Estimate worth of cavalier 51

[Marine Moma]

Hi,

My father and I are interested in restoring his Cavalier 51.  It has all original parts and compressor an is in working condition Only took about an hour to cool last night.  The only non-working part is the coin mechanism.  WE were curious how rare this machine is, estimated value, and approximate idea on what a full restoration would cost.  It is rusted on the outside, but the interior is in good condition, it is missing one of the decals on the side but other than that appears to be in original condition with the all red paint scheme.  I am including a picture of it and have more if that is neccesary for estimating value.  Thanks for all your help!

[loman4ec]

The machine really is a rather common machine but they are nice machines. Jeff Walters book says that it is worth $650 in average condition and $2,250 fully restored and is a rarity of 2.5 out of 5. Your machine is pretty rough on the outside but the positive thing is that it works and is complete. The coin mech problem should be an easy fix. As I said in another post you should expect a full restoration to run between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on what you want done and the extent of the rust on the machine, but either way since you only paid $10 for the machine you will still be way under what it is worth.

[MCarter]

I'll be glad to restore it for since i have done 2 in the last 6 months. I can send you pictures if you wish.......I am located in Southern Indiana. About 5 hours from downtown Nashville.
Matt

[BrianB]

MCarter,

Where in So. Indiana are you located? I live in Bloomington. Good to see another Hoosier on SMC!! '>

[MCarter]

Bllomington north side

[Gmarcoke]

Hello VMC and MCARTER Franklin In. here