maintain a frosty cold beer!!!

Nothing against the new compressors, and great that they are out there, but why replace if not needed yet.

Great looking machine!

[johnieG]

Hey I like original compressors too, got a few machines of my own with ‘em in them, they still run fine...  but sorry, if all you did was clean it, rewire it and then repaint thecompressors shell , but you didn’t replace or rebuilt the guts, it is Not restored, it’s not repaired, nor is it refurbished, regardless of how well it runs or how long it’s been in service or how long it will continue to work,  and calling it “ restored “ is wrong , when all it is in fact is just a repainted lie.

That’s the point I’m trying to emphasize... Words have meanings.

So if you bought a machine that’s billed a “100 % restored to better than new conditions”  But it still has the original compressor sitting there giving you a middle finger in your face, would you agree with that quoted statement of its restored condition?   

There have been lawsuits & legal charges brought for just such claims, Pat & I are fixing some “ restorations” of machines sold by a person of such scruples ( lack of, that is)  those machines will be restored & as will the cooling systems with new compressors. It’s a pity that they had to go through this twice with their machines.  ( the sh*t I’ve seen) 

If it’s an original working unit, great and wonderful, it’s a credit to the engineering of times past for all to enjoy,  just don’t call it “restored “ 

[mygoose101]

WWCD.....what would Carl do  

Fair enough. I will no longer call a painted compressor in a restored machine, restored, only painted. Now, you need to send the memo to the 65% of all "restored" soda machines on eBay and Craigslist that are only exterior painted with everything else left untouched that those machines aren't restored either, only painted. I have a bigger problem with that.

[Ezra]

Jerry,
Beautiful machine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!