Let the fun begin 7up vendo 56 restoration

[RC kid]

Like the hamertone finish better then the powder coat. And it holds up well. The powder coat on some metals tends to bubble some where the hamertone stays smooth.

If I soda or sand blast anything, I also paint it.

As far as thet exterior is concerned, it is original only once. And there is something to be said for the patina of an original machine, it adds to the character of it, like a boxer's scar. And when we restore our machines they sometimes began to look too new. Like a reproduction. But I am not totally against a total restoration. Sometimes it is needed.

I sell most everything I restore, because it usually loses it's allure, where as an original seems to hold my attention longer. And an original usually brings more conversation when people see it.

The world according to me. and I am not always correct. The desicion is always the owners for he is the one who will be enjoying the end product.

I look forward to your future post.

[bubba]

Thanks Bubba I will keep an eye on that. where did you get a new pan?

I am fortunate enough to have a machine/fab shop at work. We made it from 18ga cold rolled steel.

[MoonDawg]

Getting ready to sand blast the inside components first liner last. Do you guys recommend blasting the can rack or not?

     No! there are a lot of moving parts in there and you will spend weeks trying to work
out all of those little grains of fine sand stuck to the lubrication. Besides your stack looks
better than any I have.

[coke_and_stuff]

If it was mine I would disassemble the can stack, blast everything, seal, then apply a good coat of Hammertone to it.

Joey

[choice120]

Got started today with the liner. Did a little sand blasting on the bottom and wire brushing. What do you guys use on the base of the liner to give it a smooth finish. The rest of the liner looks good but still have a little more to do on the base to get rid of any rust. Heres some before and after Pic

Before

After

[bubba]

Are those pinholes in the metal? Mine was bit worse, but that is why I cut it out and welded in some new metal.. I left about 1" all the way around and cut the rest out. That is pretty thin metal..

[90grad]

Those holes (if you're talking about the ones in the front, Bubba) are where the evaporator screws to the liner - I think.  My 56 has them.  I think they are also great sources of condensation infiltration underneath the liner.

I've disassembled my 56 can stack and it wasn't too hard.  Just take a ton of photos along the way.  I also make sketches as I go along.

Keep the photos coming!