1950's glasco gbv-50 a-3000 coca-cola

Hello All...
     I have acquired a Glasco GBV-50 Coca-Cola "Slider" unit and I would like to get more information about this machine.  It is in reasonable shape, coin mechanism works, but cools intermittently.  I am interested in getting it fully restored due to its sentimental value.  What is worth now and as restored?  What are the best options for restoration?  Who to contact for restoration?  Any feedback is appreciated.    

Richard

This is a step by step description of how I'm restoring my GBV-50. First I took the entire cooler apart: be careful to label all the screws etc; I didn't and I'm going to have a hell of a time when I get it back from the body shop tomorrw. Then I stripped off the red paint with Zipp NO. 9 stripper & a coarse wire sanding wheel down to the bare metal. This is probably the most time consuming part of the project. I then  removed the compressor. Do this very gently; there is enough line to pull the unit out so you can get to the compressor compartment and sand. Sanding this area is hard so I got off what I could then sprayed it with a cold galvanizing paint then with a high gloss red from the hardware store. I figured no one sees this part anyway. Then I sprayed on a white exterior primer(4 thin coats) and took it to a body shop last week where he will match the paint, shoot it, apply the new logo, then clear coat. I haven't kept a log, but I'm guessing about 35-40 hours. It sounds like you have two of the most important pieces working: the coin mechanism and the slider, both of which are missing on mine, which will make your machine much more valuable and definitely worth restoring. I also relplaced all of the screws with stainless where I could although some had to be zinc coated steel because some of the threads on stainless don't match up with the originals. As far as the compressor is concerned clean the coils in front of the fan when you have it out; if that doesn't work you will probably have to add refrigerant. Of course, if money is no object send it off and have someone else do the restoration. I'll probably be more proud of the cooler knowing I did most of the work myself (notice I did send it off to be painted; this is one area where I wouldn't skimp). I bought this cooler 12 yrs. ago for 50.00 at an auction. It sat outside for 4 yrs. and has been on a sunporch ever since and has always kept liquids at 33 degrees when set on 7. I've spent 270.00 on the restoration and estimate it's worth around 900.00-1200.00. Yours will be worth much more. I hope this has been helpful. If you want more specific info e-mail is m2422@earthlink.net By the way, Funtronics supplied me with the decal and a new evaporator fan. Their phone no. is on this website.

Mike,
   I greatly appreciate the information regarding your restoration.  I am planning on getting started soon on my Glasco unit.  Hope to share some photos when it is complete.  Thanks again!   '>

[MoonDawg]

If the cooler is in reasonably good condition you may not really need to strip the factory paint off, as it's of good quality. Be sure to fill all scratches with sopt putty, rather than sanding them down ( leaving high and low spots on your finish). If it really needs to be stripped, your local sandblasting company can save you a lot of hours  (not to mention your back)  for about $100.
       Be sure that all the seams on  the front and back are cleaned before painting, using a razorblade. This area accumulates body fillers and sanding dust, and is often overlooked until it's too late.  

                                                                Glen