Need information on vmc44

I recently acquired a VMC44. This model number is on the nameplate. It is different in that it has no mechanism for dispensing drinks. There is a blank plate where this mechanism went on the front. There are shelves inside for holding the drinks. Has anyone ever seen one like this? You just open the door and get your drink off the shelf.

Any information greatly appreciated. The machine is cooling but could use a restoration. Is it worth restoring without the operating mechanism.

Thanks for any reply.

Andrew

[johnieG]

Howdy! the VMC 44 is definetly a VERY desirable machine and well worth restoring! the vending mech. should be a 2 vertical chutes that hold the bottles Not a horizontal shelf, sounds like whoever had it prior to you either bought it that way or it was missing altogether, on the bright side the correct mechanism IS reproduced! check out the parts supplier's of this site, I belive Funtronics offers this part (not to much$$$) a check of auction sites will give you an idea on the going rate of a restore VMC 44 we'd love to see a picture of what it looks like now inside & out! PLEASE post one '>

Thanks very much for your reply. I will post a couple of pictures. Not only are the original insides missing but somebody removed the operating mechanism from the outside of the door and replaced it with a blank plate. The plate does not appear to be a crude cover but rather something that was supposed to go there to cover the door after the coin adn operating mechanism was removed.

Are these the parts that are being made or just the inside delivery chutes?

Thank you very much for your time.

Andrew

Attached is a photo of the VMC-44. Note the factory-looking plate on door in place of operating mechanism. There is no lever to open door. I have an ice pick in the shaft for opening. It cools very well and I just had a coke from it. Any thoughts on this machine greatly appreciated. It probably needs a new door gasket. It is intact but hardened over the years. Is there a book on restoring this model?

Thanks,

Andrew

Somewhere out there has to be a giant heap of those parts. I have seen more vendo / VMC 44's missing those parts than all the others combined. Very strange. I don't believe the outer door is reproduced.

Nate