Some advice please- Restore or not.....

[davethebirdman]

Hi Guys...

I have a bit of an obsession with vending machines... I was clearing out my very small garage yesterday and stubbed my toe on a project I bought ages ago...

I now have a dilemma. Do I invest money in restoring the project or do I just leave it where it is annoying Mrs B...

I am trying to weigh it up in my mind...

1. The cost of having the three vending machines and stand stripped and re-sprayed is going to be about $600.00.
2. I paid next to nothing for the machines in the first place.
3. I have absiolutely no room in my gamesroom for them to go.
4. Mrs B has said they are not going in the house (but restored there is a good chance she'll change her mind. She gave in with a Juke a little while ago)
5. Thinking about re-sale I don't think as one lot they would sell high enough for me to even re-coup my money.
6. If I were to sell them I'd be better splitting them and selling individually.
7. The machines are pre-WW1 so approaching the big 100. They stood on a railway platform when steam engines were the order of the day.They have markings inside that show fill dates and takings etc... They have been together all this time and it would break my heart to split them now. Besides the stand would then be redundant.
8. To the untrained eye they look ugly. (They're no Stoner or U Select) To the trained eye (mine) They are a thing of beauty.
9. How many could possibly have survived. Let alone a trio of them.

So, what do I do... Your comments/observations as always gratefully appreicated.

Dave

[Seven181]

Dave,

Just my thoughts. I think they would look very cool restored. The look ok now, but restored they would be awesome and they have a great story behind them! You could then get them into the house and they would be a talking point for years to come! Buy an old railroad light or sign and put it next to them!!!

Brian

[MoonDawg]

        Re-paint just the base, let the buyer visualize potential in the other 3?

[sodaman]

Number one priority:  Keep the wife happy so you can buy other stuff.  If that means a complete restoration, then I say do it!  You can always find room somewhere in the game room..........

[loman4ec]

Yep I agree. It is a rare survivor and should be kept and brought back to its original glory by someone who will appreciate it in their living room or kitchen In other words keep it dave

[GreginNM]

Yes Dave, please restore!  If you do half as well at this as you do with those wall mount machines like the one I bought, it will look fantastic.  It's a survivor, don't break it up!

[Kilroy]

Restore, , when time and  euros allow

[davethebirdman]

Hi Guys... Thought I'd give you a bit of an update on the old Kodak machines... I got the last one back from the decal man today and they look great... Have managed to squeeze them into the room using a shoe horn....

Not quite on a par with the work others do here but I'm pleased with the way they have come out and even Mrs B has said they look "alright..." What she really means is they look "bloody great" but those words stick in her throat and she knows as soon as she says that I'll be out seriously hunting for more stuff...

Dave

[Ltransam]

 Dave ,
             OUTSTANDING !!!!!!   I wish I had the Time & $$ to restore some of my Rare Items

     

                                                                                   LTRANSAM

[cokecolaman]

Very nice! I wouldn't mind haven't something like that in my Coke room.